2025 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

Toyota mostly fulfills its reputation for building efficient and exceptionally reliable vehicles. Most of their models do well in our testing, thanks to their impressive fuel economy, comfortable rides, quiet cabins, and ease of getting in and out. All of this makes Toyotas among the best options for used vehicles. The brand was a hybrid pioneer, starting with the original Prius. Toyota has evolved and expanded that technology, and most vehicles in its lineup are available as a hybrid. Toyota also sells a number of plug-in hybrids, which were once called Prime but are now simply referred to as Plug-in. The company also knows how to add a dose of excitement into its lineup. The GR86, GR Corolla, and Supra are legit, fun-to-drive sports cars. However, some models we’ve tested have been disappointing. The company’s EV, the bZ4X SUV, is mediocre.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is the Prius Prime renamed for 2025. It shares the same low-slung design as the regular Prius, but it adds a larger lithium-ion battery that can be plugged in for an electric-only range between 39 and 44 miles, depending on trim, impressive for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Unlike a pure EV, it also has a 2.0-liter gas engine. Once the battery is depleted, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid acts like a regular hybrid. The EPA estimates the combined mpg to be between 48 mpg and 52 mpg, depending on trim, when operating in their hybrid modes. It managed 43 mpg with our tested XSE trim--a disappointing 8-mpg drop vs. the regular Prius. It takes about 10 hours to charge the battery on a standard 120-volt outlet, or about 4 hours on a 240-volt EV charger. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is not available with all-wheel drive. In most other ways the Plug-in Hybrid is very similar to the regular Prius, with responsive handling, a firm ride, a noisy engine, awkward access, and limited visibility. Its hatchback design adds versatility.