Toyota Prius PHEV (2024) Review
The Toyota Prius has long been a symbol of efficiency, loved by cabbies, Uber drivers, and eco-conscious drivers alike. However, if we're being honest, the Prius has often been accused of being, well, an ugly duckling. But that all changes with the 2024 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).
Toyota has turned a corner, delivering a sleek, modern design that finally matches its futuristic reputation. This is no longer a car you'd hide in the shadows of the parking lot—it’s a head-turner. If you swapped out the Toyota badge, people would struggle to believe this is a Prius at all.
But there’s much more to the new Prius PHEV than just its good looks. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes this car a standout in 2024.
If you’re looking for a sleek, efficient, and stress-free daily driver, the 2024 Toyota Prius PHEV deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Design: Goodbye, Ugly Duckling
The 2024 Prius PHEV sports a far sleeker and sharper profile than its predecessors. The sloping roofline and sculpted body are clearly designed with aerodynamics in mind, but they also lend the car a modern, sporty feel. Toyota has achieved something special here: a car that’s both beautiful and functional.
For those curious about trims, the Prius PHEV comes in two levels:
Design (base trim) starting at £37,000
Excel (top trim) at just under £40,000—importantly avoiding the luxury car tax.
The Excel trim is particularly tempting, offering features like 19-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and even a digital rear-view mirror. Oddly, automatic wipers are exclusive to the Excel trim—a small but curious omission at lower levels.
Performance and Electric Range: A Game-Changer for Plug-In Hybrids
Where the Prius PHEV truly shines is in its electric range. Toyota claims a WLTP figure of 53 miles, which is superb for a plug-in hybrid. Many competitors barely hit 20 miles, so this sets the Prius apart as a genuine contender for daily EV-only driving.
Under the hood, the Prius combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 13.6 kWh battery and two electric motors, generating a combined 220 horsepower. That’s enough to propel the car from 0-60 mph in just 6.8 seconds—impressive for a PHEV focused on efficiency.
Thanks to advancements in battery density, Toyota has packed more energy into a compact space. This efficiency boost, combined with real-world electric range, makes the 2024 Prius feel like a genuine step forward.
Interior: Quality Over Flash
Step inside the cabin, and you’ll find a space that prioritizes quality and simplicity over flashy design. The layout is clean and driver-friendly, with well-placed physical buttons for essentials like heated seats and climate control. The small gear selector is a standout—easy to use and pleasing to the touch.
The 12-inch infotainment system is leagues ahead of older Toyota systems, offering a smooth, modern interface that rivals those found in premium cars. Apple CarPlay is wireless and works flawlessly, making it easy to connect without a tangle of cables. The driver information display is also bright, colorful, and easy to read.
Connectivity is covered with USB-C ports sprinkled throughout the cabin, although a surprising oversight is the lack of a wireless charging pad. It’s disappointing in a car at this price point, especially when it looks like there’s a perfect spot for one.
Space: Practical, but Not Perfect
While the Prius PHEV looks larger and roomier than ever, practicality isn’t quite its strong suit. The boot offers 284 litres of space—enough for a couple of carry-ons but underwhelming compared to rivals. It’s functional, with a nice shape and some underfloor storage for cables, but it won’t win over those looking for maximum cargo room.
Rear seat space is similarly limited. The sloping roofline eats into headroom, making it tight for passengers over 6 feet tall. Legroom is decent for smaller adults, but the middle seat is best reserved for short trips or children.
On the Road: Calm, Smooth, and Surprisingly Quick
Once behind the wheel, the Prius PHEV excels in one key area: calmness. Whether cruising in EV mode or engaging the petrol engine for faster acceleration, the cabin remains whisper-quiet. The insulation here is class-leading, rivalling even some pure electric vehicles.
Toyota’s e-CVT system has come a long way. Gone are the awkward drone-like noises of older setups; instead, the Prius delivers smooth, linear power delivery. It’s not sporty—the steering is direct but not engaging—but it is incredibly comfortable.
The suspension handles bumps with composure, absorbing imperfections while maintaining a refined ride. This is a car designed to get you from A to B with minimal fuss, and it does so brilliantly.
Final Verdict: Toyota’s Best Prius Yet?
The 2024 Toyota Prius PHEV is a revelation. Toyota has finally delivered a Prius that’s not just efficient, but also stylish, practical, and surprisingly quick. With its 53-mile electric range, strong performance, and outstanding cabin refinement, it’s a car that makes sense for modern drivers.
It’s not without flaws—boot space is limited, rear headroom is tight, and the lack of wireless charging feels like an oversight. But overall, this is the most compelling Prius to date and a serious contender in the plug-in hybrid segment.
If you’re looking for a sleek, efficient, and stress-free daily driver, the 2024 Toyota Prius PHEV deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Pros:
Stunning, aerodynamic design
Impressive 53-mile electric range
Quiet, calm, and refined driving experience
Modern infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay
Cons:
Limited boot space
Tight rear headroom for tall passengers
No wireless phone charging
Price: Starting at £37,000 (Design), £40,000 (Excel)
Toyota’s Prius is all grown up, and for the first time, it’s not just a practical choice—it’s an appealing one.
To find out the latest lease prices for a Toyota Prius, Click here.
