Toyota Prius
Few cars are as iconic as the Toyota Prius. Since first appearing on our shores in 2001, it has become synonymous with hybrid motoring. Its eco-conscious owners give the fuel-sipping hatchback high marks for its practical and versatile design, which offers a surprisingly spacious interior. They also appreciate the Prius for its smooth and quiet ride and comprehensive suite of standard safety features. However, some cite its polarizing looks and uninspiring driving dynamics as top drawbacks when compared to rivals. Nevertheless, the Prius remains a top choice for those seeking an environmentally friendly, reliable, and practical vehicle for daily commuting and urban driving.
Few cars are as iconic as the Toyota Prius. Since first appearing on our shores in 2001, it has become synonymous with hybrid motoring. Its eco-conscious owners give the fuel-sipping hatchback high marks for its practical and versatile design, which offers a surprisingly spacious interior. They also appreciate the Prius for its smooth and quiet ride and comprehensive suite of standard safety features. However, some cite its polarizing looks and uninspiring driving dynamics as top drawbacks when compared to rivals. Nevertheless, the Prius remains a top choice for those seeking an environmentally friendly, reliable, and practical vehicle for daily commuting and urban driving.
Toyota Prius Model Lineup
The Toyota Prius is a compact hybrid hatchback with seating for up to five passengers. In the automaker’s lineup, it sits above the subcompact Prius C (discontinued in 2020) and the midsize Prius V (discontinued in 2018), and it also comes in a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant called the Prius Prime, which first appeared in 2017. Its most recent (fourth) generation debuted in 2016, offering updated styling, a new chassis with better handling, improved fuel efficiency, and a more refined interior. An all-new fifth generation is expected to arrive in 2023.
Toyota offers the Prius in a variety of trims. Earlier models use a numerical naming convention, which ranges from One to Five. The One offers basic items such as keyless entry, while higher trims introduce additional luxuries such as a navigation system. Toyota revised the trim hierarchy starting in 2019 to include the L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited. Similar to the One, the entry-level L Eco offers essential items, while the LE adds a few upgrades, such as a rear wiper and a spare tire. The XLE introduces a larger touchscreen infotainment system as well as upgraded upholstery. At the top of the range, the Limited adds niceties such as rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, and parking assist.
Since 2016, the Prius has employed a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 121 horsepower. Earlier models feature a similar setup with slightly more power but slightly lower fuel economy ratings. Power routes via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to the front wheels on most versions, though all-wheel drive (called AWD-e) has been available on certain trims since 2019. The Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, offers up to 25 miles of all-electric range, thanks to its small lithium-ion battery pack, which can be recharged in approximately 5.5 hours using a standard 120-volt outlet.
In 2016, Toyota upgraded the Prius' standard infotainment touchscreen from 6.1 to 7 inches, and in 2020 the automaker also added standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Notably, the Prius Prime offers an optional 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen for an ever more advanced infotainment experience. The Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams, became standard in 2017.
We recommend 2017 and newer models due to their improved fuel economy, more refined interior, and additional standard safety features. The XLE trim offers a good balance of features and value, while the Limited provides the most luxurious experience behind the wheel. Those seeking a Prius with all-wheel drive should look for 2019 or newer AWD-e models.
Popular Trims
Toyota Prius Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2014
4.8
3 verified owner reviews
Top 2014 Reviews
Nicholas P. from NY
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2014 Toyota Prius
Delighted with the purchase. I have owned 3 other Toyotas in the past. Plan to buy another Prius when the time comes, I am so pleased.
Randy C. from OH
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2014 Toyota Prius c
Love, love my Prius C. Had it since March 2015 and every time I drive it I discover a new feature. It is so easy to drive.
M P. from FL
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2014 Toyota Prius c
I only wish the steering wheel were more open with less cut out parts -- a complete circle would make it easier to hold as I have small hands. I also wish the color of the dashboard's lights would be easier to see on a sunny day. I have one eye that I am almost blind in and the color is hard to see when the sun is out and I do not drive at night. The interior is black and that is also hard to see in the daytime, except for all the dirt. It shows up very well on the black. My bad for not knowing this I guess. I do love this car a lot just the same.
Susan K. from CA
Verified Owner · Apr, 2015
2014 Toyota Prius v
Several things I would like to improve: 1) more power 2) blind spot monitor as standard equipment 3) sometimes difficult to see the sides of the vehicle 4) bluetooth not always working 5) when washing the car, soap stays on edge of doors
Belinda G. from CA
Verified Owner · Apr, 2015
2014 Toyota Prius c
The gas mileage is AWESOME!!
Aveva Y. from IL
Verified Owner · Apr, 2015
2014 Toyota Prius v
I love it overall but was disappointed to hear from Consumer Reports, whom I trust, that it failed the crash test. Can this easily be remedied? Also, the beeping made when you back up is really irritating. It should be something you can either turn off or turn down. It's a real bummer, especially while using Bluetooth!
Paige M. from NY
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2014 Toyota Prius c
Nav system is a major disappointment. Features of Entune app could be improved. This is an excellent vehicle. I would rate it a 95 out of 100. But the navigation system is a total disaster. Worthless. If, for purposes of discussion, we assume that the nav system added $250 to the cost of the car, then I did not get my money's worth for that $250. In my previous car, I purchased a Garmin Nuvi 3590 LMT, and the built-in nav system cannot compete. The built-in nav system lacks major features that my Garmin has, and the built-in nav system has a terrible user interface. So I don't use the built-in nav system, I still use my Garmin.
Hank B. from CA
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2014 Toyota Prius v
Everything is great except blind spot/rear visibility, which is unsatisfactory.
Jeffrey B. from IL
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2014 Toyota Prius v
This vehicle should be available with roof rack. In general, smaller vehicles need to have more luxury interior options.
Lenora M. from FL
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2014 Toyota Prius v
I love the Privis V. Great product and all-around safety features. I like that you made the MPH on the dash larger and more readable in the sunlight. I like not looking out the back into a windshield wiper. Great view out the back now -thanks. My warranty was up and I knew that batteries were not covered over 100K I love all the features on the new 2014. I just do not know what you made the GPS screen smaller! When I am ready for my next one in three years-PLEASE MAKE THE SCREEN LARGER AGAIN. Thanks.