This is the 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid. Let’s find out everything you need to know about this vehicle. More than 20 years ago, the Toyota Prius changed the automotive landscape when it introduced the world to modern hybrid technology. That’s certainly something worth commemorating. And to this day, Prius is still making huge waves across the industry, so let’s find out why it continues to be the smart decision for drivers worldwide.
Lineup
The latest Prius generation offers six distinct takes on the hybrid experience, so drivers can find their ideal vehicle. First, L Eco has the best fuel efficiency of the entire Prius lineup, while also having the lowest starting price. From there, the LE, XLE, and Limited grades each take the feature list up a notch, further refining the Prius experience with their added style, comfort, and convenience offerings.
And as the names imply, the LE AWD and XLE AWD grades come standard with Toyota’s AWD-e system for added traction and control in the elements. And to celebrate 20 years of Prius in the US, the new 2020 Edition showcases an unexpectedly sleek, stylish version of Prius with a limited production of only 2,020 vehicles.
Technology
Prius is recognized around the world for its fuel-efficient design, but it raises the bar even further with technological innovations that enhance the driving experience and also conserve resources. Even the air conditioning system is designed for maximum efficiency, with a Smart-Flow mode that only sends airflow to occupied seats.
And all grades feature a touchscreen Audio Multimedia system with Apple CarPlay compatibility, which connects drivers to Apple Music, Maps, Messages, and other favorite apps from your iPhone. 2021 Toyota Prius also now includes Android Auto compatibility on most grades, which makes it easy to stay connected to Android devices, while Amazon Alexa compatibility keeps Amazon’s digital assistant just a question away.
Plus, there’s a three-month SiriusXM All Access trial subscription to more than 300 radio channels, accessible throughout the country.
And at the top of the lineup, Prius Limited features a vibrant and large 11.6-inch touchscreen display with a 10-speaker JBL sound system, a standard Adaptive Front Lighting System, and a color Head-Up Display that projects vehicle information right in the line of sight.
Select Prius grades also add conveniences like Qi-compatible wireless charging and a Smart Key System for easy vehicle entry. Similarly, most grades feature an Intelligent Clearance Sonar system that alerts drivers to surrounding objects, and can automatically brake to avoid a collision at low speeds, as well as Intelligent Parking Assist, so drivers can let Prius take the wheel when squeezing into a tight spot.
Exterior
Prius features an artfully sculpted exterior design, and it’s not just for looks – the vehicle’s shape helps enhance efficiency by cutting through the air with less resistance. And when it comes to lighting the way, all Prius models offer full LED lighting in both front and rear, providing better visibility while also saving energy.
Additionally, Prius’ two AWD grades also feature fog lights to assist during poor weather conditions, while the available Adaptive Front-Lighting System is even capable of swiveling the headlights to better illuminate the road around corners. And the available 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels can be topped with black or titanium-finished inserts for some extra attitude – the perfect way to round out Prius’s eye-grabbing exterior.
Finally, the new 2020 Edition makes a big entrance with its blackout headlights, 17-inch black wheel inserts, black badges, a color-keyed rear deck spoiler, and more – perfectly complements to either the available Supersonic Red paint color or the sleek, new available Wind Chill Pearl.
Interior
Like outside, 2021 Toyota Prius’ interior is easily recognizable for its striking design, but it goes way beyond iconic styling. The spacious cabin offers plenty of room for passengers, while the available SofTex-trimmed heated front seats help deliver an even more comfortable ride on cold days.
Likewise, a liftback layout means Prius is rated with up to 50.7 cubic feet of cargo space – the perfect storage setup for carpools and impromptu road trips. The vast cargo capacity is achieved thanks to the standard 60/40 split fold-down seat design, which provides ample room for your tent or snowboard.
But if that’s still not enough, the available car crossbars on Prius offer even more storage, and possibilities, for your next adventure. And for a little more excitement on the journey, the 2020 Edition customizes Prius’ interior with limited-edition floormats and a black shifter.
2021 Toyota Prius Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for Toyota, so it’s no surprise that the entire Prius family has been designed for passenger and pedestrian wellbeing. To this end, all Prius models now feature Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This advanced safety suite includes
- Pre-Collision System enhanced with low-light pedestrian detection
- Daytime bicyclist detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and road edge detection
- Automatic High Beams
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
- TSS 2.0 also includes two new systems not found on the previous Toyota Safety Sense platforms.
- Lane Tracing Assist, which helps keep Prius centered in its lane while DRCC is operating
- Road Sign Assist, which is designed to recognize certain traffic signs and display them on the instrument panel.
The entire Prius family also includes Star Safety System, 10 airbags – with the addition of two rear seat-mounted side airbags, an integrated backup camera to help see what’s happening out back, and an available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system to help keep an eye on hard-to-see areas.
Performance
Prius is renowned for its fuel economy estimates, but the hybrid-electric powertrain also thrills drivers with an unexpected level of performance, thanks in part to the immediate torque delivery of the electric motor, but also the underlying TNGA platform and its independent rear suspension – perfect for when the roads get twisty. That said, efficiency is still the name of the game with Prius, and that applies to the AWD models as well.
Fuel Efficiency
2021 Toyota Prius is the most fuel-efficient vehicle equipped with all-wheel drive, with an EPA-estimated 49 mpg combined that still has the capability to trek through challenging conditions. This on-demand all-wheel-drive system relies on an electric motor that only powers the rear wheels when needed, and it can operate at speeds up to 43 mph.
In the Prius family, there’s a fuel-efficient vehicle for everyone under the sun. This iconic hybrid continues to revolutionize its segment every year, adding high-tech safety and convenience upgrades that help inspire the drive while also saving energy.
And for even more electric capability, the related Prius Prime lineup offers plug-in hybrid technology that has 133 MPGe in EV Mode and 640 miles of total driving range.
But whether you prefer Prius LE AWD’s off-road utility or Prius Prime’s electric efficiency, there’s no shortage of reasons why the Prius family is a wise choice for drivers who want a game-changing hybrid.
Warranty
Plus, the 2021 Toyota Prius is offered at an approachable MSRP, with a strong track record for long-term cost estimates and overall resale value. Factor in the two-year 25,000 miles ToyotaCare No Cost Maintenance Plan with enhanced three-year Roadside Assistance, as well as exceptional hybrid warranty coverage like the 10-year, 150,000-mile Hybrid Battery Warranty and Prius, which shines like no other hybrid on the market.
You may also like to read: Toyota Prius Prime Plug-In Hybrid: Quick Overview
