This is the car Toyota told us we weren’t allowed, the exciting replacement to the dull but worthy Prius beloved by Uber drivers across the country. Happily, that’s changed, and what was once the poster child for eco-conscious drivers is back with a bang for its fifth generation.
Known for its hybrid technology, the Prius is now exclusively available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in the UK, with a striking new design and the promise of improved driving dynamics. It’s up against some stiff competition — there’s a long list of rivals, including the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 308 — so the big question is: does the Prius still have what it takes to stand out? We get our hands on the new model and find out…
What is it?
The Toyota Prius has come a long way since its early days. This new version ditches its predecessors’ slightly quirky, utilitarian look for something much sleeker. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, giving you a combined 223hp — plenty of punch for a car known for sipping fuel. The big change for this generation is that it’s only available as a PHEV, meaning you can drive up to 44 miles on electric power alone, which should cover most daily commutes.
How does it drive?
If you’re familiar with older Prius models, then that means nothing. The new car’s driving experience is the most significant improvement, and it’s quite a breathtaking change. It’s still not a sports car, but with 223hp under the bonnet, it’s quick off the mark, going from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds. Not bad for a car that’s saving the planet.
The Prius starts in electric mode, with the petrol engine only joining in as you pick up speed. The transition is smooth, and when you need a bit of extra oomph, the car responds with a satisfying burst of power.
Driving on electric power alone is easy-going, especially around town, although trying to keep it in EV mode when reaching for motorway speeds is a challenge. It’s probably best to concede and let the petrol engine do its work there.
The regenerative braking system is well-tuned and offers multiple levels of braking intensity, which is great for recharging the battery while you drive. And despite the more powerful engine, it’s still a quiet ride, even at higher speeds.
The Prius isn’t built for corner carving, but the steering is responsive and light, making it feel nimble around town. It’s precise enough on country roads, too, although never quite as engaging as you might hope for until you remember that you’re in a Prius, and driving engagement has never been its forte.
The suspension is also well-sorted, smoothing out potholes and bumps better than some of its competitors. It’s a comfortable and refined drive — perfect for long journeys or the daily grind.
What’s the inside like?
Inside, the Prius is all about functionality with little in the way of style. There’s a steering wheel — obviously — with an instrument binnacle waaaaay off in the distance behind it. It works well for me, although not everybody can find the right driving position to see everything clearly. However, the instrument panel itself is incredibly busy, with icons, lights, figures, dials and all sorts all competing for your attention. It’s a mess and quite distracting.
The windscreen pillars are a bit chunky, and the rear windows are smaller than you might expect, making visibility a bit limited, but Toyota has packed the Prius with helpful features like front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, and even a digital rear-view mirror in the Excel trim, which shows a live feed of the rear when the view is blocked.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen dominates the centre of the dashboard, which houses the car’s infotainment system. It’s easy enough to use, with crisp graphics and well-placed controls, though some of the menus aren’t entirely clear, and some require a bit of a stretch to reach. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are in place, so you can bypass the car’s system and use the apps you’re used to instead.
Happily, there’s a row of physical buttons underneath the screen for the climate control and heated seats, which makes life much easier than relying on menus inside touchscreens. There’s also a physical volume control for the audio, although that’s closer to the passenger door than the driver!
Everything else isn’t quite as luxurious inside as some rivals like the Audi A3, but the materials feel solid and well put together, with soft-touch surfaces in all the right places. It’s practical, if not overly flashy, but it gets the job done.
Is the Toyota Prius practical?
It’s fine if unremarkable. The front seats have plenty of room, though the sloping roofline means taller passengers in the back might find headroom a bit tight. Legroom in the rear is fine for most people, but you might feel a little squeezed if you’re over six feet tall.
The boot is disappointing, offering just 284 litres of space for your luggage. That falls well short of its rivals like the Peugeot 308 (412 litres), Vauxhall Astra (422 litres) and Volkswagen Golf (381 litres). It’s enough for a decent grocery run or a few carry-on bags, but airport runs for a family with four suitcases won’t be an option. The boot does have a wide opening, though, which makes loading easier, and the rear seats fold in a 60/40 split for some flexibility.
How much does the new Toyota Prius cost?
The Prius starts at just over £37,000
for the entry-level Design trim, with the top-spec Excel coming in at just under £40,000. That’s fairly competitive for a PHEV, especially considering the amount of tech and comfort features packed into the car. For company car drivers, the Prius is also a smart choice due to its low benefit-in-kind rates, making it cheaper to run than some other hybrids.
When it comes to fuel economy, the Prius still shines. Even when the battery is depleted, it can manage over 50mpg, which is better than many of its rivals. Charging the battery isn’t that quick, taking around four hours whether you use a plug at home or a rapid charger on the road, but that’s perhaps a recognition that many PHEV company car drivers never actually plug their car in…
Plug in at home on the right electricity tariff, and that 44 miles of EV range might cost you less than a pound, so it’s worth plugging in overnight while you sleep.
Should I buy a Toyota Prius?
If you’re looking for a plug-in hybrid that combines style, efficiency, and a smooth driving experience, the new Prius is one to consider. It’s quieter, more comfortable, and more fuel-efficient than many competitors, making it an excellent choice for city driving and longer trips.
A fully-fledged family car, it isn’t, though, with most rivals offering a better solution for ferrying kids and their detritus around. It’s okay for a couple, where its refined drive, strong efficiency, and solid build quality will win it favours, but that limits the market quite significantly.
Some rivals, like the Volkswagen Golf, also offer a longer electric-only range, if planet- and money-saving are top of your list of priorities.
But if you’ve been considering a PHEV and something that’s easy to live with day-to-day, the Toyota Prius isn’t a bad place to start your search.
Model Tested: Toyota Prius Excel
Price: £39,995
Average Joes Rating: ★★★☆☆
He is the founder of Huff Media, publisher of Professional Pickup, Professional Van, Average Janes, Average Joes, and CALIBRE. His work focuses primarily on light commercial vehicles, pickups, and real-world vehicle use, with much of his time spent on manufacturer launches, industry events, and long-term vehicle testing.