Toyota Prius Model Years and History

The Toyota Prius rolls into 2026 with minimal changes.

The Toyota Prius rolls into 2025 with minimal changes

After a redesign in 2023 the Toyota Prius rolls into 2024 with minimal changes.

The Prius is completely redesigned for 2023.

The Prius enters 2022 with relatively minor changes although a new Nightshade trim has been added.

The Prius enters 2021 with relatively minor changes. A new 20th Anniversary Edition is available while the Prius Prime gets updates to the safety features.

The Prius enters 2020 with relatively minor changes. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility have been added as standard features for the car. Meanwhile, the Plug-in Prius Prime version now gets a 5th seat and a new black interior along with an extra USB port.

The big Prius news for 2019 is that Toyota has added optional all-wheel drive to the hybrid's spec sheet. The automatic, on-demand AWD-e system has no center differential and does not need a rear driveshaft; the system instead uses an electric magnet-less rear motor capable of powering the rear wheels up to 43 mph. Toyota says the Prius AWD-e will still return 52 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway. Additionally, all Prius models receive mild exterior styling changes, and trim names have changed, from the previous numerical designations, to L Eco, LE, XLE and Limited. Only the LE and XLE trims will offer the AWD-e option.

Toyota has essentially left the standard Prius alone for 2018. It continues to be a great pick for anyone who needs a mid-sized car, but wants fantastic fuel mileage. The Prius C gets a few mild updates and cars now include Toyota's Safety Sense C, and a backup camera as standard equipment.

The Toyota Prius was totally redesigned for 2016. It carries over this year largely unchanged, though a new plug-in hybrid variant, the Prius Prime, replaces the previous model. The Prime differs in looks from the standard Prius, and it pairs the excellent 1.8L four found across the Prius range with a new 8.8 kWh battery pack. Toyota claims a total gas/electric range of 600 miles, with a battery-only range of up to 22 miles. A full charge takes less than six hours. The Prime will debut later in the model year.

The Prius has been totally redesigned for 2016. The new exterior is bold and modern, while numerous improvements have also been made under the skin. The new drivetrain is now even more efficient, with special low friction components, a redesigned air intake and improvements to airflow inside the combustion chamber. The new drivetrain even manages to be lighter than the outgoing one further helping to improve fuel economy, Toyota expects about a 10 percent improvement over the 2015 model. The interior has also been redesigned with plenty of new technology, helping to maintain that cutting edge feel that the Prius is so well known for.

For 2015, the Toyota Prius receives few changes. Among them, a rear camera is now standard, while a new Persona Series trim adds special appearance items.

Following big changes in 2012, the Prius carries over into 2014. The Persona Series Special Edition has been dropped. Prices are expected to remain unchanged from 2013 levels for the new model year.

Following big changes last year, which included the introduction of several new Prius models, changes for 2013 are minimal. New this year is the Persona Series Special Edition for the Prius Three, which features 17-inch wheels, a special Black Cherry Pearl paint job and unique badges. Additionally, most models receive a modest price increase.

The big Prius news for 2012 is that Toyota is adding several new versions of the Prius-- a bigger Prius v that features more rear seat room and more cargo space than the standard Prius as well as an ultra-high-efficient Prius Plug-in. The standard Prius is carried over for 2012, but it does feature an upgraded stereo.

Having been completely redesigned for the 2010 model year, the Prius returns unchanged for 2011. Black exterior paint can now be ordered with Bisque interior. Last year's Intelligent Parking System has been renamed Advanced Parking Guidance System, or APGS. In addition, previous Roman numeral identification between Prius models has been dropped in favor of 'one' through 'four' to help limit some confusion.

Having been completely redesigned for the 2010 model year, The Prius is in its third generation. The new Prius can now achieve 51 mpg in the city and 48 on the highway, making it the only vehicle in the United States to offer a combined mileage of greater than 50 mpg. A larger, more powerful 1.8L Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine replaces the previous 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. It can produce 98 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, but when combined with the electric motor, the 2010 Prius can generate a combined net horsepower of 134, and with 105 pounds-feet of torque. Disc brakes are now used on all four wheels, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes from last year. A revised body shape improves interior headroom and aerodynamics. The cabin now includes a floating console and a shift lever with a more traditional layout than 2009. An available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels, which are located directly above the rear seating area to power the new ventilation system. This solar-powered ventilation system uses an electric fan to circulate air even when the car is off. The 2010 Prius offers a remote air-conditioning system which can be started or stopped from the electronic key. In addition, an exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startups. Also new is a standard multi-information display panel that monitors fuel and energy consumption. It includes touch sensors on the steering wheel so as to reduce driver eye movement.

The Toyota Prius is largely unchanged for 2009. Base prices rise about $500 from last year.

A new Base trim becomes the entry level Toyota Prius for 2008. It doesn't have the standard cruise control and heated mirrors of the other Prius models in order to lower the cost of entry versus 2007. The Standard model now comes with a tonneau cover for 2008.

The Toyota Prius, widely recognized as an icon of automotive efficiency, enters 2007 with a few equipment changes. A sporty new Touring Edition, which brings a European-tuned suspension, HID headlamps, and various appearance upgrades, is available for a modest premium. Also, front side air bags and full-length curtain air bags, which were previously optional, are now standard on both Prius models.