2026 Toyota
Prius PHEV

The Toyota Prius has long been considered a choice pick among savvy shoppers seeking a reliable and eco-friendly commuter car with a unique personality. Despite its veteran status, the Prius has continued to expand its desirability in an ever-changing market, especially since you can now enjoy it as a PHEV with a range of all-electric driving. This more versatile version of the popular gas-electric hatchback boasts up to 44 miles of electric-only driving, standout fuel economy, and a potent gas-electric powertrain that puts out 220 horsepower.

While the current look of the model renders it a style icon, the 2026 iteration of the Prius PHEV debuts a daring Nightshade Edition trim level. Building off the XSE grade, this version captures attention with its on-trend black exterior accents, exclusive black-painted 19-inch wheels, and black leatherette-upholstered seats with gray contrast stitching. As for the interior, buyers can select from three distinct paint colors: Karashi (gold), Wind Chill Pearl, and Midnight Black Metallic.

Shop Toyota Prius PHEV

Trims, Powertrain, and Performance

The ‘26 Prius PHEV is offered in four top-notch trim packages: SE, XSE, Nightshade Edition, and XSE Premium. Each is powered by Toyota’s advanced fifth-generation hybrid system, which combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a pair of electric motors for lively output of 220 horsepower. This efficient setup is paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and standard front-wheel drive, making the Prius Prime a smooth and reliable daily driver.

In terms of efficiency, the base SE leads the lineup with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 53 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway, along with an all-electric range of 44 miles. The upper trims (XSE, Nightshade Edition, and XSE Premium) achieve up to 50 mpg city/47 mpg highway, with an estimated electric-only range of 39 miles – still ideal for short commutes or errand runs without using a drop of gas.

Charging the ‘26 Prius PHEV is easy and flexible. When it’s plugged into a standard 120-volt household outlet, the battery recharges fully in approximately 11 hours. When faster charging is what you need, a 240-volt Level 2 charger can reduce the total charge time to about four hours.

2026 Toyota Prius PHEV interior

Standard and Available Amenities

The SE is quite an upscale base trim, as it includes automatic climate control (one zone), a SofTex-wrapped heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, bi-LED projector headlights with auto-off, LED daytime running lights and taillights, and heated power-adjustable side mirrors. Additional highlights at this level include Toyota’s Smart Key System with push-button start, a 7-inch LCD multi-information display, fabric-trimmed seats, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, six USB-C charge ports, and 17-inch alloy wheels with covers.

The XSE adds even more comfort and convenience with SofTex-upholstered seats, heated front seats with power adjustability for the driver, a rear-seat folding center armrest with cupholders, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, wireless phone charging, auto-on/off headlights, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

New for 2026, the Nightshade Edition builds on the XSE with a high-style appearance package led by black exterior accents, carbon-fiber interior trim, and black SofTex upholstery with gray contrast stitching. Both the XSE and Nightshade Edition are eligible for options such as a fixed-glass roof and Toyota’s Digital Key, which allows for seamless smartphone-based vehicle access.

At the top of the lineup, the XSE Premium swaps the Nightshade Edition’s edgy look for a more refined aesthetic. It comes with the fixed-glass roof and Digital Key and also adds heated/ventilated front seats and position memory for the driver’s seat.

Advanced Safety Systems

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) is installed on every '26 Prius PHEV trim level, providing a beneficial array of advanced technologies for added drive confidence and safety. The suite consists of a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and proactive driving assist. In addition to TSS 3.0, all trims get a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, safe exit alert, and traffic jam assist. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking are optional for the SE and standard in the XSE and above. For an extra layer of tech-savvy convenience, the top-of-the-line XSE Premium is available with Advanced Park – Toyota’s hands-free automatic parking system – and a surround-view camera system.

2026 Toyota Prius PHEV driver's seat

Infotainment and Connectivity

Most of the '26 Prius PHEV trim range gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, a six-speaker audio system, and a 30-day free trial to Toyota’s Wi-Fi Connect onboard hotspot. Drivers who choose the XSE or Nightshade Edition have the option of upgrading to a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which is standard in the XSE Premium. The XSE Premium also gets an eight-speaker JBL sound system for tip-top sound quality. All trims are set up with a one-year free trial of Toyota Drive Connect, which features Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest, Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, and Destination Assist.

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** Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer including $399 documentation fee, except for licensing costs, registration fees, and taxes.