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The Toyota Prius has the distinction of being the world’s first mass-produced hybrid and has been around since 1997, though the first generation was only sold in Japan. The first of the Toyota Prius generations to be available internationally was codenamed the NHW11, which went on sale in the US in 2000 as a 2001 model. It stuck around for only three model years before a redesign of the Toyota Prius in the form of the second-gen car arrived as a 2004 model.

Base Trim Engine

2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid

Base Trim Transmission

Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Infotainment & Features

8 /10

The 2010 cars received a full redesign with better performance and efficiency, usefully jazzed up with fresher looks for its 2012 facelift. The 2016 redesign was an edgier car with more dramatic slashes and insect-like headlights that divided opinions, but it was usefully better, with a better driving position, more cabin space, and a bigger trunk. But performance had fallen off the pace compared to modern rivals, so Toyota fixed that with the latest of the Prius generations being much more powerful, arriving in 2022, which came with striking new looks and a much better driving experience.

2023-Now Toyota Prius 5th Gen (XW60)

The fifth-gen Toyota Prius debuted with a radical new appearance, significantly changing perceptions towards the hybrid hatchback with a more sporty, low-profile body that brought sporting characteristics that had never been associated with previous generations. The changes continued into the interior, which included a new steering wheel with digital instrument cluster design, a wider touchscreen infotainment system, and more.

A bigger 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine paired to the hybrid drive system was also introduced, now capable of a combined power output of up to 196 hp; the plug-in hybrid model also got a significant power boost to 220 hp. All-wheel drive also made a return as an available option.

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Fifth-Generation Prius Production Years

2025 Toyota Prius

2024 Toyota Prius Review

2023 Toyota Prius Review

2019-2022 Toyota Prius 4th Gen (XW50) Facelift

For the 2019-2022 model years, the Toyota Prius received a facelift that tempered the divisive exterior appearance, as well as a new AWD drivetrain option. A bigger infotainment screen previously seen on the Prius Prime was also available.

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Fourth-Generation Prius Production Years

2022 Toyota Prius Review

2021 Toyota Prius Review

2020 Toyota Prius Review

2019 Toyota Prius Review

19:04

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2016-2018 Toyota Prius 4th Gen (XW50)

The redesign that arrived for the 2016 model year used a similar powertrain as before, but power was rerated to a lower 121 hp, though performance was slightly better, so it might have had something to do with using different output-measuring methods.

Fourth-Generation Prius Production Years

2018 Toyota Prius Review

2017 Toyota Prius Review

2016 Toyota Prius Review

2012-2015 Toyota Prius 3rd Gen (XW30) Facelift

The facelift for the third-gen Prius introduced for the 2012 model year onwards mainly brought a new front fasica design, combined with new available alloy wheel designs. The hybrid 1.8L four-cylinder powertrain experienced no changes.

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Toyota Prius 3rd Generation 2010-2015 (XW30) Review: All Trims, Facelift Included

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Third-Generation Prius Facelift Production Years

2015 Toyota Prius Review

2014 Toyota Prius Review

2013 Toyota Prius Review

2012 Toyota Prius Review

2010-2011 Toyota Prius 3rd Gen (XW30)

For the 2010 model year, changes to the Toyota Prius formula included a full redesign and a new powertrain – a 1.8L engine replaced the previous 1.5L, and system output was now up to 134 hp, still using a CVT automatic.

Third-Generation Prius Production Years

2011 Toyota Prius Review

2010 Toyota Prius Review

2006-2009 Toyota Prius 2nd Gen (XW20) Facelift

The second-gen facelift for the 2006 to 2009 model years slightly updated the front grille and exterior light designs. It also brought features like a rearview backup camera and made side curtain airbags standard. The hybrid powertrain remained the same.

Second-Generation Prius Facelift Production Years

2009 Toyota Prius Review

2008 Toyota Prius Review

2004-2005 Toyota Prius 2nd Gen (XW20)

The second generation went on sale in 2003 with a naturally aspirated 1.5L inline four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that produced a combined 110 hp, driving the front wheels via a CVT automatic.

Second-Generation Prius Production Years

2005 Toyota Prius

2004 Toyota Prius

2001-2003 Toyota Prius 1st Gen (XW10/NHW11)

Following its launch in Japan, the Toyota Prius first debuted to the North American public for the 2001 model year. Toyota’s first mass-produced hybrid sedan came with a 1.5L four-cylinder gasoline hybrid setup, paired to a CVT. North American models were also setup to be slightly more powerful than their Asian market counterparts to adjust to the faster road conditions, and came with air conditioning as standard.

First-Generation Prius Production Years

2003 Toyota Prius

2002 Toyota Prius

2001 Toyota Prius

Source: Toyota