Toyota Prius (2016 – 2022) Review
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Toyota Prius (2016 – 2022) Verdict
Low emissions of 70g/km. Relaxed, quiet and comfortable. Spacious cabin. Lots of safety kit as standard. TNGA platform provides excellent ride, handling and steering.
Expensive to buy new. Official fuel economy figures are unrealistic in real world driving.
Find out more about the Toyota Prius (2016 – 2022)
Insurance Group 14
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure
The latest incarnation of the Toyota Prius is still king of the hybrids, with impressive fuel economy, extremely relaxed driving dynamics, good build quality and a very comfortable cabin. If you want to glide around effortlessly without using too much fuel, there are few better ways to go about it.
It sits on Toyota's TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that provides an excellent combination of ride, handling and steering, far superior to Previous Prius.
Toyota has opted to use the same hybrid system as in the previous Prius, but it has been revised and reworked. The updated engine is paired to new aerodynamic styling, providing an official economy figure of 94.1mpg and CO2 emissions of just 70g/km, despite this being a traditional hybrid rather than a plug-in.
The radical exterior looks are mirrored in the cabin, which has a futuristic layout with a large and easy-to-use touchscreen system as standard. Space is generous up front and the back row has plenty of leg room, but the aerodynamic roofline hampers headroom for taller passengers. The boot is spacious with a capacity of 343 litres.
On the road the Prius is incredibly easy and relaxing to drive, thanks to its CVT automatic transmission. At slow speeds the car runs in near silence and will often operate on electric power alone, making it very serene around town. Even at higher speeds it’s very quiet and refined, plus it has safe, predictable handling and light controls.
Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, auto lights, auto wipers, road sign assist, a reversing camera, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control – so even buyers of the basic model won’t be left wanting. Upper trim levels gain luxuries like wireless phone charging and automatic parking.
There are some new rivals to consider including the Hyundai Ioniq, which is available as a pure EV, a plug-in or a traditional hybrid, the latter of which undercuts the Prius on price. However, it’s safe to say that the Prius, despite being more expensive than its main rival, is an excellent choice for those who want to flaunt their eco-friendliness and get around in a bubble of serenity.
Looking for a second opinion? Read a Toyota Prius review on heycar
Reviews for Toyota Prius (2016 – 2022)'s top 3 rivals
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Toyota Prius (2016 – 2022) handling and engines
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 48–77 mpg
Toyota has retained the basic powertrain from the previous Prius for the latest generation, but with various changes to improve its economy. A 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine lives under the bonnet, while under the floor is a smaller, lighter battery pack than that used in the outgoing car, linked to an electric motor.
The engine produces 98PS and 142Nm of torque, while the electric motor has outputs of 72PS and 163Nm. Logically that means the Prius has peak power of 170PS, but it’s not that simple, since the engine and electric motor don’t produce peak power at the same time. Overall peak system power for the Prius is actually 122PS.
From a standstill the Prius accelerates swiftly and seamlessly, although it can get a little loud due to the CVT automatic gearbox. This is only a problem when accelerating hard though – and it’s far quieter than the outgoing Prius. For town driving the quiet, relaxed Prius is great, making light work of stop start traffic.
It’s impressive out of town too. Improved refinement makes motorway driving more pleasant, plus ride quality is reasonable even on uneven country roads, though it can get a little wobbly when the surface is really bad. Through bends the Prius is predictable and the steering, while on the light side, is accurate enough to inspire confidence.
The biggest draws of the Prius for most buyers will be its eco-friendliness and running costs. Emissions are 70g/km on variants with 15-inch wheels, with an official fuel economy figure of 94.1mpg. That’s getting on for plug-in hybrid levels of economy, but with no need to plug into the mains.
That said, take the official figures with a pinch of salt. The average figure on Real MPG is just over 54mpg, although some drivers are getting close to 70mpg so it very much depends on how and where the car is driven. Besides, almost 55mpg for a large, comfortable petrol-powered car isn’t bad going.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 79–83 mpg | 10.6 s | 70–85 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Toyota Prius (2016 – 2022)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
80%
Real MPG
48–77 mpg
MPGs submitted
247
Toyota Prius (2016 – 2022) interior
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4540 mm |
| Width | 1760 mm |
| Height | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm |
The interior of the Prius is light, airy and futuristic, with a swooping dashboard layout and lots of glossy plastics. There are a few elements that look a little cheap, but everything seems sturdy and built to last, plus there is a good level of space for passengers and luggage.
The front seats are comfortable and there is plenty adjustment, while the back row provides plenty of legroom and, for most passengers, enough headroom – although the aerodynamic roof means taller occupants might struggle a little. The outer two rear seats have Isofix mounting points.
The boot is nice and low but it has a fairly large load lip and it narrows between the rear wheels. That said, it is still very spacious and practical - capacity to the load cover is 343 litres, or 502 litres to the roof. Capacity can be expanded even further by folding the rear seats flat, freeing up 1558 litres.
