Toyota Prius Generations Overview: Evolution Of A Hybrid Pioneer
A few years after launching in Japan, the first Toyota Prius arrived in the United States and was produced between the 2001 and 2003 model years. Unlike later Prius models, this first-gen model was a small sedan.
Power was derived from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing just 70 horsepower, and the electric motor added another 44 hp, but quick the original Prius was certainly not. From the start, though, it was extremely efficient, managing 42/41/41 city/highway/combined. Digital readouts for the speed and infotainment gave the interior a high-tech look back in the day, while build quality was typically Toyota solid.
At just under $20k, the first Prius followed the Honda Insight as an economical hybrid for the masses. It didn't attempt to set new standards for style or performance, but its efficiency was unbeatable.
The second-generation Prius was produced between the 2004 and 2009 model years. Improved in every aspect, it became a liftback design positioned between the Corolla and Camry.
Under the skin, the XW20 introduced a new 1.5L four-pot and electric motor that produced 110 combined horsepower, paired with a CVT. Efficiency was up to 48/45/46 mpg, and it had an impressive range of 547 miles. Performance was better but still meek, with over 11 seconds required to get from zero to 60 mph.
A spacious interior that looked futuristic for the period was another plus point for this Prius generation, which underwent a light facelift for the 2006 model year.
Sales of the XW20 were much better than the first version, and it's this Prius that became a status symbol for the environmentally-conscious group - or, quite simply, those who wanted to appear environmentally-conscious.
Produced between the 2010 and 2015 model years, the third-gen Prius continued with the liftback body style of its predecessor. It still looks quite odd, but the unique body did help give the car a low drag coefficient of just 0.25 Cd, which obviously came with efficiency benefits.
A new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor duo combined for 134 hp, while a CVT and front-wheel drive were still standard. Efficiency once again dominated, with the 2010 Prius capable of returning 51/48/50 mpg, and its range was now almost 600 miles. Toyota also sold the smaller, reliable Prius C hatchback from the 2012 model year, which could manage 53/46/50 mpg.
For the 2012 model year, a plug-in hybrid version of the Prius was introduced. This one could hit 95 MPGe/50 mpg combined, but the all-electric range was only 11 miles. And, whereas today's plug-ins are almost always more powerful than normal hybrids, the original Prius PHEV still made just 134 hp.
Inside, Toyota freed up more cargo space, materials used were nicer, and advanced options like radar cruise control and a solar roof became available.
Related: These 10 Hybrids Hold Their Value Better Than All Other Models
On sale between the 2016 and 2022 model years, the fourth-gen Prius saw further advances to the car's battery and electric motor technologies, all aimed at setting new standards for efficiency.
The standard model's 1.8L four-pot and electric motor combine for 121 hp, which is actually less than the outgoing model, so it still needs well over 10 seconds to reach 60. Power went to the front wheels via a CVT as usual, but the XW50 eventually introduced the first AWD Prius in late 2018, with an electric motor powering the rear wheels but still failing to turn the Toyota into an exciting performer in any way. In Eco guise, this Prius managed 58/53/56 mpg, while the AWD variant got up to 50 mpg combined.
The updated Prius Prime plug-in hybrid really began to distance itself from the normal Prius with this generation, as its all-electric range was now up to 25 miles. Efficiency was up to 133 MPGe/54 mpg combined.
For 2019, Toyota introduced a facelifted model that toned down the original XW50's gawky styling. As we'll see in our next entry, this was the last of the Toyota Prius generations with awkward styling.
After four generations of highly efficient but slow and oddly-styled Prius models, Toyota changed everything when the all-new, current iteration arrived for the 2023 model year. Although still a hatchback, the current Prius is considered one of the best makeovers in modern car design history. It's still a hatchback, but there's a cohesion and Lexus-like premium aura to the new look that no previous Prius came close to.
Inside, it's still a high-tech affair with dual screens and the latest infotainment, but rearward visibility is still not great, and the sleeker roofline eats into headroom somewhat.
