2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Review + Video

Prime time is over for Toyota.

No, seriously — the automaker dropped the Prime designation for its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models last year, opting for a self-explanatory acronym in its place instead. Otherwise, nothing has changed about this stylish and efficient sedan, with the 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid delivering a decent amount of all-electric range with a side of surprising practicality.

Styling 8 / 10

The Prius, whether PHEV or otherwise, has come a long way in the quarter century it’s been on the market, with this fifth-generation version taking the title as best looking of the bunch, and by a healthy margin. Even in the rather anonymous Star Wars Stormtrooper motif seen here — instead of one of the more exciting colours that’s available — this Toyota still finds itself parked firmly in I-can’t-believe-it’s-a-Prius territory.

About the only aesthetic oddity is the contouring of the rocker panels. The way they’re tapered almost makes them look as if they were damaged after coming in contact with tall curbing. Surely this isn’t the look Toyota’s designers were going for, although it isn’t so bad when viewed at a distance, with a distinct character line carrying up and onto the doors on either side.

Inside, the Prius PHEV presents rather plainly — not that it isn’t tasteful, but the space isn’t especially exciting, either. Exceptions are the red flourishes on the front seats and dashboard that come in both the XSE and XSE Premium trims, although the optional Nightshade package ($895) fitted to this tester swaps that stuff for monotone finishes. Otherwise, the look is very much in keeping with other modern Toyota models, including the emphasis on its screens.

User-Friendliness 7 / 10

While the entry-level SE trim features an eight-inch touchscreen, the XSE pictured here — as well as the XSE Premium — has been fitted with a larger 12.3-inch display. The software behind it isn’t quite as cutting-edge as what’s found in the recently redesigned RAV4, but it features cloud-based navigation (which requires a paid subscription) along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connections, both of which are wireless.

Mounted high atop the dash is a digital instrument display. While a little unconventional — it’s also found in the all-electric Toyota bZ, along with its Subaru Solterra corporate cousin — it negates the need for a separate head-up display by putting drive-related information a short glance away from the road ahead. Also a little unusual is the tiny gear selector on the centre console that comes with something of a learning curve, but far from an insurmountable one.

To engage drive, slide it to the left and back; reverse is on the same side but forward, and park is a separate button. Meanwhile, the B mode setting that increases regenerative braking force is activated by pulling back on the gear selector once in drive, with three levels to choose from. However, choosing one is an arduous task that can only be done through the instrument screen’s menus when the car is parked.

Features 9 / 10

A heated steering wheel and front seats are standard across the three-trim lineup, while the XSE and XSE Premium add heated rear seats and swap the cloth upholstery that wraps them all with synthetic leather. The latter also gets ventilated front seats and driver’s side memory settings, as well as an eight-speaker stereo; the SE and XSE trims have a six-speaker unit.

Other features reserved for the top trim include phone-as-key functionality and a power-operated trunk, as well as a camera-based rearview mirror and a self-parking system that works in parallel and perpendicular scenarios. But then even the most expensive version of the Prius PHEV has single-zone automatic climate control instead of a dual-zone system.

Safety 9 / 10

The advanced safety and driver-assist suite is robust no matter the trim, with standard lane departure warning and keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The top trim gets extras like front cross-traffic alert and blind-spot steering assistance, but that’s about it.

Power 8 / 10

While the conventional hybrid version of the Prius features all-wheel drive, this one powers the front wheels alone. Regardless, it’s based on the same gas-electric setup, albeit with a bigger 13.6-kWh battery in the back. The electric motor-generator used to drive the wheels is more powerful, too, with a 120-kW output (compared to 83). Together with the 2.0L four-cylinder engine, the Prius PHEV makes 220 net hp — a generous amount for a car this size.

Driving Feel 8 / 10

While it’s paired with an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can be a nuisance no matter the application, the combination here proves perfectly adequate (if a little buzzy with a heavy foot on the throttle). In fact, it provides surprisingly punchy acceleration in spite of the racket that comes with it, making overtaking slower traffic on the highway easy.

Even in sport mode, steering feel is all but non-existent, although resistance is noticeably better than its normal setting offers. It suits the dynamic nature of the Prius PHEV, which is far more fun to drive this time around than any of its predecessors. Don’t expect too much excitement behind the wheel, but don’t be too quick to dismiss it as some sort of laggard, either.

Fuel Economy 8 / 10

Of course, the Prius PHEV’s entire raison d’ȇtre isn’t to zip in and out of traffic — it’s to barely burn any gas. And with an estimated 64 km of electric-only driving range (72 km for the base trim), it’s entirely possible to complete the average Canadian commute without any intervention from the engine. And even once it gets involved, the 4.9 L/100 km combined the system is rated for (4.5 for the base trim) is excellent.

But then during this week-long test, which took place in late autumn, the indicated average ballooned to 5.8 L/100 km across a total of 430 km of highway-biased driving. While plugging in more often surely would’ve helped, that number is higher than expected based on previous tests of Toyota’s outstandingly efficient gas-electric vehicles. (A full charge should take four hours or so when hooked up to a 240-volt Level 2 station.)

Comfort 8 / 10

Ride quality is good, with a greater sense of substance and suppleness than an economy car like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. It’s part of what makes this PHEV an entirely pleasant place to spend time, even if the powertrain can be noisy when the engine wakes up to work with the CVT. In fact, it’s only the limited headroom that poses a problem, at least for those taller than about 6-foot-2, with even the seats proving perfectly comfortable and supportive.

Practicality 7 / 10

Indeed, the sharply raked roofline means upright space is at a premium. Even with the beige headliner and extensive use of glass — including the dual fixed sunroofs found here — it can feel cramped like a sports car inside. But then the back end is uniquely versatile, with a liftback-style trunk that can accommodate cargo of various shapes and sizes. While Toyota doesn’t publish a seats-down cargo capacity, the back ones lower for even more space.

Value 7 / 10

With a starting price of $41,910 the 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is more expensive than a similarly sized conventional hybrid like the Toyota Corolla ($27,500-38,975) or Hyundai Elantra ($30,899). But it isn’t a huge leap from the conventional version of the Toyota Prius that’s $40,225 before the government’s share. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid XSE trim tested here rings in at $46,645 while the XSE Premium tops them all at $50,395. (All prices include freight.)

The Verdict

The 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is unique in its own ways, not least of which being its position as the only car like it on the market. Beyond that somewhat surprising revelation, it also happens to be exceptionally stylish, just like the conventional Prius, while adding a decent amount of emissions-free range — and all while remaining priced well within range of its sibling.