There is a large colour touchscreen system on all variants, which controls audio and connectivity, plus it incorporates a reversing camera as standard. Also standard across the range is DAB radio, USB connectivity, Bluetooth, auto lights and keyless entry and a start button.
Safety kit is generous too. All models get pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control that matches the speed of the car in front, auto high beam, road sign assist and hill start assist, plus there is lane departure alert with steering control.
Standard Equipment:
Active models get 15-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, smart Entry (driver’s door) and push-button start, LED headlights, Toyota Touch 2, DAB radio, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, driver’s seat lumbar adjust, dual 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information displays, Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, Lane Departure Alert and Automatic High Beam.
Business Edition adds soft-touch cabin trim, wireless phone charger, smart Entry (all doors and boot), colour head-up display, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, heated front seats, a leather steering wheel trim and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Business Edition Plus comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, Toyota Touch 2 with Go (satellite navigation and connectivity functions), Simple Intelligent Park Assist plus front and rear parking sensors
Excel is additionally equipped with leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, rain-sensing wipers and Toyota 2 with Go Plus (satellite navigation and connectivity with added functions).
Toyota Prius (2016 – 2022) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4540 mm |
| Width | 1760 mm |
| Height | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1400 kg |
| Boot Space | - |
| Warranty | 5 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £24,995–£28,350 |
| Insurance Groups | 14 |
| Road Tax Bands | A |
| Official MPG | 78.5–83.1 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.8 Hsd Active Nav CVT 5dr | £24,995 | 83.1 mpg | 10.6 s |
| 1.8 Hsd Business Edition Nav CVT 5dr | £25,935 | 83.1 mpg | 10.6 s |
| 1.8 Hsd Business Edition Plus CVT 5dr | £26,985 | 78.5 mpg | 10.6 s |
| 1.8 Hsd Excel CVT 5dr | £28,350 | 78.5 mpg | 10.6 s |
| 1.8 Hybrid Business Edition CVT 17IN AWD 5dr | - | - | - |
| 1.8 Hybrid Business Edition Plus CVT AWD 5dr | - | - | - |
| Entry VVT-i Auto 5dr | - | - | - |
Model History
- September 2015: New Toyota Prius revealed
- November 2015: Toyota Prius opens for UK ordering
- March 2016: Plug-in Prius launched
- February 2017: Toyota substantially reduced prices of the Prius Plug-in
- February 2018: Updates to Toyota Prius for 2018:
- November 2018: Hybrid AWD-i launched in Toyota Prius at Los Angles Auto Show.
- May 3019
September 2015
New Toyota Prius revealed
The new Prius retains the established 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine featured in the current model, but changes to the unit have taken its thermal efficiency to a world-leading 40 per cent, a figure comparable to a diesel engine.
The auxiliary batteries have been moved from the boot to the engine compartment and the relocation of the hybrid battery beneath the rear seats (see below) also helps free up more luggage space. Boot volume has increased to 502 litres in the new Prius.
The new Prius features a new nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) hybrid battery, considered by Toyota to be the optimum choice to meet market requirements. The battery has been relocated beneath the rear seat, avoiding any intrusion in boot space.
Toyota says it has improved the look and performance of the multi-information display in the driver’s instrument binnacle. Data and images are now presented in full colour with high resolution graphics on a dual, 4.2-inch display. The right-hand section presents speed, fuel level and other basic data and left section is a multi-display where the driver can select preferred content using a switch on the steering wheel.
There is also a new colour head-up display, which projects essential vehicle data and alerts on to the lower section of the windscreen, making information instantly and easily readable without the driver having to taking their eyes off the road ahead.
November 2015
Toyota Prius opens for UK ordering
Priced from £23,295, all Prius models get LED headlights with Automatic High Beam, electric driver’s seat adjustment, Smart Entry with push-button start and the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with touchscreen control and DAB radio reception. An enhanced Toyota Safety Sense package is also standard, as detailed below.
A new dual-zone air conditioning system is also standard, equipped with a function that detects whether the front passenger seat is occupied and automatically adjusts air vent opening and air flow accordingly, for more efficient and energy-saving operation.
The new Prius is available in seven exterior colours, including Hypersonic Red, a new pearlescent shade that offers extra depth and reflective qualities. The interior is available in Cool Grey or Black, with matching trim and cloth upholstery. Leather seats (Excel grade) are in Cool Grey with black shoulder sections, or Black with contrast blue stitching.
A number of option packs are available for new Prius to add style, protect the cabin and bodywork and provide extra in-car entertainment.
