2024 Toyota Prius Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
Defying the gasoline versus electric binary, the 2024 Toyota Prius takes the middle path with its hybrid drivetrain that returns segment-leading fuel economy. Now in its fifth generation, the well-rounded and surprisingly fun Prius won our 2024 Car of the Year award. Rivals include other compact hybrids such as the Kia Niro and Hyundai Elantra Hybrid.
Also check out the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid.
What's New
Toyota just introduced a new Prius for 2023, so the model is a complete carryover for the 2024 model year. Not only does the new hybrid hatchback look fantastic, its upgraded powertrains produce higher output than ever while still returning the excellent fuel economy consumers expect from a Prius. Toyota outfits the current Prius with large displays, modern phone connectivity technology, and its latest suite of active driver assistance features. In short, the Prius is more appealing than ever.
What We Think
Toyota put forward its best effort when it developed the current Prius hybrid. The compact hatchback boasts incredible efficiency wrapped up in one of the automaker's best designs in the last two decades. The cabin is decidedly forward-looking with large displays and the latest infotainment technology. What's more, the Prius is actually fun to drive; direct steering and excellent chassis tuning lend themselves to a compact car that's enjoyable to toss around on a curvy road.
Our criticisms of the Prius are limited, but Toyota's hybrid has a few shortcomings. We appreciate the model's continued use of the hatchback body style, but in order to achieve the current generation's great looks, Toyota compromised rear visibility with the shape of the rear deck. Backseat headroom is also impacted and second row passengers don't get any air vents.
It's easy to overlook these criticisms because the Prius is so good at fulfilling its mission of delivering excellent fuel economy and range without compromising style or on-road manners. We'd heartily recommend a Prius to any shopper looking for a sensible daily driver with a little extra panache.
Presenting the 2024 MotorTrend Car of the Year
Despite its reputation for frugality at the expense of fun, the Prius is no longer an appliance to shuttle people from point A to point B. Along with an eye-catching new design, the fifth-generation Prius benefits from responsive steering, a composed ride, and a torquey new powertrain that make its genuinely enjoyable to drive. It's more efficient than before, and just as affordable. These are just some of the reasons why the Prius is our 2024 Car of the Year, repeating its win from 20 years ago. Achieving this accolade was no small feat, especially amidst stiff competition this year from the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model 3 Highland.
Performance and MPGs
The 2024 Prius comes standard with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Together, they produce a combined output of 194 hp. All-wheel-drive models receive a rear motor for a system total of 196 hp. In our First Test review of a front-drive 2023 Prius XLE, we noted a 0-60 mph dash of 7.2 seconds, which vastly improved upon the previous-generation model's sluggish performance of 9.8 seconds. The Limited AWD lops off another 0.1 seconds. For 2023, fuel efficiency was rated at 52-57/52-56 mpg city/highway with FWD and 49-53/50-54 mpg with AWD.
Is the Prius Prime the Best Prius?
Toyota offers the 2024 Prius Prime plug-in hybrid as an even more fuel-efficient compact hatchback than the standard model. It's more powerful, too; total output is rated at a positively peppy 220 hp. This power enables a 0-60 mph time of just 6.6 seconds. To supplement the Prius Prime's sportier character, Toyota equips model-specific wheels, clear taillight housing, and a red-accented interior. All-electric range is rated at 39 miles, which should suffice for most local trips or typical commuting. The Prime would be our pick of the Prius lineup, but it does come with a few disadvantages over the standard model, notably a higher price tag and lack of available AWD.
Safety Ratings and Features
Every 2024 Prius gets the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the brand's suite of active driver assistance features. Standard features include pre-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane departure avoidance, adaptive cruise control, lane-following assistance, road sign assist, and automatic high-beams. The suite bundles in Toyota's Proactive Driving Assist as well, which utilizes the exterior cameras to determine when braking and steering assistance are necessary. Toyota also offers a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and hands-free parking assistance.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Prius offers legroom on par with other compact hybrid and electric vehicles. Cargo volume behind the rear seats varies by trim, with the LE offering the most and XLE and Limited models offering the least.
2023 Kia Niro
41.5/39.8 inches
22.8 cubic feet
41.5/33.4 inches
19.2 cubic feet
Technology
Toyota equips the 2024 Prius with a standard 8.0-inch infotainment unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offers a 12.3-inch infotainment display on higher trims. A 7.0-inch fully digital instrument cluster is standard across the entire range, which helps the cabin's styling conform with the all-electric bZ4X SUV. Other available tech includes satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and an integrated version of Apple Music and Amazon Music. A six-speaker sound system is standard and an eight-speaker arrangement from JBL comes equipped on the top-level Limited model.
Trim Levels
Toyota offers the 2024 Prius in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited.
- LE: 17-inch alloy wheels with wheel covers, 8.0-inch infotainment, six USB-C ports, an electronic parking brake, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- XLE: 19-inch alloy wheels, digital rearview mirror, two more cupholders for rear passengers, eight-way power driver's seat, synthetic leather seating, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, wireless charging, parking sensors with automatic braking (the 12.3-inch touchscreen is available)
- Limited: 12.3-inch infotainment display, eight-speaker JBL audio system, fixed glass roof, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, eight-way power driver's seat with memory, digital key, power hatchback liftgate
