2021 Toyota Prius Review

The Toyota Prius has gained popularity in the New Zealand market due to its exceptional fuel efficiency and reliability. It is also known for its spacious interior and sleek design. The Toyota Prius is a great choice for people who want to save money on fuel. It locally rivals the Honda Insight, Nissan Note Hybrid, and Honda Fit Hybrid.

2021 Toyota Prius

Introduction

The Toyota Prius has been in production since 1997 and is currently in the Fifth generation. The first generation XW10 was produced from 1997 to 2000. The second generation XW20 was produced from 2003 to 2008, the third generation XW30 was produced from 2009 to  2014, and the fourth generation XW50 was produced from 2015 to 201. The fifth generation has been in production from 2022 to present.

Engines

The 2021 Toyota Prius comes with a 1.8L 2ZR-FXE I4 VVT-i Atkinson cycle engine which is paired with an electric motor. The engine uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For a detailed insight on the 2ZR-FXE I4 engine refer to the Toyota Prius Buyers Guide.

2021 Toyota Prius Grades

• 2021 Toyota Prius X: This is the base model that comes standard with features such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and LED headlights.

• 2021 Toyota Prius U: The U grade adds features such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats.

• 2021 Toyota Prius G: The G grade is the most popular grade of Prius that adds features such as a JBL sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a blind spot monitoring system.
• 2021 Toyota Prius Z: The Z grade is the top-of-the-line grade that adds features such as a wireless charging pad, a head-up display, and a navigation system.

Interior

The 2021 Toyota Prius offers a spacious and comfortable interior that can accommodate five adults. In the first row, the seats are supportive and offer plenty of legroom and headroom to the driver and the front passenger. In the second row, the seats are also comfortable but the headroom can be limited for taller passengers due to the sloping roofline. The dashboard is well organized and a majority of drivers can easily access controls aside from the shifter.

2021 Toyota Prius interior

Cargo Space

The 2021 Prius offers 27.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats which is enough to carry small items such as groceries. The rear seats can be folded down in case extra space is needed. With the rear seats folded, you’ll have 50.7 cubic feet of space, which is comparable to a small SUV.

2021 Toyota Prius cargo space

Exterior

The 2021 Toyota Prius has a unique exterior design that is instantly recognizable. The front end boasts a large grille with a blue Toyota Logo indicating it’s a hybrid car. The headlights are slim and swept back giving it a futuristic look.  The side profile features a pronounced character line that runs from the front to the rear creating a sense of motion and giving the Prius an athletic look. The roofline slopes gently towards the rear. The rear end features a narrow taillight design with LED accents, a small trunk-lid spoiler, and a black diffuser.

2021 Toyota Prius side profile.

Safety Features; The 2021 Toyota Prius features Toyota Safety Sense which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure alert with steering assist, road-sign recognition, auto high beam, a reversing camera and seven airbags, and autonomous emergency braking.

Performance

The 2021 Toyota Prius is not particularly fast as it is designed for fuel efficiency and it does that job very well. However, it is still peppy enough for city driving and can easily get up to highway speeds.

It has a surprisingly comfortable ride thanks to its well-tuned suspension system that absorbs bumps and potholes perfectly.

The Prius handles well but some drivers may feel it is not as sporty as some other cars in its class. It is still capable of taking corners confidently and its relatively low center of gravity helps it to feel stable on the road.

The 2021 Prius has good brakes. They are not the strongest brakes on the market, but they offer more than adequate for stopping the car safely.

The Prius also has an optional all-wheel drive system that provides traction in slippery conditions. When needed, the system uses an electric motor to power the back wheels, and it can transfer up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels.

Reliability

The Toyota Prius is regarded as a reliable hybrid as it is known to provide many years of service without any major problems. However, just like any other car, some owners may experience some issues such as Center multi-function display failure, incorrect reading on the fuel gauge, electrical issues, and transmission problems. It’s worth noting that these issues aren’t widespread with the 2021 Prius and a majority of Prius owners have reported no difficulties with their hatchbacks.

If you are planning to own or currently own the Toyota Prius, it is important you read the Buyers Guide and the Owner’s Manual.

2021 Toyota Prius engine.

Pros

• Excellent fuel economy
• optional all-wheel drive.

Cons

• uninspiring performance
• Acceleration can be sluggish

Conclusion

The 2021 Toyota Prius is an excellent choice for buyers looking for a fuel-efficient and comfortable vehicle. It’s not the fastest hybrid on the market, but it’s still a good choice for people who don’t need a lot of power. The Prius also offers a comfortable cabin that can comfortably seat five adults.

2021 Toyota Prius side profile