Trims, Powertrain, and Fuel Economy

Toyota presents the redesigned Prius in a simple lineup of three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited. As we mentioned, the hybrid powertrain is stronger than before. With standard front-wheel drive it puts out 194 hp, but with available all-wheel drive that inches up to 196 hp. Fuel economy is dependent on the drivetrain and trim level. Specifically, the FWD LE returns an EPA-estimated 57 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway; with AWD, it achieves 53 city/54 highway. The FWD XLE and Limited will give you 52 mpg both in the city and on the highway, but with AWD that dips to 49 city/50 highway.

Featured Amenities

The LE has auto-off headlights, LED exterior lighting fixtures, heated side mirrors, proximity keyless entry (Smart Key), push-button ignition, single-zone automatic climate control, a top-mount 7-inch multi-information display, a host of UBS-C ports (six in total), a synthetic-leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback. The upgrades to the XLE are auto on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, expanded Smart Key capability, wireless phone charging, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, heated SofTex front seats with driver’s power adjustments, and two rear-seat cupholders. A fixed-glass roof and Digital Key are available on the first two trims and standard on the Limited, which also gets ventilated front seats with driver’s position memory and is eligible for a digital rearview mirror and heated rear seats.

Active Safety Features

The latest edition of Toyota Safety Sense (Toyota Safety Sense 3.0) is standard in the redesigned Prius. It incorporates a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and proactive driving assist, which provides gentle braking and/or steering support in certain situations.

All three trims also have blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, and a rear-seat reminder. The XLE and Limited add front and rear parking sensors with reverse automatic braking (which are available for the LE). As the top trim, the Limited qualifies for a panoramic view monitor and Advanced Park, Toyota’s new automatic parking system.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The LE and XLE come with a revamped infotainment system that’s made up of an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and a six-speaker sound system. The Limited advances to a 12.3-inch touchscreen (optional for the XLE) and a premium eight-speaker JBL sound system. All trims also have trial access to a Wi-Fi hotspot, vehicle diagnostics, remote vehicle services, and emergency safety services. The Drive Connect service (which includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest, Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, and Destination Assist) is available via paid subscription.