The powertrain is a revelation compared to the older Prius. A new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor combination makes 194 hp in FWD models and 196 hp in AWD versions. Despite being so much more powerful, efficiency is still exemplary at up to 57/56/57 mpg.
The new Prius plug-in hybrid is properly quick, courtesy of a new 220-hp powertrain. It can also go up to 45 miles on electric power alone, while efficiency is 127 MPGe/52 mpg combined.
In fifth-gen form, the Prius is a perfect representation of how far hybrids have come. They no longer appeal to a niche audience or require futuristic styling to let everyone know what it is you're driving. Rather, hybrids are now considered as commonplace as any other gas car, just with superior efficiency. And the Prius is finally a car you won't buy for its efficiency alone.
Related: 2024 Toyota Prius Review: Save gas, look good, have fun
Being a Toyota, any Prius has the potential to last for many years. However, the fourth-gen model has good ratings and fewer recalls than earlier Prius models.
The fourth-gen Prius was manufactured between the 2016 and 2022 model years.
The 2010 Toyota Prius from the third generation looks like a troublesome one, as it has the most issues on Car Complaints. Excessive oil consumption was the leading problem faced by owners of this particular model.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Tom's Guide
an hour ago
- Tom's Guide
EVs are notoriously expensive, so I'm leasing one instead — here's why it's the smarter way to go
As much as I love testing out all of the best electric cars on the market, there's still one thing that makes a lot of people (myself included) hesitant about buying one — their cost. EVs are obnoxiously expensive and I often argue how hybrids and PHEVs are better alternatives. For the past year now, I've been debating on what car I should buy next, but it doesn't help when the average EV costs $56,910 according to the latest data from Kelly Blue Book. I was curious to know how much I'd have to pay if I were to finance that cost, which this auto loan calculator determines to be about $1,016/month for 60 months. That's an obscene amount of money, and I just can't fathom ever paying that each month for just my car, let alone having to deal with other expenses like my mortgage, cell phone plan, and more. At this point, I'm unlikely to ever buy an EV — so I plan to lease one instead. Here's why I think it's the smarter way to go. After checking out the calculations on what I'd have to pay to finance an EV that costs $56,910, it really adds more even more stress to the shopping process. Even though I've been tempted by some of the more affordable EVs on the market, like the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Tesla Model 3, you're still looking at prices around $40,000. I've been looking through some EV lease deals and I have to admit they're attractive. Instead of shelling out close to $1,000/month, you're looking at paying a fraction of that. Of course, it's all contingent on your credit score, but that's the case too when you're financing a vehicle. Considering how price continues to be a major roadblock for EV adoption, these lease deals open EVs up to more people because you're spending much less for a brand new electric vehicle. Here are just some of my favorite EV lease deals right now for cars that I've personally tested. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. 2025 Toyota bZ4X: $179/month for 36 monthsThe Toyota bZ4X has some of the best lease deals around because you can get this crossover SUV for as low as $179/month with $3,999 down. Toyota's first and only all-electric vehicle has the utility you need for just about everything, including decent legroom and a futuristic design that makes it stand out on the road. Read our full Toyota bZ4X review 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEL: $209/month for 24 monthsSimilarly, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 isn't too shabby either. Although I love its driving performance and style better than the bZ4X, you still have to put down $3,999 at signing and you only have it for 24 months. Despite this, the 3 mi/kWh average efficiency is pretty good for its size. Read our full Hyundai Ioniq 5 review 2025 Honda Prologue AWD EX: $209/month for 