Trims and Powertrain

The 2026 Prius lineup comprises the LE, XLE, Nightshade, and Limited grades. They use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system, which produces 194 total horsepower in the standard front-wheel-drive configuration. Output increases to 196 horsepower with the optional all-wheel drivetrain. An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) is used in both powertrains.

Fuel economy varies slightly by trim and drivetrain. The LE with FWD tops the list, achieving an EPA-estimated 57 mpg around town and 56 mpg on the highway, while the AWD version is rated at 53 city/54 highway. The other trims are EPA-rated at 52 mpg for both city and highway with FWD and 49 city/50 highway with AWD.

Standard Features

The LE includes LED exterior lighting with automatic high beams, fabric-trimmed seats, single-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry for the driver’s door, push-button start, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, heated power side mirrors, a 7-inch digital instrument display, a cargo area cover, six USB-C ports, and 17-inch alloy wheels with covers. The XLE adds SofTex-trimmed leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an eight-way power driver’s seat, proximity keyless entry for the front doors and trunk, rain-sensing windshield wipers, wireless device charging, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The Nightshade’s highlights are SofTex upholstery with gray contrast stitching, carbon-fiber-look dash trim, and black exterior accents, including black-finished 19-inch wheels. A fixed-glass roof and digital rearview mirror are optional for the XLE and Nightshade. The Limited provides a more premium touch with the fixed-glass roof plus heated and ventilated front seats, a driver’s memory system, a power liftback, and a digital key. The options for Limited include heated rear seats and a digital rearview mirror.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is installed on all four Prius trims. This technology suite includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, proactive driving assist, safe exit assist, automatic high beams, and rear seat reminder. Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking is available on the LE and standard on higher trims. The Limited is eligible for a surround-view monitor and semi-autonomous parking. Every trim gets a set of airbags, stability control, traction control, and a rearview monitor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The LE and XLE get an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen while the Limited rises to a 12.3-inch version, which is optional for the XLE and Nightshade. Both systems bring together wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. A six-speaker audio system is found on the LE, XLE, and Nightshade, while the Limited has an eight-speaker JBL setup. All trims come with access to Toyota Connected Services with over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and remote vehicle access through a smartphone app.