2021 Toyota Prius: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2021 Toyota Prius is standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 across the regular Prius and plug-in Prius Prime lineups. This is a feature-update year rather than a redesign, with wider Android Auto support and a new 20th Anniversary Edition joining the regular Prius range.

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About the 2021 Toyota Prius

4th-generation Prius liftback (2016-2022) and late-cycle first-generation Prius Prime from the same era (2017-2022); 2021 is a feature-update year before the all-new 2023 redesign.

Toyota positions the Prius family as its efficiency-first hatchback for daily driving. The regular Prius focuses on low fuel use, proven hybrid hardware, hatchback cargo flexibility and easy everyday ownership, with available AWD for shoppers who want extra traction. Prius Prime adds short electric commuting and home charging without giving up a gas engine for long trips. Against rivals, the Prius family stands out by combining strong efficiency with real hatchback usefulness and Toyota's long-established hybrid reputation.

The regular Prius ranges from the efficiency-focused L Eco to the comfort-oriented XLE and tech-rich Limited, which has an 11.6-inch touchscreen, upgraded JBL audio and a head-up display. The Prius Prime adds plug-in capability with up to 25 miles of electric driving, while the limited-production 20th Anniversary Edition gives the XLE-based Prius a commemorative place in the lineup.

What changed, by category

Safety

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 replaces the earlier Toyota Safety Sense-P package and becomes standard across the regular Prius and Prius Prime lineups.

Tech

Android Auto is added to most regular Prius trims and to the Prius Prime LE.

2021 Toyota Prius specs and features by trim

Feature	2021 Toyota PriusLE4 in stock	2021 Toyota PriusXLE5 in stock	2021 Toyota PriusL Eco0 in stock	2021 Toyota PriusLimited3 in stock	2021 Toyota Prius20th Anniversary Edition0 in stock
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
Transmission	Automatic, ECVT	Automatic, ECVT	Automatic, ECVT	Automatic, ECVT	Automatic, ECVT
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid	Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid	Hybrid
MPG City	54 mpg	54 mpg	58 mpg	54 mpg	54 mpg
MPG Highway	50 mpg	50 mpg	53 mpg	50 mpg	50 mpg
Horsepower	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
Trunk/Cargo	19.8–24.6 cu-ft	19.8–27.4 cu-ft	27.4 cu-ft	19.8–27.4 cu-ft	27.4 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	33.4 in	33.4 in	33.4 in	33.4 in	33.4 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	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)
Safety & Security
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
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
LED Headlights
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Head-Up Display
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Touch Screen Monitor
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start

How the 2022 Toyota Prius compares

The biggest change for the 2022 Toyota Prius is the new Nightshade Edition, which gives the regular hybrid blacked-out styling and XLE-based comfort features. Otherwise, this is a light update rather than a redesign.

See the full 2022 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2021 Toyota Prius?

The biggest change is that Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 becomes standard across the regular Prius and plug-in Prius Prime lineups. It replaces the earlier Toyota Safety Sense-P package.

Does the 2021 Toyota Prius have Android Auto?

Yes, most regular 2021 Prius trims have Android Auto. The 2021 Prius Prime LE also gains Android Auto, while the Prime XLE and Limited retain their larger 11.6-inch touchscreen setups.

What is the 2021 Prius 20th Anniversary Edition?

The 20th Anniversary Edition is a new limited-production 2021 Prius based on the front-wheel-drive XLE. It commemorates 20 years of Prius sales in the U.S. without changing the car's hybrid hardware.

Is the 2021 Toyota Prius a major redesign?

No, the 2021 Toyota Prius is not a redesign. Its core hybrid and plug-in systems carry over, while Toyota updates the standard safety suite, expands Android Auto support and adds an anniversary trim.

What changed on the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?

The 2021 Prius Prime gains standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 across all trims, and the LE adds Android Auto. Its plug-in hybrid system carries over with up to 25 miles of electric driving range.

2021 Toyota Prius Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2021 Toyota Prius.

4.2

2021 Toyota Prius

(566 reviews)

5 stars (221)

4 stars (258)

3 stars (70)

2 stars (12)

1 star (5)

“I absolutely love my Toyota Prius Prime, the gas mileage and plug-in capability are a huge plus especially with gas prices on the rise.”

MCMichele C.
2021 Toyota Prius Prime

“the prius prime limited was extremely disappointing with inability to interface with Android phone..I bought the most expensive model and have the least ability to use my phone interactivley.. disappointment compared to the hyndai I had previously”

DPDonna P.
2021 Toyota Prius Prime

“Very safe for long commute on a highway with lane assist and collision warnings. Very good gas mileage in stop and go traffic up to 60 mpg that I have seen personally. The total miles on all electric is a little disappointing at 25 miles in perfect conditions. I usually get about 10.”

CCCandice C.
2021 Toyota Prius Prime