36 monthWhen I first looked at the Honda Prologue, I thought it was too plain and boring. However, that all changed once I started to drive. At $209/month with $2,899 due at signing, you're getting an all-electric SUV that offers excellent efficiency and the reliability that Honda's known for. Read our full Honda Prologue review When you lease a vehicle, you typically don't have to pay for maintenance services because they're usually covered by the manufacturer's warranty. You're probably used to getting oil changes every 10,000 miles, but that's not a concern for EVs. Instead, the stuff you'd have to replace on an EV are your windshield fluid, coolant system, and the cabin filter. Meanwhile, the regenerative braking system incorporated in many EVs helps to reduce wear on traditional brake components. That's why I always recommend trying to use their one-pedal driving to get acquainted with how they handle, which will go a long way to reduce wear and tear. Since most lease agreements go from 2 to 3 years, it's unlikely that the braking system and tires would need to be replaced. The last reason why leasing an EV is better than buying one is that you could be getting a new vehicle every few years. Most car dealerships offer you the chance to buy your lease vehicle at the end of the lease period, but I would probably opt to lease another one — hopefully at close to the same cost. Regardless, you're practically getting a new vehicle and that's a good thing. I know that it means that you won't ever own an EV, but the thought about having a new toy every few years does sound exciting, much like getting a new phone in the same span. Newer models could also come with more features, like how ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) continues to evolve and be more reliable. I can't deny how these lease offers are much more conducive to my budget, plus this is one way of making EVs accessible to more people — including those who are still apprehensive about these kinds of cars. Leasing an EV gives you the opportunity to see if an EV is right for you, since you're not paying for the full cost of the vehicle. Even though the EVs I recommended above are modest options all under $50,000, some of the pricier ones are still attractive under lease deals. Take one of my favorite all-electric pickup trucks, the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning XLT, which costs a whopping $65,540. I'm looking at a monthly cost of $738/month for 84 months according to Ford's listing. As much as I'm shocked by the first figure, it's the second one that puts a dagger through my chest. In contrast, it's a $324/month payment with a 24-month lease and $6,878 down. Yes, that last number is a bit too rich for what I'd like to shell out for a down payment, but that $324/month rate looks much more appealing than $738. Leasing isn't for everyone, but if it's something that fits your lifestyle and budget, I'd suggest you consider leasing one next. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.

Indianapolis Star
an hour ago
- Indianapolis Star
What is the Brickyard 400 weather forecast at Indianapolis Motor Speedway? Schedule, TV, tickets, playoffs, entry list
The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval for the Brickyard 400, the 22nd points-paying race in the 26-race Cup regular season, which will be followed by 10 playoff races. A series champion will be crowned on Nov. 4. The inaugural race was in 1994 and was run continuously through 2020. Jeff Gordon won the race 5 times (1994, '98, 2001, '04, '14), Jimmie Johnson 4 (2006, '08-09, '12) and Kevin Harvick 3 (2003, '19-20). Among active drivers, Kyle Busch has won twice (2015-16). All times ET 10 a.m.: Gates open 12:05-12:55 p.m.: Xfinity Series practice 1:05-1:55 p.m.: Cup Series practice 11 a.m.: Gates open 1-1:55 p.m.: Xfinity Series qualifying 2:35-3:30 p.m.: Cup Series qualifying 4:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series 250-mile race (100 laps) 10 a.m.: Gates open 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Track walk ($20 voucher required) 1-1:10 p.m.: Drivers' brick walk 1:05 p.m.: Driver introductions 2 p.m.: Brickyard 400 Cup Series race Decades of history: Best and worst of NASCAR Brickyard 400 action Friday: 40% chance of rain with highs in the upper 80s. Saturday: 