2021 Toyota Prius hybrid

The Prius also excels in technology, be it for entertainment purposes or as safety aids. This iconic Hybrid continues to revolutionize its class every year, but there are more names like the Honda Insight Hybrid, the Kia Niro Hybrid, and the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid that have become quite popular in the same class and are relatively younger, offering striking design and all the other attributes the Prius strives for. So, in this review, let’s go through different aspects of the 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid and wrangle it against its rivals in the class to see if the legacy remains unaltered as a dominant hybrid nameplate.

The 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid continues with the same four trims but adds a 2020 Edition trim that marks the completion of 20-years of the Prius badge since its inception. The L Eco starts the lineup of the 2021 Prius with a price tag of $24,525. The Limited costs $32,650 and poses as the range-topping Prius model. Front-wheel drive comes standard with all the models, though buyers looking for all-wheel-drive would settle between LE and XLE only.

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While the base trim, the L Eco, is very tempting considering the features it offers but spending a bit more on the XLE is a wise choice due to the standard wireless phone charger, the heated SofTex seats, the heated steering wheel, and auto-dimming interior mirror. 

Every 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid is fitted with a 1.8L inline-4 paired to a 71-hp electric motor that contributes 120 lb-ft of torque; together the setup motivates the Prius with a combined output of 121 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. All the power spins the front wheels as standard, while the transmission duties are ministered by a continuously variable transmission(CVT) that does justice to both linear power delivery and economy. Buyers looking for added grip can opt for AWD-e with LE or XLE trims only. 

This fits an independent motor to the rear axle of the Prius Hybrid. Tickle the throttle pedal and you won’t be pinched back to your seats, since the sluggish Prius Hybrid manages a 0-60 MPH sprint in 9.8 seconds, while a quarter-mile run would require 17.6 seconds to cross the finish line.

The competitors can squeeze out better figures despite smaller engine displacements. In the lot, the Honda Insight Hybrid fits the most powerful electric motor, a 129-hp one, an impetus that makes it the quickest amongst the rivals.

How well does the 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid handle?

The 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid fits a 1.8L engine that churns out a mere 95-hp, while the rest is taken care of by the electric motor. The CVT manages to be convenient and smooth, while the inactive powertrain tries to push the Prius Hybrid to a higher speed. No one would expect sportscar handling reflexes from the Toyota Hybrid, and it’s dull and unengaging. The Prius Hybrid manages an impressive economy from point A to B, which is the solitary reason for its existence.

The L Eco comes with skinnier tires and an aerodynamics shape that saves the most fossil fuel. The steering remains light in all the models. While LE and XLE enjoy the extra traction which also makes it quicker than front-wheel-drive models, but not leagues ahead.

Braking Performance

The 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid is a hefty vehicle which is why a muscular braking power is required to bring the Hybrid to a complete halt. The 10.2-inch front rotors and 10-inch rear rotors assist the drive to nail feats like 131-ft braking distance at 60-MPH speeds. The Prius also rejuvenates energy and thanks to regenerating brakes, every time the driver pinches the brake pedal, the electric motor gets recharged a tad bit.

Being light is always an advantage, which is why the Honda Insight Hybrid manages to stop the earliest in emergency braking tests, while the hefty Kia Niro takes 138-ft to wind down to zero. The Hyundai boasts of the biggest discs in the segment which do a pretty good job, considering the massive weight it carries. 

Fuel economy is where the hybrids excel, and the 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid is no exception. The gas/electric combination delivers a superb EPA estimated at 56 MPG combined. The L Eco trim pulls these figures with skinny and low-resistance tires while the other trims manage to deliver an impressive EPA-estimated 52 MPG combined. For a serene drive, the Prius can go all-electric and silent for 25 miles. 

The Prius Hybrid also fits with an 11.3-gallon fuel tank to measure up to 630 miles of distance on a full tank. Besides, the regenerative braking would add some extra miles to those figures adding to the efficiency of this iconic Toyota Hybrid. 

Toyota might be the monarch of efficient Hybrids, but the likes of Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid can easily throw it off the throne, as it is renowned for boasting splendid MPG figures of any hybrid out there in the market. In terms of silent miles, the Hyundai Ioniq offers 29 electric miles, which is slightly more than the Prius Hybrid. It also carries more range overall due to the MPG figures and a bigger tank. 

The 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid might not win hearts when it comes to its looks, but hop into the cabin and you’ll have a change in perspective. Like every Toyota, the design language is subtle yet upmarket. The front seats might not look appealing but once seated, the support and relaxation are incredible. The dash design is unique, the center-mounted gauges could distract the driver from the road, who might be looking for some useful information. 

It does utilize a large amount of hard plastic, especially in the lower crimes, which is a crime that should be forgiven for the price tag it amounts to. The cabin is upscale and makes it hard to recognize that it’s an economy car after all. The rear seats are spacious for average-size adults, but the flowing roofline eats off some of the headroom. This means occupants over 6-foot tall might not love long overhauls or changes of plans. 

