Toyota Prius: Pioneering Hybrid Technology

The latest generation of the Toyota Prius changes the game and delivers more of the driving qualities you want to see and enjoy on the road.

What does this venerable hybrid bring to the table? The fifth-generation model takes a sharp turn from the previous four with impressive styling and much better acceleration. If you’ve only thought of the Prius as a wedge-shaped, plodding fuel-sipper, think again. This new version will change your mind while returning impressive fuel mileage figures for your drive.

Let’s explore the features and trim levels of the 2024 Toyota Prius to see if it could be the right hybrid car for you.

Two great ways to enjoy Prius power

Prius power sounds like a strange term, but it won’t be so odd when you realize how much more this new Toyota hybrid offers. This modern version uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor to deliver 194 horsepower to the front wheels. You have the option of adding a second electric motor to the rear wheels, which increases the power to 196 horsepower and turns this hybrid into an AWD vehicle.

The plug-in hybrid Prius Prime takes things a little further. The system delivers 220 horsepower to the front wheels and drives up to 44 miles on electric-only power. The Prius Prime is the most powerful version of this hybrid car ever made.

What does each Prius model include?

The Toyota Prius comes in three trims, LE, XLE, and Limited, while the Prius Prime has the sporty trim names of SE, XSE, and XSE Premium. These trims give you:

Prius LE

The LE trim is the starting point and it comes with smaller wheels and tires to provide the best fuel mileage. Other items found in this base model are:

• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
  • Forward collision warning
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-departure warning with steering assist
  • Full-speed adaptive cruise control
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Road sign recognition
  • Automatic high beam headlights
  • Emergency Driving Stop
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Rearview camera
  • Safe Exit Assist
  • Rear seat reminder
• 17-inch alloy wheels with full covers
• Bi-LED automatic headlights
• Power-heated side mirrors
• Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• Single-zone automatic climate controls
• 7-inch digital gauge cluster
• 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 6-speaker audio system
• Wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Six USB-C ports

Prius XLE

Moving up one trim for the Toyota Prius brings you to the XLE trim. This model adds:

Automatic headlights
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Automatic braking
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Toyota SmartKey
• SofTex synthetic leather upholstery
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• Wireless charging pad
• Heated steering wheel

Prius Limited

The top trim of the regular Prius is the Limited model. This version gives you:

• Fixed glass roof
• Power liftgate
• Digital Key
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Driver’s side memory settings
• 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen
• 8-speaker JBL audio system

Prius Prime SE

The base model for the Toyota Prius Prime is the SE trim. This version comes with the more powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain and most of the same equipment as the regular Prius LE. Items you’ll find for the Prime SE but not on the Prius LE are:

• Traffic Jam Assist
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Active grille shutters
• Smart Key keyless entry

Prius Prime XSE

Moving up to the middle trim of this sportier Prius, you’ll find:

• Automatic headlights
• 19-inch wheels
• SofTex faux leather seats
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• Smart Key system for all doors
• Folding rear seat armrest with cup holders
• Wireless charging pad
• Auto-dimming interior mirror
• Front and rear park assist with automatic braking

Prius Prime XSE Premium

The final model in the Toyota Prius Prime lineup is the XSE Premium. This trim gives you the most equipment, building on the XSE with:

• Fixed glass roof
• Power hatchback
• Driver’s seat memory settings
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Digital Key
• 12.3-inch multimedia screen
• 8-speaker JBL audio system

The XSE Premium model can be upgraded with additional features to give you:

• Digital rearview camera mirror
• Heated rear seats
• 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor
• Solar-charging roof
• Advanced Park self-parking assistant

Which Prius is right for you?

The latest Toyota Prius is the most powerful, stylish, and feature-filled version of this hybrid car ever made. Which model will be the one you take home with you today? Will you stick with the traditional system or the plug-in performance of the Prius Prime? Regardless, you’ll have a much more exciting Prius than was available when this car first hit the market.