Overview
Toyota basically moved the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid into a new social circle—hybrids that are cool—with its 2023 makeover, and for 2025 is providing it a moniker worthy of its slick new wardrobe: Prius PHEV. The self-explanatory PHEV abbreviation makes sense given the buying public's increasing knowledge with EVs and hybrids and their related vocabulary. Apart from the name change, though, the 2025 Prius PHEV keeps to the agenda with no major modifications: it keeps the current, four-door hatchback body shape available in three grades and the 220-horsepower hybrid powertrain comprising of 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a pair of electric motors. For the SE grade, EPA-estimated EV-only range remains same at 44 miles; for the XSE and XSE Premium, it is 39 miles. The Prius line has always been a smart decision; it's the fresh look and real fun-to-drive behavior that emerged with the 2023 facelift that continues to wow and make the Prius PHEV a top choice in small cars regardless of powertrain.
What is new for 2025?
Apart from changing the nomenclature to "Prius PHEV" from the rather awkward "Prius Prime plug-in hybrid," it rolls into 2025 almost unaltered.
Pricing and Choice of Purchase
Starting at $34,510, the price of the 2025 Toyota Prius PHEV rises based on trim and extras to $41,205.
The Prius PHEV is offered in SE, XSE, and XSE Premium grades, all of which represent the model's enhanced athleticism. We'd select the XSE, as it comes with extras like as keyless entry, a motorized rear hatch, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated front seats. Those XSE features are an addition to the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic high-beam headlamps that all come standard.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All Prius PHEV versions come with a 160-hp 2.0-liter gas engine that connects with two electric motors: one that powers the drive wheels and another that operates a planetary gearset to mete out the gas engine's oomph in a manner that resembles a belt-driven continuously variable automatic gearbox. The result is 220 horsepower and more horsepower than in the standard Mazda 3, Honda Civic Si or Subaru Impreza. What a time to be alive. The Prius PHEV has only FWD, but they may in the near future bring out models with the All-Wheel Drive as Toyota extra charge. If this is the true, then expect a so-equipped Prius PHEV to have another electric motor to drive only the two rear wheels.
0–60-MPH Times
At our test track, the Prius PHEV touched 60 mph in 6.7 seconds while utilizing both its gasoline and electric motors together; when propelled by simply the electric motors, it required 11.2 seconds.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
A lithium-ion battery pack provides the Prius PHEV an electric driving of as much as 44 miles. During our testing of an XSE model, we accomplished 33 miles of highway driving on our 75-mph interstate fuel economy route before the battery exhausted and the gasoline engine had to kick in. Besides recharging via the usual outlet, a set of roof-mounted solar panels contributes a tiny amount of electricity when the car is parked. Take the Prius PHEV out for a drive and the solar panels supply power to accessory things, such as the air-conditioning system. Alas, the panels are not available on the lower-end SE and XSE trims—only on the XSE Premium.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
When depending on both its electric motors and four-cylinder engine for motivation, the Prius PHEV SE is rated by the EPA for 52 mpg city/highway combined. In our tests, we recorded 46 mpg highway. For more information regarding the Prius PHEV's fuel efficiency, see the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Just like the exterior of the Prius PHEV, the interiors of this car are as good as you would expect. Parking in design influences put in in the bZ4X electric SUV, the PHEV’s inn has a style hood arranged one with a huge center-mounted touchscreen screen. Gone is the center-mounted gauge cluster of Priuses past. Instead, the 2024 model boasts a cluster situated immediately in front of the driver that’s, weirdly, partially covered by the steering wheel. Additionally, the PHEV sees its shifter migrate from the dash to the center console. We found the driver's seat to give just adequate headroom, while the backseat's low roof left less room for heads.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard on Prius PHEV SE and XSE models, however a huge 12.3-inch one is optionally available on the latter. The big-screen system comes standard on the top-of-the-line XSE Premium, as does a premium JBL audio system. Regardless of trim, every Prius PHEV offers six USB-C connections and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Read Also: Features of the 2025 Nissan Versa
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Toyota equips the Prius PHEV with many fundamental driving assistance technologies, but functions such as a surround-view camera and front and rear parking aid systems are available as extras. In addition to the data on the Prius PHEV’s crash-test scores, customers can visit the NHTSA website and the website of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Key safety elements include:
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Standard Active Adaptive Cruise Control, forward collision warning, intermittent autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian recognition
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Assist and standard lane-departure alert with lane-keeping aid
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Conventional intelligent cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Comparing to its competitors, Toyota’s warranty coverage is line with the plans provided by many of them or even exceeds them, as, for instance, Toyota performs two free maintenance checks within the first two years of ownership.
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Express limited warranty that is being offered is that the product comes with a three year or 36,000 miles guarantee.
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Powertrain warranty is for five years or sixty thousand miles
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Hybrid components are covered for 10 years or 150;000 miles
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This is freely offered for a period of two years or 25,00 miles whichever comes first.
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