The Parking Pack (£350, Active and Business Edition) equips the car with front and rear parking sensors, while the Protection Pack (£300, all versions), adds front and rear mudflaps, scuff plates, a rear bumper protection plate and a boot liner.
| MODEL | OTR PRICE |
| Prius Active | £23,295 |
| Prius Business Edition | £24,195 |
| Prius Business Edition Plus | £25,995 |
| Prius Excel | £27,450 |
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 4-cylinder in-line, DOHC |
| Displacement (cc) | 1,797 |
| Max. output (PS/kW @ rpm) | 98/72kW @ 5,200 |
| Max. torque (Nm @ rpm) | 142 @ 3,600 |
| ELECTRIC MOTOR | |
| Max. output (PS/kW) | 72 /53 |
| Hybrid battery material | Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) |
| HYBRID SYSTEM | |
| Combined system max. output (PS/kW) | 122/90 |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Acceleration 0 – 60mph | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 50 – 75mph (80 – 120 km/h) | 8.3 sec |
| Max. speed (mph) | 120 |
| FUEL CONSUMPTION & EMISSIONS (subject to final homologation) | |
| Fuel consumption – combined cycle (mpg) | From 94.2 |
| CO 2 emissions – combined cycle (g/km) | From 70 |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Length (mm) | 4,540 |
| Width (mm) | 1,760 |
| Height (mm) | 1,470 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,700 |
| Interior length (mm) | 2,110 |
| Interior width (mm) | 1,490 |
| Interior height (mm) | 1,195 |
| Towing capacity – unbraked (kg) | 725 |
March 2016
Plug-in Prius launched
Claimed figures of of 282.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 22g/km, and an EV range of more than 30 miles/
Large-capacity lithium-ion battery, located beneath the loadspace, is key to Prius Plug-in’s 30-mile-plus EV range. Volume has been increased from 87 to 145 litres and energy capacity doubled from 4.4 to 8.8kW/h, yet at 120kg it is only 50% heavier than the none plug in battery.
EV power has been increased by 83 per cent, thanks to the development of a Dual Motor Drive System. A new, highly compact clutch within the transaxle allows the hybrid system generator to act as a second electric motor. This boosts EV driving power to 68kW, giving better acceleration and even more engaging performance, while at the same reducing the frequency with which the petrol hybrid engine is brought into play.
February 2017
Toyota substantially reduced prices of the Prius Plug-in
The revised prices shown are after the Government grant of £2,500.
Toyota Prius Plug-in Business Edition Plus: £29,195
Toyota Prius Plug-in Business Edition Plus with Solar Roof Panel: £30,695
Toyota Prius Plug-in Excel: £31,395
February 2018
Updates to Toyota Prius for 2018:
There are some equipment changes for the 2018 Prius, the latest generation of Toyota’s pathfinding hybrid electric car. Automatic wipers have been made a standard feature on all versions apart from Active grade, and all new Prius now come with a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Active and Business Edition have a new-style 15-inch alloy wheel, which can also be specified as an option for Business Edition Plus and Excel grade models in place of the 17-inch wheels. Finally, Autumn Silver has been added to Prius’s colour palette.
The new fuel consumption and emissions figures are shown below.
| Prius with 15in wheels | Prius with 17in wheels | ||
| Fuel consumption (mpg) | Combined | 83.1 | 78.5 |
| Urban | 80.7 | 76.3 | |
| Extra-urban | 85.6 | 80.7 | |
| CO 2 emissions – combined cycle (g/km) | 78 | 82 | |
November 2018
Hybrid AWD-i launched in Toyota Prius at Los Angles Auto Show.
Hybrid AWD-i, a new, intelligent, electric all-wheel drive system that provides more sure-footed handling and peace-of-mind driving. The system uses an additional high-torque electric motor to provide extra drive through the rear axle when required. It is engineered to engage automatically when pulling away, at speeds up to 7mph, and when sensors detect low-grip conditions, such as snow or wet and slippery road surfaces, at speeds between 7mph and 44mph. The unit is compact and lightweight, with no centre differential or front-to-rear driveshaft, so there is minimal intrusion in boot space and little compromise in Prius’s fuel economy and low emissions.
Hybrid AWD-i features a new, compact nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery designed for excellent cold weather performance; the front-wheel drive Prius is equipped with a new lithium-ion hybrid battery.
Styling changes to the 2019 Prius give the car a cleaner look. Sharp, slim new headlight units feature new bi-beam LEDs that give a wider field of illumination. The peak point of the bumper has been raised to generate a coherent, flowing line down the sides of the car.
At the rear, new combination lamps replace the weird vertical lights of the 2016 Prius, directing the eye to a strong horizontal line to emphasise the car’s low centre of gravity and are fitted with new-design light guides. A new inverted trapezoid shape is integrated in the tailgate around the licence plate. The 2019 changes include the addition of two strong new colours: Emotional Red and Aqua Breeze, a new 17-inch alloy wheel design and a new contrast dark grey finish for the 15-inch wheel trims.
In the cabin there are changes to the centre console and some of the controls on the instrument panel. New cloth upholstery finishes have been introduced making a smarter and more refined interior. Changes to the equipment include an increase in size for the wireless charging tray to accommodate larger smartphones; turn-by-turn navigation directions added to the head-up display; and a multimedia Toyota Touch 2 touchscreen that offers faster response and can be operated using “pinch and flick” gestures familiar from smartphone use.
May 3019
Toypta 5 year warranties can now be extended to 7 years for £495, including MoTs and Toyota Roadside Assistance.
What to watch out for
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