“2016 Toyota Prius is overall a great, economical, safe, reliable, if not necessarily exciting vehicle. If you drive a lot and want to save some money on gas, consider a Prius.”
2016 Toyota Prius: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Toyota Prius is an all-new fourth-generation model built on Toyota’s TNGA platform. The redesign brings a reworked hybrid system, a stronger structure, new trims, and added driver-assist technology.
About the 2016 Toyota Prius
4th gen (2016-2022), first year
Toyota positions the Prius as the everyday hybrid benchmark: a roomy five-door hatchback built around exceptional fuel economy, low running costs, and easy day-to-day usefulness. For 2016, Toyota pushed it beyond just mileage, emphasizing a quieter cabin, better ride comfort, more confident handling, and a more upscale interior. The Prius’ core appeal is that it delivers hybrid efficiency without asking shoppers to give up hatchback cargo space, simple controls, or proven Toyota practicality.
The lineup starts with the straightforward Two, while the new Two Eco focuses on maximum fuel economy with a 56-mpg combined rating. The Three adds navigation and wireless phone charging, and the Four emphasizes comfort with heated seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. New Three Touring and Four Touring models add firmer suspension tuning, distinct exterior details, and a driver-assist safety suite.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Toyota redesigned the 1.8-liter hybrid system for better fuel economy and quieter operation. Most trims moved to a lighter lithium-ion hybrid battery, while the Two retained a nickel-metal hydride battery. The new Two Eco received efficiency-focused tuning and a 56-mpg combined rating.
Styling
The body and cabin were fully redesigned with a lower, wider stance and more cargo-friendly packaging. New Three Touring and Four Touring trims added fog lights, LED accent lights, and a distinct rear bumper treatment.
Safety
Toyota’s driver-assist safety suite was offered for the first time on selected Prius trims and came standard on the new Touring models. The Four and Four Touring also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Tech
LED projector headlights and two 4.2-inch driver-information displays became standard across the lineup. The Three and Four gained a 7-inch navigation touchscreen and wireless phone charging as key parts of their equipment packages. Premium audio changed from standard to optional on the Four.
Structural
The Prius moved to Toyota’s new TNGA platform with a stronger body structure and a new double-wishbone rear suspension. These changes improved ride comfort and handling.
2016 Toyota Prius specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 54 mpg | 54 mpg | 54 mpg | 54 mpg | 54 mpg | 54 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 50 mpg | 50 mpg | 50 mpg | 50 mpg | 50 mpg | 50 mpg |
| Horsepower | 121 hp | 121 hp | 121 hp | 121 hp | 121 hp | 121 hp |
| Torque | 105 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 24.6 cu-ft | 27.4 cu-ft | 24.6 cu-ft | 27.4 cu-ft | 27.4 cu-ft | 24.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Toyota Prius fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2016 Prius launched the fourth generation with a new TNGA platform, a redesigned body and cabin, a reworked hybrid system, a stronger structure, and a new rear suspension.
Did the 2016 Prius get better fuel economy than the 2015 model?
Yes. The Two, Three, and Four rose from 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway for 2015 to 54 mpg city and 50 mpg highway for 2016. The new Two Eco was rated at 56 mpg combined.
What was different about the new 2016 Prius Two Eco?
The 2016 Prius Two Eco was the mileage-focused trim. It used a lighter lithium-ion hybrid battery, efficiency-focused tuning, and three-door keyless access, with a 56-mpg combined rating.
What did the new 2016 Prius Touring trims add?
The new Three Touring and Four Touring added firmer suspension tuning, fog lights, LED accent lights, a distinct rear bumper treatment, and a standard driver-assist safety suite. The Four Touring also included the Four’s heated seats, power driver’s seat, and added visibility aids.
Did the 2016 Prius add new safety technology?
Yes. A driver-assist safety suite was offered on selected 2016 Prius trims for the first time and was standard on the Three Touring and Four Touring. The Four and Four Touring also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
2016 Toyota Prius Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Toyota Prius.
4.3
2016 Toyota Prius
(525 reviews)
“I average between 53 and 65 mpg! The car is very easy to maneuver, comfortable, and pretty!”
“I wanted a good hybrid (I'm not ready for all EV yet), and Toyota Prius has a good reputation for Hybrids, and a good reputation for quality vehicles. I immediately felt good about it, and loved the higher mileage (40+ mpg - sometimes 50+ mpg) from driving around the city.”