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Toyota’s 2026 Prius delivers two hybrid variants, stylish interior and a gamut of top-tier safety technology. Both versions give drivers superb economy with impressive performance.
A new Nightshade Edition with an all-black exterior theme joins the 2026 Prius lineup. The features include black badging, dark door sills and 19-inch black finished alloy wheels complemented by matching black door handles.
The interior showcases a sleek carbon-fiber dashboard and black seats highlighted with subtle gray stitching.
Toyota’s Nightshade Edition is a sportier version of the Prius plug-in XLE and includes an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, 7-inch digital gauge cluster, heated front seats and 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support.
Additional features include a center console with armrest and storage compartment, 6-way adjustable front passenger seat, 60/40 split-fold rear seats with center armrest, a wireless charging pad and six-speaker audio system.
The 2026 Nightshade Edition paint colors include Wind Chill Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic and a Karashi yellow hue that sharply contrasts its black theme styling.
2026 Hybrid Prius
Toyota’s 2026 Hybrid Prius is paired to a 2.0-liter gas engine and two electric motors via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
The engine delivers 194 hp in Front-Wheel Drive models and 196 hp in Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive versions. According to manufacturer estimates, the Hybrid Prius also achieves 57 MPG in FWD models and 54 MPG in AWD variants.
AWD-equipped models use a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power rear wheels when needed. This setup provides extra traction on winter roads and improves stability during sharp corners or maneuvers.
The system also comes with a Precise Electronic Control feature that optimizes torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. Engineers have designed the AWD system to use battery power for both axles based on data from wheel speed and G-force sensors.
An Electronically Controlled Brake system integrates regenerative and hydraulic braking for reliable and responsive stopping power. The technology also recaptures kinetic energy when brakes are used which improves the overall fuel economy of the vehicle.
Toyota’s 2025 Hybrid Prius comes with selectable drive modes. Normal mode optimizes engine performance and fuel conservation. Eco mode maximizes hybrid efficiency by limiting acceleration and Sport mode boosts throttle response for drivers looking for more speed.
The EV setting runs on all-electric power over short distances which makes it ideal for navigating parking lots, school zones and residential neighborhoods. A Vehicle Proximity Notification feature alerts pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence in EV mode.
2026 Plug-in Hybrid
Toyota’s Prius Plug-in Hybrid is equipped with a 2.0-liter gas engine and electric motor that generate 220 hp and attain a 52 MPG manufacturer rating.
An Electronically Controlled Brake system synchronizes hydraulic brakes with regenerative braking while the vehicle is in motion and converts kinetic energy into electricity that is sent back to the battery.
All Prius Plug-in models are fitted with a 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery. The battery takes 11 hours to fully recharge using a standard 120V household outlet and four hours with a 240V Level 2 charger.
The entry-level SE model offers a 44-mile all-electric driving range, while the XSE, Nightshade and XSE Premium models have a 40-mile electric-only driving distance.
Depending on battery charge and driver preference, Toyota’s plug-in hybrid system switches between EV, Auto EV/HV and Hybrid modes.
EV mode relies solely on the vehicle’s battery, while Auto EV/HV mode uses the battery for the wheels but automatically switches to HV mode for extra torque power on hilly terrain, mountain roads or at highway speeds.
In hybrid mode, the Prius Plug-in alternates between the gas engine and electric motors for engine efficiency and battery power. Drivers can also tweak the plug-in hybrid system using Normal, Eco and Sport settings to match their driving habits.
Comfort and Convenience
The standard features on the 2026 Toyota Hybrid Prius include an 8-inch audio multimedia screen, 7-inch digital gauge cluster, 6-way adjustable front seats, dual phone connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, six-USB ports, a single zone climate control system and a six-speaker audio unit.
Higher trims offer a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 8-way adjustable driver seat with memory function, heated and ventilated front seats, heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel, wireless charger, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftback and an eight-speaker premium audio system.
Toyota’s Limited model adds a panoramic view monitor for visibility in tight spaces and a semi-autonomous Advanced Park feature that helps with parallel and angled parking.
Plug-in Hybrid
The standard SE amenities include an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, 7-inch digital display, 6-way adjustable front seats, a leather-trimmed and heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, six USB ports, rain-sensing wipers and a six-speaker sound system.
Additional amenities on XSE and XSE Premium models include a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory function, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat vents and a wireless charging pad.
Other features are a digital key system, eight-speaker boom box, a wide-angled monitor, rear liftback and panoramic glass roof.
An available option on the XSE Premium is a 185W solar roof that charges the Plug-in Hybrid’s battery and displays the solar power output on the vehicle’s multi-information screen.
Safety
All 2026 Prius models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0—an in-built co-pilot system that helps drivers stay alert, detect potential hazards and prevent accidents.
Features:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Safe Exit Alert
- Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Proactive Driving Assist
Both the 2026 Toyota Prius Hybrid and Prius Plug-In Hybrid are equipped with eight airbags which offer protection for all occupants.
The Prius also includes a LATCH system for securing child seats and a Rear-Seat Reminder that prompts drivers to always check the back seat before exiting the vehicle.
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