2020 Toyota Prius vs 2021 Lexus IS

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

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.

Overview

MSRP

$24,325

MSRP

$39,050

Average price

$22,568

Average price

$35,783

Listings

121

Listings

471
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  • Outdated technology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

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.

Overview
MSRP
$24,325
$39,050
Average price
$22,568
$35,783
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.9
4.5
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.
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.
Cost Effectiveness
2020 Toyota Prius
9/10
2021 Lexus IS
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Toyota Prius 9 out of 10 and the 2021 Lexus IS 8 out of 10. The Prius offers exceptional fuel efficiency, with the Eco trim achieving 58 mpg city. It came with a range of pricing options, starting from $24,525 when new. In contrast, the 2021 Lexus IS offered a competitive pricing range, starting from $39,000 when new, and came with various packages and options.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.