How much does the 2021 Toyota Prius cost?

Prices are up 1.11% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 326 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $19,736.87, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Toyota Prius a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Toyota Prius earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.17/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

The Prius is built around efficiency and everyday practicality, and it is presented as a strong fit if you want a simple, low-stress way to get from Point A to Point B. The expert review also highlights its quiet cabin and excellent value for money, while noting that its design is polarizing and its performance is sluggish.

The main trade-offs are its potentially polarizing design and sluggish performance. If you care most about low running costs, practicality, and a straightforward ownership experience, those compromises may be easy to live with.

31.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is some room to shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Toyota Prius reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The 2021 Prius is framed as a car that emphasizes reliability, efficiency, safety, and economy, and the expert review reinforces that it is a cost-effective form of transportation with a well-earned reputation for reliability. It also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles, which helps reduce early ownership costs.

The dependability story is strongest for buyers who want a simple hybrid with low running costs and a reputation for doing its job without drama. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure prior wear, maintenance history, and overall condition line up with the car’s efficiency-focused mission.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Toyota Prius?

At 67.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been in any collision. Focus on body condition, repair quality, and whether the car still feels tight and consistent on the road. Because this model is often bought for efficiency and low-stress commuting, you should also pay close attention to signs of heavy use or neglected maintenance.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited. Base versions miss some convenience and safety equipment, while the 2020 Edition adds blacked-out trim, black 17-inch wheels, and a body-color rear spoiler.
• Powertrain: The Prius uses an Atkinson-cycle 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor and an e-CVT. Front-drive models are tuned for efficiency, with the L Eco rated at 56 mpg combined, other front-drive versions at 52 mpg combined, and AWD-e models at 49 mpg combined.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard and includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high beams, and road-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is included on the LE and higher trims.
• Infotainment: Standard equipment includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect. The Limited gets an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen, navigation, a natural voice recognition system, and a 10-speaker JBL sound system, but it does not get the Android Auto upgrade on that unique system.
• Fuel efficiency: The L Eco can average 56 mpg combined, other front-drive versions are rated at 52 mpg combined, and AWD-e models are rated at 49 mpg combined. In testing, the 2020 Edition averaged 47.5 mpg.

Which 2021 Toyota Prius trim should I buy?

The 2021 Toyota Prius is offered in 5 trim levels: L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The L Eco is the efficiency play, but it is the most stripped-down choice in the lineup.
• Sweet-spot trim: The LE is the best all-around pick if you want a strong mix of value, efficiency, and added safety equipment.
• Premium/top trim: The Limited is the most feature-rich choice, with the larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, navigation, JBL audio, and natural voice recognition.
• Off-road trim: None of the trims are aimed at off-road use, so this model is best viewed as a daily-driver hybrid.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard across the lineup, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert starts on the LE.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Toyota Prius?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you are patient and focused.

• Deal availability: 31.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 326 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.11% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 67.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,736.87, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Toyota Prius's resale value?

The current average of $21,741 sits slightly above last year's $21,504.

That year-over-year increase suggests the Prius is holding value reasonably well in the used market. When prices rise while demand remains steady, sellers can often benefit from a broader pool of interested shoppers. The model’s efficiency-focused reputation also helps support long-term appeal among buyers who want low running costs.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Toyota Prius safe?

It earns favorable marks from the IIHS, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard across the lineup.

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on the LE and higher trims.

One caveat is that the lane-keeping and lane-centering systems can make the steering feel artificial, and the lane-departure warning can be intrusive. Safety Connect is also standard and includes automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, roadside assistance, and a stolen vehicle locator.

Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Prius or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 31.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 67.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.11% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard across the lineup, and Android Auto is standard as well.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,641, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $21,741 average.
• It is described as a benchmark hybrid with strong versatility and technology.

The bottom line: If you want the newer model year with standard Android Auto and broad safety equipment, the 2021 is the cleaner choice. If your priority is saving a little money up front, the 2020 is worth a look, especially if you find one in strong condition and with a solid history.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.