2025 Toyota Prius

Toyota was “going green” before it became mainstream, and consumers took notice in a big way. In fact, in those early days, some people even referred to any gas-electric vehicle, regardless of brand, as a “Prius.” These days, even though hybrid vehicles are now commonplace, few of them can replicate the Prius’ signature blend of innovative efficiency and modern styling – especially with the current generation’s slick and ultra-modern look. The 2025 Prius continues to turn heads with the all-new Nightshade Edition, featuring an edgy dark design theme and exterior paint choices of white, black, and the trim-exclusive shade of gold called Karashi.

Trim Levels, Powertrain, and Performance

Toyota presents four trim levels of the 2025 Prius – LE, XLE, Nightshade Edition, and Limited – all of which are available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Each grade has the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. FWD versions get a single electric motor, which combines with the gas engine for a total output of 194 horsepower, while the dual-motor configuration produces 196 hp. The EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are highest on the LE, with returns of 57 mpg city/56 mpg highway for FWD and 53 mpg city/54 mpg highway for AWD. All remaining trims achieve an estimated 52 city/52 highway (FWD) and 49 city/50 highway (AWD).

Standard and Available Equipment

The entry-level LE has fabric upholstery, bi-LED automatic on/off projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and brake lights, heated power side mirrors with folding capability, a steering wheel wrapped in synthetic leather, a 7-inch LCD multi-information display, a cargo-area tonneau cover, six USB ports (two front/two center console/two rear), 17-inch alloy wheels, and remote keyless entry with Smart Key functionality on the driver’s side door. The XLE sits on 19-inch alloy wheels and gains rain-sensing windshield wipers, synthetic leather front seating, heated front seats with an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, two rear cupholders, and enhanced Smart Key (it adds the front passenger-side door and trunk).

The Nightshade Edition is an appearance-driven trim that has black SofTex upholstery with gray contrast stitching, carbon-fiber accents on the dashboard, black door sills, black-finished 19-inch alloy wheels, and a blacked-out treatment across the badging, door handles, bumper trim, and roof-mounted shark-fin antenna. As mentioned, it’s also the only Prius that can be customized with the new Karashi exterior color. The top-tier Limited has a stunning fixed-glass roof, heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings for the driver’s seat, Digital Key capability (allows owners to control certain vehicle functions via their compatible smartphone), and a power liftback for hands-free access to the rear cargo area.

Advanced Safety Features

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) is the automaker’s latest installment of its advanced driver-assist technologies. On every trim of the ’25 Prius, the suite consists of automatic high beams, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, proactive driving assist, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist. Although they’re not technically part of TSS 3.0, safe exit alert and blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert also come standard. Front/rear parking assist with automatic braking is added to all but the LE. The Limited Premium Package can be added to its namesake trim for a panoramic view monitor and Advanced Park, a hands-free system that can help with reversing into a parking spot and parallel parking.

Multimedia and Connectivity

The LE, XLE, and Nightshade Edition are all equipped with an 8-inch color touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth Hands-Free phone and music streaming, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Trial access is also included for Toyota connected services, a package that includes Wi-Fi Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, Safety Connect, and Drive Connect. The Limited gets a host of premium upgrades, including a 12.3-inch color touchscreen, a top-quality JBL audio system with eight speakers and an amplifier, and a one-year subscription to Drive Connect.