In fifth generation form, Toyota's Prius is a very different proposition. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Toyota's Prius needed to reinvent itself for this new era. It has. It's now a Plug-in Hybrid, but a much more sophisticated one, with a smarter look, longer range and sharper handling. Still want that mid-sized EV? If you're considering that and don't want an SUV, check out one of these as well.

Background

As EV sales falter, Hybrid powertrains are elbowing their way back into the sales spotlight. An appropriate time then, for the return of the car that started the Hybrid revolution, the Toyota Prius. First launched in 1997 as 'the car for the 21st century', the Prius went on to find 5.05 million owners over four generations, pioneering the 'Synergy Drive' Hybrid tech that now underpins just about every Toyota you can now buy and forcing rival makers to get serious about electrified engines. By the end of the fourth generation model's production run though, hardly any private UK customers were choosing a Prius; in 2021, just 563 models were sold here (mostly to Uber drivers), compared to nearly 18,000 Toyota's C-HRs. So when the radical new fifth generation Prius model was launched at the 2022 LA Motor Show, the Japanese maker announced that it wouldn't be appearing in UK showrooms. But then came the hiccup in the EV market and a renewal of customer interest in the kind of Plug-in Hybrid powertrain that Toyota only offers in the priciest versions of its C-HR and RAV4 SUVs. Suddenly, that decision to can Prius sales was starting to look somewhat premature. Hence the brand's U-turn on the subject in early 2024 and the decision to sell this MK5 design here after all, though only (for the moment) in PHEV form. Let's take a closer look at it.

Engines and Tech Spec

This fifth generation Prius is exclusively a Plug-in Hybrid; for the time being, the 2.0-litre self charging Hybrid unit offered with the car outside Europe isn't available here, but as we've already seen with this model line, decisions like that can change very quickly with market conditions. The PHEV drivetrain's pricier of course, but it's the one you'd ideally pick with this car if you can afford it. We don't get the entry-level 191bhp Prius PHEV you can get in other countries; the UK is offered only the full-fat 220bhp version (99bhp more powerful than the previous generation Prius Plug-in). That's generated by a combination of a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine and front-mounted twin electric motors energised by a 13.6kWh battery. Performance is far more rapid than anything a Prius driver will have experienced before, 62mph dispatched in 6.8s en route to 110mph. In other markets, Toyota offers a tuned-up '24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition' sporty version. Handling should be also be a pleasant surprise for long-term fans of this model line. To that end, Toyota has widened the track and based this MK5 Prius on an evolved version of its well-regarded TNGA platform. The result is a car that's stiffer, more refined and more stable than before. Traction is aided by the 235/50 R18-inch tyres that ride on the larger aerodynamic wheels. Indulge this fifth generation model's newfound agility and you're probably make a sizeable dent in the available EV range, now rated at up to 53.4 miles. That's about 8 miles less than you get from a rival PHEV Golf, but it's about 10 miles more than was returned by the previous generation model.

Design and Build

As you can see from the pictures, this MK5 model is a very different kind of Prius. Yes, the familiar wedge shape remains but it's far more sleekly fashioned in this form with the roof height lowered by 50mm. Overall length is cut back by 46mm and the rakish profile is set off by big 17 or 19-inch wheels. A light bar runs the whole width of the front, emphasising a width increase of 22mm. The rear view is accentuated by a three-dimensional linear lighting element focusing attention on the Prius logo. You might not be quite as taken with the cabin, though it does offer a big step forward in perceived quality. Toyota has decided to replicate the design approach of its bZ4X EV by providing a 'Peugeot i-Cockpit'-like format, which incorporates a high-mounted driver's combimeter screen, a little binnacle display pushed a long way back almost to the windscreen. You're supposed to view this monitor over the top of the wheel rather than conventionally through it, hence that stitched tiller's correspondingly small size. The bZ4X lineage does at least mean you get a decently-sized 12.3-inch 'Smart Connect+' centre touchscreen with built-in cloud-based navigation. And in contrast to the dated monitor of the previous model, it comes with smart graphics and over-the-air updates. Despite the shorter overall front-to-rear dimension, a 50mm increase in length between the axles means more space at the rear, though you'll still struggle to comfortably accommodate more than a couple of adults. Toyota has moved the roof peak rearwards to preserve headroom. Out back, there's a decently-sized 502-litre boot, much the same as that of the previous model.

