DecodedCars2026 Toyota Prius
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Liftback, PHEV 4dr Liftback
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 153–157 hp
- Transmission
- e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 57 combined · 57 city / 56 hwy
- Length
- 181.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,098–3,461 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 57 MPG combined — 83% better than the average 2026 midsize car (31.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Toyota Prius is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,098 lb (4dr Liftback).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 57 MPG combined (57 city / 56 highway), 83% better than the 2026 midsize car average of 31.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,200 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2026
- No plug-in hybrid version any more
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Prius →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Toyota, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2026 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Liftback | 181.1 in | 70.1 in | 55.9 in | 108.3 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 3,098 lb | 60/40 |
| PHEV 4dr Liftback | 181.1 in | 70.1 in | 55.9 in | 108.3 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 3,461 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 Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 57 / 56 / 57 | +83% | $1,200 | 155 |
| Prius AWD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 53 / 54 / 54 | +73% | $1,250 | 163 |
| Prius XLE/LTD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 52 / 52 / 52 | +67% | $1,300 | 169 |
| Prius AWD XLE/LTD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 49 / 50 / 49 | +57% | $1,350 | 179 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Toyota Prius.
Similar 2026 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Toyota Prius (this car) | 57 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla | 50 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Honda Civic | 49 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Honda Prelude | 44 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2026 Subaru WRX | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Nissan Sentra | 33 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Electrical System › Wiring › Switches/Knobs/Buttons · Jan 28, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V049000 · 141,286 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Prius Prime, 2023-2026 Prius, and 2025-2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Water may enter the rear door switch and cause a short circuit, allowing an unlocked rear door to open unexpectedly.
- Risk
- A door that unexpectedly opens while the vehicle is moving increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will modify the rear door switch circuits, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed July 13, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB03 and 26TA03. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 24V274. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy performed.
Not every 2026 Toyota Prius is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Prius years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Prius | 55 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 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 |
| 2021 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 6 |
| 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 | Not rated | 5 | 155 |
| 2015 Prius | 50 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 171 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →