DecodedCars2021 Toyota Prius
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 5dr Liftback
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 96 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 56 combined · 58 city / 53 hwy
- Length
- 178.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,064 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 56 MPG combined — 104% better than the average 2021 midsize car (27.4 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints6 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 32 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 96 hp, versus about 169 hp for similar 2021 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Toyota Prius is a midsize car offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,064 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 56 MPG combined (58 city / 53 highway), 104% better than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $1,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2021
- Engine dropped: 1.5L 4-cyl
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Prius →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2021 Prius configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr Liftback | 178.7 in | 69.3 in | 57.9 in | 106.3 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,064 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius Eco Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 58 / 53 / 56 | +104% | $1,200 | 158 |
| Prius Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 54 / 50 / 52 | +90% | $1,300 | 170 |
| Prius AWD Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 51 / 47 / 49 | +79% | $1,350 | 179 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota PRIUS 5 HB AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
| 2021 Toyota PRIUS 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota Prius (this car) | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2021 Subaru WRX | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Prius.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Toyota Prius is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Toyota Prius buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Wheels — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,200 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Prius. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Prius years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Prius | 55 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 10 |
| 2025 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 18 |
| 2024 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 27 |
| 2023 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 21 |
| 2022 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 24 |
| 2020 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 14 |
| 2019 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 30 |
| 2018 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 37 |
| 2017 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 91 |
| 2016 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 155 |
| 2015 Prius | 50 | 175.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 171 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →