2009 Toyota Prius: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The main change for the 2009 Toyota Prius was its three-trim lineup of Standard, Base, and Touring. Otherwise, it was a quiet final year for the second-generation Prius, with no major mechanical, styling, safety, or technology updates.

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About the 2009 Toyota Prius

2nd generation (2004-2009), final model year before the 2010 redesign

Toyota positioned the 2009 Prius as the everyday hybrid hatchback for mainstream drivers, not a science project or niche commuter special. The brochure’s “Prius for the people” theme fits the model well: it paired standout fuel economy with real room for five, a practical liftback cargo area, and an easy-to-use hybrid system that asked very little from the driver. Against rivals, its main draw was saving fuel without giving up family-car usefulness.

The 2009 Prius ranged from the efficiency-focused Standard to the more convenient Base, which added cruise control and heated mirrors. Touring gave the hybrid hatchback a sportier look and feel with a tuned suspension, 16-inch wheels, stronger headlights, fog lamps, and a larger rear spoiler.

What changed, by category

Trim lineup

Standard, Base, and Touring joined the lineup for 2009. All three used the same 1.5-liter hybrid system and electronically controlled automatic transmission.

2009 Toyota Prius specs and features by trim

Feature	2009 Toyota PriusBase0 in stock	2009 Toyota PriusTouring0 in stock	2009 Toyota PriusStandard0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.5 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.5 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.5 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, CVT	Automatic, CVT	Automatic, CVT
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid
MPG City	48 mpg	48 mpg	48 mpg
MPG Highway	45 mpg	45 mpg	45 mpg
Horsepower	110 hp	110 hp	110 hp
Torque	82 lb-ft	82 lb-ft	82 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	14.4 cu-ft	14.4 cu-ft	14.4 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	38.6 in	38.6 in	38.6 in
Seats	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Cruise Control
Rear View Camera
Stability Control
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Heated Mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Comfort & Convenience
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Proximity Keyless Entry
Tilt Wheel

How the 2010 Toyota Prius compares

The 2010 Toyota Prius is fully redesigned, marking the start of its third generation. The headline change is a larger 1.8-liter hybrid system with 134 total horsepower and an EPA-rated 50 mpg combined.

See the full 2010 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2009 Toyota Prius redesigned?

No. The 2009 Prius remained the second-generation hatchback and was its final model year; the redesigned third-generation Prius arrived for 2010.

How is the 2009 Toyota Prius different from the 2008 model?

The main year-over-year difference is the 2009 lineup of Standard, Base, and Touring trims. The hybrid powertrain, body, safety equipment, and core technology otherwise carried over.

Did the 2009 Toyota Prius get a different hybrid system?

No. Every 2009 Prius retained the 1.5-liter hybrid system and electronically controlled automatic transmission used across the lineup.

What is different about the 2009 Prius Touring?

The Touring is the sportier-looking 2009 Prius. It has a tuned suspension, 16-inch wheels, high-intensity headlights, fog lamps, a larger rear spoiler, cruise control, and heated outside mirrors.

Is the 2009 Toyota Prius the same generation as the 2010 model?

No. The 2009 Prius is the last year of the second generation, while the 2010 Prius introduced the redesigned third generation.