Market and Model

Prices for this PHEV-only 220bhp fifth generation model start from just over £37,000, which gets you base 'Design' trim; you'll need around £40,000 for the plusher 'Excel' version. Key equipment features on the 'Design' model include 17-inch alloy wheels, smart entry, rear privacy glass, the Toyota 'Smart Connect+' multimedia system with both cloud-based and embedded navigation, a fully-digital driver's combimeter, parking sensors with obstacle, vehicle and pedestrian detection and dual-zone air conditioning with a 'nanoe-X' air quality system. The plusher 'Excel' version rides on 19-inch wheels and comes with eight-way power adjustable front seats with memory settings and integrated heating and ventilation. A digital rear-view mirror and a powered tailgate are also included in the specification. As you'd expect, the latest generation 'Toyota Safety Sense' active safety and driver assistance systems are also provided as standard. These include the latest evolution of the autonomous braking 'Pre-Collision System' and Toyota's 'Proactive Driving Assist' set-up. 'Emergency Steering Assist' aids you with panic swerves. And 'Lane Trace Assist' helps keep the vehicle to its intended path. The system works with the standard full-range 'Adaptive Cruise Control' system, which also includes an added 'Overtake Prevention Support' feature, which automatically prevents unintentional undertaking on multi-lane highways. 'Turn Signal Linked Control' helps the driver join the traffic flow at a safe speed and distance from other vehicles. There's a 'Blind Spot Monitor' which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot and links to a 'Safe Exit Assist' feature which warns if vehicles or cyclists are approaching from the rear when opening a door.

Cost of Ownership

Say what you like about the Prius but in the last quarter of a century, this model line's certainly done its bit for the ozone layer. Toyota claims that over this period, four generations of Prius have prevented more than 82 million tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Building on that, this fifth generation model is the cleanest yet, with a CO2 figure of just 12g/km. As with all PHEVs, a completely unrealistic 3-figure combined cycle fuel return is quoted - in this case up to 565mpg. But you should easily be able to achieve the kind of regular fuel consumption you'd previously have got from a frugal diesel. These stats of course assume that you're maximising possible EV driving range from the car's 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery, which as we told you in our 'Driving' section is supposed to be able to take you up to 53.4 miles between charges in the base 'Design' variant (it's 44 miles with the 'Excel' version). That top claimed range figure puts the car in a very favourable 8% Benefit-in-Kind taxation bracket - which for many customers could be the clincher for purchase. On the move, you can select an EV mode or use a Hybrid setting that will work with the sat nav and uses Geofencing technology that will prioritise electric power in low-emission zones. The navigation system can also suggest a route that will take into account your state of charge and identify possible charging spots. In this Prius, you can also adjust the strength of the regenerative braking. The battery can use a 7kW charger for a home top-up that will take around four hours (thanks to a slow 3.3kW charging speed). As usual with Toyotas these days, if you keep the car serviced at a franchised dealer, the warranty can be extended up to a maximum of 10 years.

Summary

This radical re-invention of what a Prius should be was developed as part of what Toyota calls its 'Hybrid Reborn' concept, based around what the brand thinks the car will need to remain popular for the next 25 years. And the result of all this effort is indeed very different from earlier much frumpier designs in this long-running model line. We're disappointed this MK5 version can't be had with the self-charging Hybrid powertrain that Toyota promotes so heavily with its other cars. But if you can afford it, the Plug-in Hybrid drivetrain we're restricted to instead might be a tempting alternative to that mid-sized EV you might have been considering. No longer need a Prius driver be dismissed as a slightly nerdy eco-warrior (or an Uber driver). This rejuvenated design is sharp to look at, sharp to drive and a really rather clever alternative to a compact PHEV crossover. We're reminded of the original advertising tagline for the first generation version of this model: "you look smart: you should drive a Prius". Maybe it still applies.

Body Glass

Rear windscreen defogger

Auto wipers

Rear window wiper

Anti-jam protection on power windows

Water repellent driver and front passenger windows

Privacy glass for rear window

Noise reduction layer on front windows

Auto up and down function on power windows

UV-filter on driver and front passenger windows

Noise reduction layer on windscreen

Infrared filter on windshield

Brakes

Electronic parking brake

Anti lock braking system + Electronic brake force distribution

Pre collision system with pedestrian, cyclist and motorbike detection

Front to front oncoming car and motorbike daytime detection

Toyota safety sense with over the air updates

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Communication

Voice recognition

Bluetooth connectivity

eCall emergency call system

Wireless Smartphone integration incl Apple CarPlay

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Reversing camera

Road sign assist - RSA

Lane trace assist

Front Cross Traffic Alert

Rear cross traffic alert with brake assist

Intelligent adaptive cruise control

Dynamic guide lines on reversing camera

Lane change assist

Acceleration suppression at low speed

Safe exit assist

Driver monitoring camera

Adaptive cruise control [ACC] switch on steering wheel

Speed limiter switch on steering wheel

Telephone switches on steering wheel

Emergency driving stop system

Speed limiter with road sign assist

Proactive driving assist (PDA)

Blind spot monitor and safe exit assist

MyT connected services

Emergency steering assist with active support and pre collision system

Pre collision system with intersection detection

Intelligent parking sensors front and rear with rear pedestrians

Driver Convenience

Power tailgate

Wireless charger

Remote boot door release in cabin

Smart entry and push button start

Smart voice assist

Driver Information

Digital speedometer

Touch 2 Go navigation system

Hybrid system indicator

Multi information display switches on steering wheel

12.3" multimedia display screen

7" Multi information screen

Toyota smart connect multimedia system

Precaution Illumination on dashboard ambient light

Driving Mirrors

Electric heated door mirrors

Power adjustable door mirrors

Indicators integrated on door mirrors

Power retractable door mirrors

Digital rear view mirror with built-in cleaning system

Embellishment Trims

Metallic effect insert on dashboard

Soft-touch front door trim

Entertainment

6 speakers

DAB Radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting)

