2021 Toyota Prius vs 2020 Toyota Prius

The 2020 Toyota Prius retained its iconic jellybean-like shape, a design choice driven by aerodynamics to achieve an optimal drag coefficient. Over the years, Toyota made subtle changes within these constraints to give the Prius a more sedan-like appearance while maintaining its hatchback functionality. The futuristic style of the Prius remained contemporary, with a cabin defined by its central instrumentation and gauges, a hallmark since its introduction over two decades ago.

Trim levels for the 2020 model included L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited. The L Eco trim came with 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The XLE trim added features like synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and wireless device charging. The Limited trim offered adaptive headlights, a head-up display, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though it lacked Android Auto support.

The 2021 Toyota Prius continued with its familiar boomerang-shaped hood and roofline, a design ingrained into its identity since the second-generation model. Despite the industry's advancements in aerodynamics, the 2021 Prius maintained its unique styling, which some found unappealing. The interior featured a central strip of displays, a toggle lever for transmission controls, and a narrow center console with gloss-black trim that attracted dust and fingerprints.

Trim levels for the 2021 model included L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited. The AWD-e system was available for the LE and XLE trims, while the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid offered different styling and trim options. Prices ranged from $24,525 to $32,650, with the 2020 Edition test vehicle priced at $31,295, including destination charges.

The 2020 Toyota Prius featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) model offered smooth acceleration, while the AWD-e variant employed a second electric motor for the rear wheels, operating at speeds up to 43 mph. The Prius had three drive modes—EV, Eco, and Power—each catering to different driving needs. The unique shifter design and Engine Braking mode added to its versatility, making it suitable for various driving conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Prius also paired a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, resulting in a total system output of 121 horsepower. The L Eco trim achieved an impressive 56 mpg in combined driving, while other FWD models earned 52 mpg, and AWD-e models managed 49 mpg. The Prius 2020 Edition averaged 47.5 mpg during testing. The TNGA platform provided a lower center of gravity, enhancing the car's handling on curvy roads. However, the powertrain drone and lack of grip from the 17-inch tires limited its sporty potential.

The 2020 Toyota Prius made efficient use of its space, with deep door pockets, a large tray area between the front seats, and helpful sub-trays around the center console. The front seats offered ample headroom and legroom, while the rear seats provided sufficient space for passengers. Cargo space varied from 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and up to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the most spacious options among hybrid and electric vehicles.

The 2021 Toyota Prius offered comfortable seating for up to five people, with an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the test vehicle. The rear seats provided adequate foot room, legroom, and headroom, though the lack of air-conditioning vents was a drawback. Cargo space ranged from 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet behind the back seat and up to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, depending on the trim level.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, and three USB ports. The Limited trim upgraded to an 11.6-inch screen with a customizable layout, though it lacked Android Auto support. The top-center instrument panel displayed hybrid drivetrain status and other critical readouts, with an available head-up display for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with stereo-volume and tuning knobs, shortcut buttons, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Limited trim offered a 10-speaker JBL premium sound system, a navigation system, and an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen, though it did not include Android Auto. The digital instrumentation displayed dated graphics, lacking technological sophistication.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and active park assist. The Prius earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" accolade from the IIHS, though it fell short of the highest rating due to "average" scores in certain tests.

The 2021 Toyota Prius also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a road-sign recognition system. The LE trim and higher included blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect services were standard, offering automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, roadside assistance, and a stolen vehicle locator function. The IIHS gave the car favorable marks, though it did not achieve a Top Safety Pick rating.