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2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Toyota Prius

2020 Toyota Prius
2020 Toyota Prius
$24,325MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus IS
2021 Lexus IS
$39,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota Prius
$24,325MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus IS
$39,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$24,325

MSRP

$39,050

Listings

23

Listings

58

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Great handling

Cons

  • Underwhelming base engine

  • Irritating transmission

  • Outdated technology

2020 Toyota Prius Reviews Summary

Ever heard of an eponym? It’s a brand or product that is so popular that it’s come to define its respective market. Think of Kleenex for tissues or Band-Aid for medical bandages. For hybrids, the Toyota Prius has ascended to near-eponym status. It was one of the first—and remains one of the most popular—hybrids ever made.

As automakers across the industry are rolling out more hybrid models, the Prius continues to be the standard-bearer of this genre. This is largely due to the fact that the Prius is a dedicated hybrid, rather than a hybrid variant of an existing model.

Throughout the industry, different companies are taking different approaches to alt-fuel vehicles, including full-electric and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. The Prius endures as the leader in hybrid power due to a focus on fuel efficiency that doesn’t compromise on style, drivability, and versatility. So how does the Prius hold its ground as more players enter the fray? Read on to find out.

2021 Lexus IS Reviews Summary

The Lexus IS enters its fourth generation of production, embodying lessons learned from the LC and RC. The 2021 IS targets enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who might be thinking German first, and it seeks to recalibrate expectations of what a compact luxury sports sedan can be.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.8L 121 hp I4 Hybrid

Engine

2.0L 241 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

241 hp @ 5800 rpm

EV Battery Capacity

0.7 kWh

EV Battery Capacity

MPG City

58

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

53

MPG Highway

31
2020 Toyota Prius
2020 Toyota Prius
$24,325MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus IS
2021 Lexus IS
$39,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota Prius
$24,325MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus IS
$39,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$24,325
$39,050
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.8

4.6

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Great handling

Cons

  • Underwhelming base engine

  • Irritating transmission

  • Outdated technology

Summary

Ever heard of an eponym? It’s a brand or product that is so popular that it’s come to define its respective market. Think of Kleenex for tissues or Band-Aid for medical bandages. For hybrids, the Toyota Prius has ascended to near-eponym status. It was one of the first—and remains one of the most popular—hybrids ever made.

As automakers across the industry are rolling out more hybrid models, the Prius continues to be the standard-bearer of this genre. This is largely due to the fact that the Prius is a dedicated hybrid, rather than a hybrid variant of an existing model.

Throughout the industry, different companies are taking different approaches to alt-fuel vehicles, including full-electric and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. The Prius endures as the leader in hybrid power due to a focus on fuel efficiency that doesn’t compromise on style, drivability, and versatility. So how does the Prius hold its ground as more players enter the fray? Read on to find out.

The Lexus IS enters its fourth generation of production, embodying lessons learned from the LC and RC. The 2021 IS targets enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who might be thinking German first, and it seeks to recalibrate expectations of what a compact luxury sports sedan can be.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
1.8L 121 hp I4 Hybrid
2.0L 241 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
241 hp @ 5800 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
0.7 kWh
MPG City
58
21
MPG Highway
53
31
Look and feel

2020 Toyota Prius

7/10

2021 Lexus IS

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Toyota Prius as 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Lexus IS as 8 out of 10. The Prius has a familiar shape, optimized for aerodynamics, with a futuristic cabin design. It offers trim levels from L Eco to Limited, with unique features like a 2020 Edition celebrating 20 years of the hybrid. On the other hand, the 2021 Lexus IS boasts an athletically proportioned design, elegant interior, and a new version of the Lexus signature “spindle” grille. It offers a tastefully simple dash and bold, assertive choices in its interior design.
Picture of 2020 Toyota Prius
Picture of 2020 Toyota Prius
Picture of 2020 Toyota Prius
Picture of 2020 Toyota Prius
Picture of 2020 Toyota Prius
Picture of 2020 Toyota Prius
Picture of 2020 Toyota Prius
Picture of 2020 Toyota Prius
Picture of 2020 Toyota Prius
Performance

2020 Toyota Prius

5/10

2021 Lexus IS

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Toyota Prius 5 out of 10 and the 2021 Lexus IS 7 out of 10. The Prius features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, providing 121 horsepower and smooth acceleration. It offers three drive modes and engaging handling. In contrast, the 2021 Lexus IS offers various engine options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a 3.5-liter V6, delivering up to 311 horsepower. It provides a crisp, precise, and balanced driving experience.
Form and function

2020 Toyota Prius

7/10

2021 Lexus IS

7/10
CarGurus experts rate both the 2020 Toyota Prius and the 2021 Lexus IS as 7 out of 10. The Prius maximizes space with deep pockets, a large tray area, and spacious seats. It offers up to 50.7 cubic feet of cargo space and a versatile hatchback design. On the other hand, the 2021 Lexus IS focuses on a great driver position, ample storage space, and comfortable seating. It provides 10.8 cubic feet of trunk space and a temporary spare stored beneath the trunk’s load floor.
Technology

2020 Toyota Prius

8/10

2021 Lexus IS

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Toyota Prius 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Lexus IS 7 out of 10. The Prius comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a large 11.6-inch screen in the Limited trim. It also offers a top-center instrument panel and various safety and connectivity features. In comparison, the 2021 Lexus IS finally offers a touchscreen infotainment system that runs both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also includes various connected services and a Mark Levinson premium audio system.
Safety

2020 Toyota Prius

9/10

2021 Lexus IS

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Toyota Prius 9 out of 10 and the 2021 Lexus IS 7 out of 10. The Prius comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a wide range of standard and optional safety features. It has earned high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. On the other hand, the 2021 Lexus IS comes with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, providing a comprehensive suite of safety features and advanced driver assistance systems.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Toyota Prius is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus IS scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Toyota Prius emerges as the more highly rated vehicle. Therefore, for consumers prioritizing fuel efficiency, versatile interior, and a wide range of safety features, the 2020 Toyota Prius is the recommended choice.

Choose the 2021 Lexus IS if:

7.3of 10overall
  • You desire a powerful and engaging driving experience with various engine options.
  • You appreciate a driver-centered focus on form and function, with ample storage space and comfortable seating.
  • You seek a luxury sports sedan with advanced technology features and a reputation for quality and reliability.
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Choose the 2020 Toyota Prius if:

7.5of 10overall
  • You prioritize exceptional fuel efficiency and eco-friendly driving.
  • You seek a versatile and spacious interior with a futuristic cabin design.
  • You value a wide range of standard and optional safety features.
23 results
See all

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Toyota Prius is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus IS scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Toyota Prius emerges as the more highly rated vehicle. Therefore, for consumers prioritizing fuel efficiency, versatile interior, and a wide range of safety features, the 2020 Toyota Prius is the recommended choice.

Choose the 2021 Lexus IS if:

Shop Now
7.3of 10overall
  • You desire a powerful and engaging driving experience with various engine options.
  • You appreciate a driver-centered focus on form and function, with ample storage space and comfortable seating.
  • You seek a luxury sports sedan with advanced technology features and a reputation for quality and reliability.
58 results

Choose the 2020 Toyota Prius if:

Shop Now
7.5of 10overall
  • You prioritize exceptional fuel efficiency and eco-friendly driving.
  • You seek a versatile and spacious interior with a futuristic cabin design.
  • You value a wide range of standard and optional safety features.
23 results

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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