“Incredible savings, looks pretty sleek. Ev mode has incredible pickup, but gas motor is severely lacking.”
2020 Toyota Prius: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The single biggest change for the 2020 Toyota Prius is standard Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa across the family. This is a mid-cycle technology and usability update rather than a redesign, with Prius Prime receiving the more substantial cabin changes.
About the 2020 Toyota Prius
4th-generation Prius liftback (2016-2022) and first Prius Prime plug-in variant on the same basic architecture (2017-2022); 2020 is a late-cycle year after the 2019 Prius facelift, while Prius Prime gets a meaningful mid-run update for seating and tech.
The Prius family is Toyota's efficiency-first hatchback line for drivers who want low fuel use, proven hybrid hardware, and everyday practicality more than speed or style drama. The regular Prius leans on excellent mileage, a roomy hatchback layout, and simple daily usability. Prius Prime adds the ability to cover many short commutes on electricity first, then work like a conventional hybrid once the charge is used, making it especially appealing for commuters who can plug in at home.
The regular Prius ranges from the efficiency-focused L Eco to the Limited, which has an 11.6-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and a head-up display that projects key information onto the windshield. Prius Prime is the plug-in model, with 25 miles of EPA-rated electric range on the LE and a larger vertical touchscreen on XLE and Limited. LE and XLE also cover regular Prius versions with practical or comfort-focused equipment, including parking aids on LE and heated seats on XLE.
What changed, by category
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa become standard across the Prius family. Regular Prius L Eco, LE, and XLE receive a 7-inch touchscreen, while Prius Prime adds two rear USB charging ports.
Safety
Safety Connect becomes standard on every regular Prius trim.
Structural
Prius Prime changes from four seats to five, adding a middle rear seating position.
Styling
Prius Prime receives black interior accents and other small cabin updates.
Powertrain
The hybrid hardware does not change, but the Prius Prime plug-in powertrain moves into LE, XLE, and Limited grades. The previous Plus, Premium, and Advanced grade names are dropped.
2020 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 |
| Transmission | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Plug-In Hybrid / Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid / Hybrid | Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid / 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 |
| Torque | 105 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 19.8–24.6 cu-ft | 19.8–27.4 cu-ft | 27.4 cu-ft | 19.8–27.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 25 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 25 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 25 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |
| MPGe Combined | 133 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 133 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 133 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |
| 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 | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| 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
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Toyota Prius?
The biggest change is standard Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa across the Prius family. Regular Prius models also gain standard Safety Connect, and most trims receive a 7-inch touchscreen.
Does the 2020 Toyota Prius Prime have five seats?
Yes. The 2020 Prius Prime has five seats instead of the previous four-seat layout, and it also adds two USB charging ports for rear passengers.
Was the 2020 Toyota Prius redesigned?
No. The 2020 Prius remains part of the fourth generation and carries over the basic hybrid hardware and body introduced earlier. Its updates focus on phone integration, infotainment, safety services, and the Prius Prime cabin.
What happened to the Prius Prime Plus, Premium, and Advanced trims for 2020?
Those grade names were dropped for 2020. The Prius Prime plug-in lineup uses LE, XLE, and Limited instead, matching the naming pattern of the regular Prius.
Did the 2020 Toyota Prius get a new hybrid system?
No. The basic hybrid hardware carries over for 2020; the meaningful changes are technology and cabin updates rather than a new engine, battery system, or full redesign.
2020 Toyota Prius Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Toyota Prius.
4.2
2020 Toyota Prius
(416 reviews)
“I like the vehicle and its features, especially the mileage, only I wish it were SMALLER. I don't like the style very much. I .liked the style of the older Prius better. View through the rear window could be better.”
“So, except for the new iteration of the Prius, which is pretty sexy!) you don't buy this vehicle for the looks but, when it comes to a solid reliable gas saving machine, Toyota was the game changer with their Prius. Excellent reliability, tremendous mileage, outstanding functionality, and all-but-guaranteed high resale. Don't ask why you want this, ask how do you get it?”
Sources
- 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 — The Car That Changed An Industry Toyota Marks 20Th Anniversary Of Prius With Special Anniversary Edition
- pressroom.toyota.com — The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime Adds Safety And Tech While Continuing To Combine The Best Of Both Worlds