The Toyota Hybrid is immensely practical as it accents tonnes of features and practicality. The hatchback-style liftgate allows for bigger luggage items as the Prius Hybrid offers a handy 27.4 cu-ft of cargo space. The 60/40 split-folding seats fold down, and you’ll have ample space to pack for a weekend runaway or an impromptu picnic.

Besides the awkwardly positioned, center-mounted driver’s display, the interiors are top-notch. The rear legroom is tight, but rivals like Honda Insight are more spacious. The interior quality alleviates with the trim levels. In terms of cargo capacity, the Toyota Prius Hybrid is definitely a champ, leading with impressive figures. That said, some of the standout interior features are as follows:

• Head-up display
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Wireless charging pad
• Heated steering wheel and front seats
• SofTex simulated leather seating surfaces 
• Keyless entry for both front doors and rear hatch
• Automatic climate control

What’s there to keep you entertained?

In the infotainment section, the 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid features 7-inch touchscreen infotainment as standard. The screen boasts sharp graphics and a highly responsive touch. It comes with standard Apple CarPlay and now Android Auto as well, along with Amazon Alexa compatibility. 

The XLE trim adds to the list, a wireless charging pad. But aiming for the range-topping Limited trim would fetch the drivers with a heads-up display, which is very handy with the center-mounted driver’s cluster. The Prius Hybrid also fits a navigation system, an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an upgraded sound system. The range offers a lot in terms of infotainment and to summarise, some of the highlighting features are:

• Standard 7-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Upgradable 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Navigation system
• Head-up display
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility
• Six-speaker audio system
• Upgradable 10-speaker JBL Premium Audio system

The exterior aesthetics of the 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid are alert and more towards ugly and intriguing. The engineers at Toyota definitely manage to sketch sleek creases and sharp nose for the most efficient and aerodynamic body. However, Toyota forgot to make it appealing or even attractive. 

Many find the front fascia resembling a ninja looking back with squeezed eyes and intimidating looks. The side stance highlights the smooth roofline that merges with the back, more like a coupe. To the rear, the Prius Hybrid appears to be aggressive and sporty. The angular LED tail lights design along with burly shoulders merging to the rear boot spoiler is unique and furious. 

The 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid can make heads turn, but mostly in surprise and confusion since the attire won’t be loved by all. The side stance is smooth and the coupe-like roofline makes it more appealing. The Prius Hybrid has a big footprint, but a low ground clearance which gives it good stability on the road. That said, the looks are typical to a Prius which is also highlighted by:

• 15-/17-inch wheels
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Automatic LED headlights
• Rear window wiper

Toyota has never taken safety for granted, and for the same reason, every 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid features Toyota Sense 2.0 that brings a wide array of safety aids to the plate. The impeccable build quality and robust structure of the Prius, undoubtedly, shield the passengers in case of any mishappening. The IIHS has awarded the 2021 Prius with a top score of “Good” rating in all aspects. To add to the scores, the Prius Hybrid also offers a bunch of safety aids as standard, which include safety features like:

• Full-speed adaptive cruise control 
• Automatic high beams
• Lane departure warning 
• Road sign assist 
• Blind-spot monitor 
• Automatic emergency braking 
• Rear cross-traffic alert 

2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid vs 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

The Hyundai Ioniq offers a punchier powertrain, but that doesn’t make it any quicker than the Prius hatchback Hybrid and hence, both these rivals are head-to-head in terms of performance. Talking of interior roominess, both offer the hatchback liftgate and a very practical cabin layout. The Ioniq leads with best-in-class fuel economy, while the Toyota tops the list when reliability and a better host of safety features is a top priority

2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid vs 2021 Honda Insight Hybrid

The Honda Insight Hybrid is the most natural rival to the Toyota Prius Hybrid. The bigger sedan-like proportions of the Insight Hybrid make it more favorable in terms of spacious headroom and legroom, especially in the rear. The two rivals are head to head in terms of fuel economy, safety, and reliability, and it boils down to brand preference in the end.

2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid vs 2021 Kia Niro Hybrid

The compact Kia Niro Hybrid is a stylish hatchback that boasts better performance figures than the Toyota Hybrid. Niro lacks behind on interior room and fuel economy to the Toyota Prius Hybrid. But with finer tech bits, handsomely appointed interiors and appealing exterior give it an edge.

The 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid has lived long, for more than two decades it has dominated the Hybrid class. The affordable sticker price lures a larger crowd, and the high-efficient powertrain makes them feel satisfied. The interiors are dressed well, the layout is clean, and keeping the center-mounted driver cluster aside, the serene ambiance and admirable styling make it top-notch. The exteriors won’t be universally loved, but it doesn’t take much time to get over it. In terms of safety and reliability, Toyota has always been a leader, and the Prius Hybrid is no exception.