For over two decades, the Toyota Prius has been synonymous with the word "practical," often earning a reputation for being more efficient than stylish. But with the 2025 model, the Prius is back with a fresh look and a potent hybrid powertrain that’s ready to challenge its old image. This isn’t just a glow-up—this is a complete makeover, both inside and out.
When the Prius first arrived on the scene, it was like the nerdy kid in class, offering cutting-edge hybrid technology wrapped in a utilitarian design. But in 2023, the Prius underwent a transformation. With sleek new styling and a more refined powertrain, the Prius quickly shed its frumpy image and embraced a much more confident, modern persona. This trend continues with the 2025 model, which not only retains the efficiency Prius owners have loved for years but also adds power and excitement to the driving experience.
The 2025 Prius is noticeably wider and lower, giving it a more athletic stance. Under the hood, the hybrid system now produces 194 horsepower—up from the previous generation’s 121 horsepower—which makes a big difference in how the car feels on the road. The updated powertrain still relies on the 2.0-liter inline-four engine paired with two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Together, they offer a spirited driving experience without sacrificing fuel economy, a balancing act that makes the Prius an even more compelling option in today’s hybrid market.
During our testing, we recorded 44 mpg—significantly lower than the EPA’s 52 mpg combined estimate. However, it's important to note that Michigan's high-speed highways might not be the best environment to hit the Prius' full potential, as we tend to drive with a heavier foot. We'll see if that number improves once the Prius is exposed to more varied driving conditions.
The extra horsepower has made the Prius more fun to drive, although it’s clear that Toyota made some trade-offs in order to maintain fuel efficiency. At the test track, the Prius accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. It’s not lightning-fast, but it's certainly fast enough to merge onto highways and keep up with traffic. The Prius also handled 30 to 50 mph passes in just 3.9 seconds, proving it can hold its own in everyday situations.
One area where the Prius excels is its standard features. Our 2025 Prius XLE, priced at $34,249, comes with a wealth of tech and comfort features. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster, and a host of comfort features like SofTex heated seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a heated steering wheel. There are also six USB-C ports and a wireless charger to keep your devices powered up during long drives.
Toyota has made sure the Prius is as safe as it is comfortable. The XLE trim adds features like rain-sensing wipers, parking assist with automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These technologies provide an extra layer of confidence when you're on the road, especially on longer trips.
However, while the Prius is a much more fun and capable car than it once was, it’s not without its quirks. The four-cylinder engine’s sound can be somewhat coarse, and the transition between the engine and electric motors isn’t always as seamless as we’d like. Additionally, the interior ergonomics could use some fine-tuning to better accommodate all drivers.
That said, the Prius’ combination of efficiency, performance, and comfort makes it a great choice for road trips. We’ve already enjoyed our time behind the wheel, with our Buyer’s Guide Director, Rich Ceppos, noting that "This latest Prius drives in a way that even discerning enthusiasts will appreciate." While we’ve only driven it for a few months, we’re excited to see how it holds up over a longer-term test, especially once we rack up 10,000 miles and take it on some summer road trips.
With the 2025 model, the Prius has shaken off its "boring" reputation and proven that hybrid cars can be both fun and efficient. It’s a hybrid for the modern driver, and we can’t wait to see how it performs in the long run.