“Hatchback does not open automatically. You must Press key unlock to unlock it. Previous Priuses unlocked it with key in pocket or purse. This necessity to press key in order to open hatch very inconvenient. Would love hatch opening with foot movement under bumper.”
2019 Toyota Prius: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2019 Toyota Prius is the addition of AWD-e to the regular hatchback’s LE and XLE trims. The regular Prius also receives a mid-cycle styling and equipment update, while the Prius Prime plug-in carries over with no comparable changes.
About the 2019 Toyota Prius
4th-generation Prius family. The standard Prius hatchback is in the 2016-2022 generation and 2019 is its mid-cycle refresh year; Prius Prime belongs to the related plug-in branch introduced for 2017 and is largely unchanged for 2019.
The Prius family is Toyota’s efficiency-first hatchback line. The regular Prius is aimed at drivers who want outstanding fuel economy without needing to plug in, while Prius Prime is aimed at commuters who can cover short daily trips on electricity and still have hybrid range for longer drives. Toyota markets the family around low fuel use, everyday hatchback practicality, strong safety tech, and proven hybrid dependability rather than speed or luxury.
The regular Prius lineup ranges from the efficiency-focused L Eco, rated at 56 mpg combined, to the Limited with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, navigation, premium JBL audio, and a head-up display. LE is the practical middle trim, while XLE adds a more comfortable cabin and shares the new AWD-e option. The Prius Prime remains the plug-in choice, with 25 miles of electric range and features such as heated front seats or premium audio, depending on trim.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
AWD-e joins the regular Prius lineup on LE and XLE trims. The front-wheel-drive hybrid and Prius Prime plug-in hybrid systems are otherwise unchanged.
Styling
The regular Prius hatchback gets a refreshed front end and revised rear lighting, along with updated interior trim details. Its numeric trim names are replaced by L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited. Prius Prime styling is unchanged.
Tech
The regular Prius gains additional USB charging capacity and a larger wireless-charging tray on applicable trims. Limited and XLE also gain a standard heated steering wheel.
2019 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 | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 54 mpg | 54 mpg | 54 mpg | 54 mpg | |||
| MPG Highway | 50 mpg | 50 mpg | 50 mpg | 50 mpg | |||
| Horsepower | 121 hp | 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 | 105 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 24.6 cu-ft | 27.4 cu-ft | 19.8 cu-ft | 27.4 cu-ft | 27.4 cu-ft | 19.8 cu-ft | 19.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 25 | 25 | 25 | ||||
| MPGe Combined | 133 | 133 | 133 | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2019 Toyota Prius have all-wheel drive?
Yes. AWD-e is offered on the 2019 regular Prius LE and XLE trims. The L Eco, Limited, and Prius Prime trims do not receive this all-wheel-drive system.
How is the 2019 Toyota Prius different from the 2018 model?
The 2019 regular Prius adds AWD-e on LE and XLE, refreshed front and rear styling, new trim names, extra USB charging capacity, and interior trim updates. The Prius Prime is effectively unchanged.
Did Toyota change the Prius trim names for 2019?
Yes. The 2019 regular Prius switches from numeric names such as One, Two, Three, and Four to L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited. The Prius Prime continues with Plus, Premium, and Advanced trims.
Was the 2019 Toyota Prius Prime updated too?
No. The 2019 Prius Prime does not receive the regular Prius hatchback’s AWD-e system or comparable styling refresh. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain and trim lineup are essentially unchanged for this year.
Is the 2019 Toyota Prius worth considering over the 2018 model?
The 2019 model is the more relevant choice if AWD, the refreshed exterior, newer trim names, or added charging ports matter to you. Otherwise, the regular Prius keeps the same basic hybrid platform, and the 2019 Prius Prime changes very little from 2018.
2019 Toyota Prius Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Toyota Prius.
4.1
2019 Toyota Prius
(241 reviews)
“It makes a sound like an approaching siren as you start accelerating. Visibility could be better. Feels heavy. A little over stylized outside design.”
“I love how economic this car is. This car also performs well. This car is very stylish.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2019 Prius Most Capable Thanks Available New Awd E System
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2020 Toyota Prius Brings Its A Game With Standard Apple Carplay And Many More Features
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2020 Toyota Prius Prime Solution Rising Gas Prices
- pressroom.toyota.com — Prime Mover Toyota Creates 2017 Prius Prime