- Head-turning design (yes, really)
- Up to 57 mpg
- Nearly 200 horsepower
- All-wheel drive optional
- Prime plug-in hybrid version available
- Pricing starts at $27,650 (plus $1,095 destination) | Price yours
- On sale now | See listings near you
If we handed out an award for Best Cinderella Story, the latest Toyota Prius would win it about 10 times over. We don’t have that one, so it will just have to accept Best New Model among our Best Buy Awards — which it also deserves 10 times over.
We cite the fairy tale analogy because the newest version of this Toyota feels like one. Since its debut over two decades ago, the Prius has been synonymous with the word “hybrid.” Yes, its frugal gas-electric powertrain was prioritizing fuel efficiency long before it was top of mind for many car shoppers. But anyone who has ever seen one also knows that past Prius models have looked … distinctive. If we described those previous versions for a date, we’d say it had “a great personality.”
The latest Prius turns that notion on its head. It’s shockingly good-looking, and that’s just the start.
Out-of-this-World New Looks
“That’s a Prius?!”
We pretty much came to expect that question from passersby while testing the latest model. Even people who wouldn’t consider themselves car buffs were agape at the design of the new Prius. It’s a literal head-turner, and it’s easy to see why. This latest-gen Toyota Prius has a design so svelte, so sleek, and so out-of-this world that it truly looks like it came from out of this world.
Any vehicle dressed in its new skin would get second looks. But the fact that it’s a Prius makes onlookers do a triple take. The new Prius didn’t just get a touch-up; this is more of an extreme makeover. Let the wild applause ensue as even friends and family of the Prius don’t recognize its new self.
It’s Still a Prius – But Better
Thankfully, the new Prius isn’t just all show and no-go. It builds on its previous self with better efficiency and far more power, too. The 2024 Toyota Prius earns up to 57 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. That’s one better than the previous generation. Moreover, the new Prius is powerful. Yes, we just used the words “Prius” and “powerful” in the same sentence.
A front-wheel-drive Prius makes 194 horsepower — 73 more than the previous version. Models equipped with traction-enhancing all-wheel drive do even better with 196 ponies. In real-world driving, this translates to plenty of get-up and go. The new Toyota Prius is now genuinely brisk and entertaining to drive. In the past, few drivers would care to even cite a Prius’ 0-60 mph time, but the new one does it in a fleet 7.2 seconds for front-wheel drive and 7 flat with all-wheel drive.
Also in the offering is the Prime variant, a plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 44 miles on battery power alone. The Prius Prime builds on the standard Prius with more power (220 horses) and better acceleration (0-60 mph in just 6.6 seconds). Talk about having your cake and eating it, too.
And It’s Still a Toyota
As enthralling as its design is, we can’t forget that the Prius is still a Toyota. That means it’s packed with practicality and the latest tech and safety features.
Believe it or not, the Prius is still a hatchback at heart, which gives it the flexibility to hold all your gear and groceries in the back. And even a base model comes loaded with today’s technology and safety systems. Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, its most up-to-date version, boasts everything from the now-expected automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control to unexpected features like a proactive driving system that can gently apply the brakes as you head into a curve. We marveled at just how seamlessly the system works.
Higher trims bring premium features such as a 12.3-inch display, JBL audio system, power liftback door, and heated and ventilated front seats.
Exceptional Value
Here’s another Toyota trait the new Prius proudly carries: It’s a great value in the near and long term. The 2024 Toyota Prius starts at just $27,650, while the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid begins at $32,675. These prices are well below the average cost of a new vehicle, which is nearly $48,000. And you can bet the majority of those other new vehicles are not nearly as fuel efficient as the Prius, which translates to significant savings at the gas pump.
Moreover, the Toyota Prius has exceptional resale value, which means you’ll get more dollars back when it’s time to sell or trade-in.
So let’s break this down. The latest Prius has stunning looks, more power, higher efficiency, and even better tech and safety gear than its former self? Apparently, once in a while, fairy tales do come true.
Photo Tour: 2024 Toyota Prius
More 2024 Toyota Prius
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Our 2024 Best Buy Award Winners
- Best Subcompact SUV: 2024 Hyundai Kona
- Best Compact SUV: 2024 Honda CR-V
- Best 3-Row Midsize SUV: 2024 Kia Telluride
- Best Full-Size SUV: 2024 Ford Expedition
- Best 3-Row EV: 2024 Kia EV9
- Best Electric Vehicle: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Best Compact Car: 2024 Honda Civic
- Best Midsize Car: 2024 Honda Accord
- Best Minivan: 2024 Toyota Sienna
- Best Compact Truck: 2024 Ford Maverick
- Best Midsize Truck: 2024 Toyota Tacoma
- Best Full-Size Truck: 2024 Ford F-150
- Best Electric Truck: 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
- 2024 Best Buy Awards Home