2 USB-C connectors rear

2 USB-C connectors front

2x USB sockets in front armrest

Road events

Exterior Body Features

Rear spoiler

Shark fin antenna

Black door moulding

Boot door release with push button

Rear side wing doors

Piano black rear bumper extension

Grille shutter

Gloss black surround on lower front grille

Manual front door handles

E-switch operated rear door handles

Silver lower front grille

Exterior Lights

Manual headlight levelling

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

Rear fog lights

LED rear combination lights

Auto headlights

LED High mounted stop lamp

LED rear light guide

Automatic high beam

Automatic rear flashing hazard lights

LED turning signal with DRL integration

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Remote dual zone automatic air conditioning

Nanoe-X air purifier

Pollen air filter with deodorising odour eliminator

Heat pump system with humidifier

Rear foot ducts

Interior Features

Front and rear door pockets

Satin chrome interior door handles

12v power outlet - front

Gear shift indicator

Synthetic leather upholstery

Charge cable bag

2 cup holders in front

Multimedia switches on steering wheel

Manual telescopic steering wheel

Manual tilt steering wheel

Assist grips front

Assist grips rear

Boot underfloor storage

Rear cup holders

Power window switches with satin chrome inserts

Luggage floor board with protection mat

PVC gear shift knob

Black insert on centre pillar

Boot 230V power outlet

3 spoke premium animal friendly leather steering wheel

Soft-touch front door armrests

Soft-touch rear door armrests

Foldable tonneau cover

Interior Lights

Boot light

Glovebox with light

Microphone on front personal light

Driver and front passenger personal LED lights

2nd row rear passenger room LED light

White ambient lighting in footwell

LED front room light

Ambient lighting on dashboard

Safety

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Acoustic vehicle alerting system

Tyre pressure warning system

Child safety door lock

Driver knee airbag

Pre-tensioners and force limiters

Passenger airbag on/off switch

Driver and passenger central airbags

Driver and passenger front airbags

Driver and passenger side airbag

Rear seat reminder alert

Seats

Rear headrests

Front head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Driver and front passenger Whiplash Injury Lessening seats

Power height adjustable driver seat

Power reclining driver seat

Power sliding driver seat

Power adjustable lumbar support on driver seat

Front passenger seatback pockets

Manually sliding front passenger seat

Adjustable rear headrests

Manually reclining front passenger seat

Driver and front passenger air ventilated seats

ISOFIX child restraint system

Heated driver and passenger seats

Single front passenger seat

Memory function on driver seat

60/40 split folding 2nd row rear seats

Security

Immobiliser

Intrusion sensor

Glass-breaking alarm sensors

Motion sensor alarm

Intrusion alarm

Remote door lock

Driver power door lock

Smartphone remote door lock

Wheel Nuts

Smartphone remote hazard lights system

Vanity Mirrors

Mirror on driver sun visor

Mirror on passenger sun visor

Vehicle Charging

Fast charger 32A Mennekes cable

3.3 kW Standard charger

Wheels

Gloss black wheel arch moulding

Wheels - Alloy

19" 10 spoke machined black alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 352

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 116

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 60000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 13.6

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City: 111

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 44.1

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City: 69

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 4.9

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 12.8

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 71

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

NOx: 0.005

Particles: 0.0002

HC+NOx: N

HC: 0.015

CO: 0.153

Noise Level dB(A): 65

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 17

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 17

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 17

Engine and Drive Train

Compression Ratio: 14.0:1

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 80.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 97.6

Engine Code: M20A-FXS

Gears: 1 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

CC: 1987

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 353.1

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 0.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 0.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 470.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 403.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 0.7

General

Badge Power: 223

Generation Mark: 5

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Coin Description: PHEV

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 31A

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

Coin Series: Excel

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Performance

Top Speed: 110

Engine Power - BHP: 223

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.8

Engine Power - KW: 164

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - MKG: 19.4

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 140

Engine Torque - NM: 190

Engine Torque - RPM: 4400

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 195/50 R19

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Tyre Size Rear: 195/50 R19

Wheel Style: 10 SPOKE

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Width: 1782

Length: 4599

Wheelbase: 2750

Height: 1430

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1995

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 40

Max. Loading Weight: 435

No. of Seats: 5

Minimum Kerbweight: 1560

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Premium paint

Wind deflector

Packs

Essential protection pack - Prius

Protection plus pack - Prius

Protection film pack - Prius

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Silver

Metallic - Galaxy black

Metallic - Ash grey

Metallic - Mustard

Paint - Solid

Solid - Lunar Shadow

Paint - Special

Premium paint - Scarlet flare

Premium paint - Platinum white pearl

Trim - Leather

Synthetic leather - Black