25% chance of rain with highs in the upper 80s. Sunday: 25% chance of rain with highs in the upper 80s. TV: TNT, HBO Radio: IMS Radio Network Streaming: SiriusXM Channel 90 Watch the Brickyard 400 on Sling Practice tickets begin at $20. Race tickets begin at $45. (Through July 20; race winners are in the 16-driver playoffs that begin Aug. 31; the other spots are filled by points winners) Drivers who have not won a race Below the 16-driver cut line Through four rounds of seeded matchups since June 28 in Atlanta, the In-Season Challenge championship matchup is set between Ty Gibbs and Ty Dillon. The better finisher between them wins $1 million. Dillon, the last of 32 seeded drivers entering event, finished better than top seed Denny Hamlin in Atlanta, No. 17 Brad Keselowski in Chicago, Alex Bowman at Sonoma and No. 12 John Hunter Nemechek in Dover. Gibbs was seeded 6th and finished better than No. 27 Justin Haley in Atlanta, No. 22 A.J. Allmendinger in Chicago, No. 14 Zane Smith and No. 23 Tyler Reddick in Dover. (With car number, driver, team, engine) 1, Ross Chastain, Trackhouse, Chevrolet 2, Austin Cindric, Penske, Ford 3, Austin Dillon, Childress, Chevrolet 4, Noah Gragson, Front Row, Ford 5, Kyle Larson, Hendrick, Chevrolet 6, Brad Keselowski, RFK, Ford 7, Justin Haley, Spire, Chevrolet 8, Kyle Busch, Childress, Chevrolet 9, Chase Elliott, Hendrick, Chevrolet 10, Ty Dillon, Kaulig, Chevrolet 11, Denny Hamlin, Gibbs, Toyota 12, Ryan Blaney, Penske, Ford 16, A.J. Allmendinger, Kaulig, Chevrolet 17, Chris Buescher, RFK, Ford 19, Chase Briscoe, Gibbs, Toyota 20, Christopher Bell, Gibbs, Toyota 21, Josh Berry, Wood Brothers, Ford 22, Joey Logano, Penske, Ford 23, Bubby Wallace, 23XI, Toyota 24, William Byron, Hendrick, Chevrolet 34, Todd Gilliland, Front Row, Ford 35, Riley Herbst, 23XI, Toyota 38, Zane Smith, Front Row, Ford 41, Cole Custer, Haas Factory, Ford 42, John Hunter Nemechek, Legacy, Toyota 43, Erik Jones, Legacy, Toyota 45, Tyler Reddick, 23XI, Toyota 47, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Hyak, Chevrolet 48, Alex Bowman, Hendrick, Chevrolet 51, Cody Ware, Ware, Ford 54, Ty Gibbs, Gibbs, Toyota 60, Ryan Preece, RFK, Ford 62, Jesse Love, Beard, Chevrolet 66, Josh Bilicki, Garage 66, Ford 71, Michael McDowell, Spire, Chevrolet 77, Carson Hocevar, Spire, Chevrolet 78, Katherine Legge, Live Fast, Chevrolet 88, Shane Van Gisbergen, Trackhouse, Chevrolet 99, Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse, Chevrolet 160 laps on the 2.5.-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval


New York Times
5 hours ago
- New York Times
Trade Deal Could Give Japanese Cars a Leg Up in U.S. Market
The new trade agreement between Japan and the Trump administration could give cars made in that country an advantage over vehicles that come from Canada and Mexico. President Trump's agreement with Japan, which was announced on Tuesday, will impose a 15 percent tariff on cars, which is considerably lower than the 25 percent tax he placed on all imported vehicles in April. On Wednesday, a group representing three of the largest U.S. automakers — General Motors, Ford Motor and Stellantis — said the deal could set those companies back. Those three automakers collectively make more than two million cars and trucks in Canada and Mexico, many of them with American-made engines, transmissions and other parts. Those vehicles will still be subject to 25 percent tariffs. The three companies worry that Mr. Trump's agreement with Japan will give automakers like Toyota Motor and Honda a big leg up unless the administration reaches similar deals with Canada and Mexico. 'American automakers still need to review the details of the U.S.-Japan agreement, but any deal that charges a lower tariff for Japanese imports with virtually no U.S. content than it does North American-built vehicles with high U.S. content is a bad deal for the U.S. industry and U.S. autoworkers,' Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, said in a statement. The council represents G.M., Ford and Stellantis. A group that represents the U.S. operations of several foreign automakers, known as Autos Drive America, said it was urging the Trump administration to reach similar agreements with Canada, Mexico, South Korea and the European Union. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.