The Basics

The 2021 Prius comes in five trims levels: L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited. The hybrid powerplant consists of a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas-burning engine and two electric motors that produce a total system output of 121 hp; a continuously variable transmission (CVT) controls the gear ratios. As mentioned, all-wheel drive is available, but only on the LE and XLE trims. The other trim levels are front-wheel drive. The L Eco has the highest EPA-estimated fuel efficiency, at 58 mpg around town and 53 mpg highway. The other trims are nearly as efficient with FWD, rated at 54 city/50 highway. AWD takes a tad off those numbers, resulting in a 51 city/47 highway rating.

Standard Equipment by Trim Level

The L Eco gets heated exterior mirrors, LED headlights and taillights, automatic cabin temperature control, push-button start, and keyless entry. The LE adds a cargo cover for the hatchback area, a windshield wiper for the rear window, and special integrated pockets for the seatbacks. The XLE sweetens the list with keyless rear-hatch release, automatic (precipitation-sensing) windshield wipers, simulated leather seats and steering wheel wrapping, heated front seats, and wireless device charging. The 2020 Edition celebrates two decades of the Prius with special styling elements inside and out. It’s offered in two paint colors and production is limited to 2,020 units. The Limited trim receives auto-leveling headlights, and it’s eligible for a sunroof (as is the XLE).

Driver-Assist Features

As mentioned, the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) bundle of driver-assist technologies comes on all 2021 Prius models. It consists of automatic high beams, full-speed range adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist, which can read road signs and alert the driver to what action is needed. Every trim aside from the base gets parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic parking assist.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The base infotainment system in the ’21 Prius keeps everyone connected and entertained with Bluetooth hands free phone and audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, a six-speaker sound system, and a 7-inch touchscreen. There are two USB charge ports and one media port. The Limited trim switches to a large (11.6-inch), vertically mounted touchscreen that is not compatible with Android Auto; instead, it gets navigation, voice recognition, and a top-notch JBL sound system with 10 speakers. This trim also gets a head-up display, which shows vehicle speed and other stats on the windshield so that the driver’s eyes don’t have to leave the road.

Safety & Technology

While the ’20 Prius hasn’t been rated yet for its overall safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2019 version received five stars overall and it’s expected that this new model will achieve the same. For active safety features, each Prius trim comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system, which includes automatic emergency braking, pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control. If you upgrade to the LE, XLE, or Limited trims, you’ll get intelligent clearance sonar with intelligent parking assist and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

The Eco L begins with a 7-inch touchscreen interface, a six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, USB outlets, and Bluetooth hands-free. The LE receives the same technology, while the XLE upgrades to include a wireless smartphone charging unit. The Limited tops it all off with a premium ten-speaker JBL audio system and an 11.6-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation and HD/satellite radio.

2021 Prius Trims

L Eco

The 2021 Prius’s base trim, the L Eco, has auto-off Bi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights with on/off feature, LED taillights, heated side mirrors with folding feature, keyless entry (driver’s door only), and push-button start. It also has 15-inch alloy wheels and an active grille shutter that closes to maximize fuel economy. The cabin is kept comfortable with automatic climate control and a pollen filter, and the back seat splits 60/40 and folds down. Drivers can monitor their Prius’s gas and battery usage via the Multi-Information Display, which can be set up to show the energy monitor, ECO score, climate control stats, audio system playlist, and more on its 4.2-inch color screen.

The ’21 Prius shines with its base array of technology features. Passengers in the L Eco will keep their devices juiced up and connected with a 12-volt power outlet, a USB media port, and two USB charge ports. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system has smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, a sound system with six speakers, and SiriusXM satellite radio. To make the drive as safe as possible, the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of advanced active safety technology comes standard and includes pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and road sign recognition.

LE and LE AWD-e

The LE and LE AWD-e (which is simply the LE with the available all-wheel drive added) get some bonuses, including a wiper blade for the back window and a sliding cargo cover for the hatchback area. This level gets additional active-safety tech as well, with standard parking sensors with intelligent parking assist and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

XLE

The plush factor starts to rise with the XLE, which receives rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, wireless smartphone charging, and keyless entry for the front doors and rear hatch. The cabin gets soft-touch materials and the seats are upgraded with SofTex faux leather (which you’ll also find wrapping the steering wheel), plus power-adjustability for the driver; both front seats are heated on this trim. The LED headlights are upgraded to turn on automatically in low light, and the wheels are upgraded to 17-inchers. The XLE is eligible for some optional packages that will deck it out with desirable add-ons like a head-up display, adaptive front lighting system, and power moonroof.

2020 Edition

Toyota has made an appropriate number – 2,020 – of these special units, which celebrate the 20th anniversary of this quintessential gas-electric hybrid. Besides its unique badging and floor mats, it gets black wheels and exterior trim and a body-color rear spoiler. Buyers can choose between Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red paint.

Limited

The elite hybrid driver will go for the Limited’s long list of standard amenities. It gets auto-leveling LED headlights, a head-up display, 17-inch wheels with titanium finish, and some connectivity upgrades, including integrated navigation. Android Auto is dropped, though, since it’s not compatible with the generous 11.6-inch touchscreen. The sound system becomes a high-end JBL unit with ten speakers. The power moonroof remains optional.