The Toyota Prius has undergone a remarkable transformation with its fifth-generation model, silencing past criticisms and emerging as a genuinely desirable vehicle. Once the subject of jokes, the Prius 2024 now commands attention for all the right reasons. This iteration is not only the most visually appealing Prius to date but also the most powerful in its impressive 23-year history. After spending a week behind the wheel of the 2024 Prius, it’s clear why loyal owners rave about this hybrid, and why Toyota is strategically prioritizing hybrids in a market still finding its footing with fully electric vehicles. When your hybrid technology reaches this level of excellence, the urgency to jump into the EV race diminishes.
A Design That Shocks and Delights
For the 2023 model year, the Prius received a redesign that can only be described as shocking. This isn’t hyperbole; the unveiling of the 2024 Prius in Los Angeles was met with audible gasps from the audience. Built on Toyota’s TNGA-C platform, shared with models like the Corolla and Lexus UX, the Prius 2024 sits two inches lower, is an inch longer, and an inch wider than its predecessor, lending it a more assertive and aerodynamic stance.
The meticulous attention to design is evident in the Prius 2024’s front fascia. Slim LED headlights extend into the front fenders, intersected by a blade-like lip, presumably for enhanced aerodynamics. A uniquely designed lower bumper with integrated lights and a lower front grille completes the striking front end.
The Rear Steals the Show
While the front is a significant improvement, the rear of the Prius 2024 is arguably its most captivating angle. A red LED light bar spans the entire width of the trunk, sitting above subtle backup lights. Regardless of the chosen paint color, the majority of the rear window is blacked out, a design choice that polarizes opinions but undeniably contributes to its modern aesthetic. The lower bumper incorporates further black trim and discreet reflector lamps, adding to the cohesive rear design.
A Swooping Silhouette and Supercar Windshield Angle
Viewing the Prius 2024 from the side emphasizes its dramatically swooping profile. One of the most extreme design elements is the windshield, raked at an astonishing 21.6 degrees, reminiscent of supercars. To put this in perspective, it’s only half a degree different from the windshield angle of the Lexus LFA, as noted by Green Car Reports, highlighting the Prius 2024’s commitment to aerodynamic efficiency and striking aesthetics.
Premium Features Without the Premium Price
The impressive design and attention to detail of the Prius 2024 don’t come with an exorbitant price tag. Available in three trim levels – LE, XLE, and Limited – each offering the option of all-wheel drive, the Prius caters to a range of budgets and needs. The test vehicle, a front-wheel-drive Prius XLE, starts at a reasonable $32,190, including a $1,095 destination charge. Even with added options like the Supersonic Red paint ($425), the upgraded 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen ($735), and the fixed glass roof ($1,000), the total price remained a palatable $35,532.
Powertrain and Performance: A Pleasant Surprise
Another significant upgrade in the Prius 2024 is its powertrain. Historically, the Prius was not associated with speed or power, but Toyota has addressed this perception head-on. The new model features a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with a new lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined output of 194 horsepower. All-wheel-drive models gain an additional two horsepower. While not a sports car, this power boost is substantial for the Prius, considering the previous generation offered just 121 hp.
This enhanced powertrain translates to noticeably improved performance. The Prius 2024 can now accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 7 seconds (7.2 seconds for AWD), a significant leap from the previous generation’s sluggish 10.8 seconds in independent testing. This newfound acceleration makes merging onto highways and navigating traffic a surprisingly enjoyable experience.
Interior and Technology: A Modern and User-Friendly Cabin
Stepping inside the Prius 2024 reveals a cabin that is genuinely pleasant to spend time in. Gone are the quirks of previous models, such as the vertically oriented touchscreen, center gauge cluster display, and awkwardly placed gear shifter. The 2024 Prius boasts a horizontally oriented 12.3-inch touchscreen (an 8-inch unit is standard), a digital gauge cluster positioned directly in front of the driver, a more conventional shifter in the center console, and welcome physical controls for climate and seat heating.
A standout feature of the interior is the ingeniously designed wireless phone charger. Located beside the gear shifter, this drop-in charger securely holds your phone in place, similar to inserting a Pop-Tart into a toaster. A power button with a green indicator light allows you to control charging, and when not in use, the slot serves as a convenient phone storage space.
Seamless Hybrid Operation and Surprisingly Agile Handling
Starting the Prius 2024 is a serene experience. Pressing the start button initiates the system checks with minimal noise, and the car defaults to EV mode, ensuring silent initial operation. The engine only engages if immediate heating or air conditioning is required. Toyota’s extensive experience with hybrid technology is evident in the seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The shifts are virtually imperceptible, with only the subtle sound of the engine starting to indicate the change. The added power from the hybrid system provides a noticeable boost for passing and quick acceleration.
The handling of the Prius 2024 is another unexpected delight. With improved tires and a slight horsepower bump, it could genuinely rival a sporty hot hatch in terms of agility. For those seeking even more performance, Toyota offers the 220-hp Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, which, combined with aftermarket wheels, could deliver a truly engaging driving experience.
Exceptional Fuel Economy, As Expected
Fuel economy remains a core strength of the Prius 2024. During a drive from Southern California to Las Vegas, the test vehicle surpassed Toyota’s estimates, achieving an average of 54 mpg overall. Even with some spirited driving, the fuel efficiency remained impressive at 41 mpg, demonstrating the Prius 2024’s real-world fuel-saving capabilities.
Minor Imperfections in an Otherwise Excellent Package
Despite its numerous improvements, the Prius 2024 is not without minor drawbacks. The sleek new design, particularly the fast roofline, compromises interior headroom and rear visibility. Headroom is reduced by just over an inch compared to the previous generation, and the sloping roofline and C-pillars create a narrow rear view. A live feed rear camera, available only on the top-tier Prius Limited, would be a valuable addition across all trims.
The steering wheel design, shared with the bZ4X, is also a point of contention. Its oddly shaped hub and small diameter feel unconventional, particularly for drivers with larger hands. While the speedometer is now correctly positioned in front of the driver, its placement near the windshield still feels somewhat distant.
The electronic gear shifter may also require an adjustment period. Similar to previous Prius models, it deviates from the traditional PRNDL layout, with a separate park button and a unique sequence for reverse, neutral, and drive.
Finally, the four-cylinder engine, while more powerful, lacks refinement. Under hard acceleration or in Sport mode, it becomes coarse and noisy, with the CVT transmission amplifying the engine drone. The dedicated EV mode button feels somewhat redundant, as the Prius already defaults to EV mode under various conditions. Lastly, the test vehicle exhibited a peculiar issue with static electricity in the B-pillar.
The Best Prius Yet: A Resounding Yes
Even with these minor shortcomings, the 2024 Toyota Prius stands as the best iteration of the model to date. There’s no longer any reason to feel self-conscious about owning or driving a Prius. In fact, it’s a vehicle to be proud of. With nearly 30,000 units sold already this year, it’s clear that many buyers agree: the Prius 2024 is a winner. This reviewer would certainly consider buying one, a testament to the transformative improvements Toyota has achieved with this fifth-generation hybrid.
