2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Specs, Redesign, Dimensions

2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Specs, Redesign, Dimensions   –  The 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid has been completely overhauled, and if you’ve always thought of it as a frumpy little machine that you bought strictly for fuel economy, think again. It’s redesigned inside and out, it’s more powerful thanks to a new engine and hybrid system, and it’s a pleasure to drive, with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It comes in two trims, starting with the XLE at $38,510, including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $1,860. I tested the top Limited trim at $44,850. It’s also available as the Prius Plug-In Hybrid Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which comes in three trims that range from $40,010 to $48,850 before tax and government incentives.

2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

The Prius Plug-In Hybrid comes all-in; the only options are two extra-charge paint shades, and dealer-installed accessories such as door protection mouldings. The XLE includes an eight-inch centre touchscreen, automatic climate control, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats in faux leather, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and 19-inch wheels.

The Limited trim further adds a power hatch, wireless phone charger, self-parking system, 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, premium audio, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, driver’s side memory, a digital rearview mirror, and fixed glass roof. Both trims come with trials to subscription-based connection services including a remote app. Both can use a Google-based connection service including navigation, but it’s available on the XLE, while the Limited includes it for a three-year trial.

2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Specs

The Prius Plug-In Hybrid still looks like nothing else on the road, but for the first time in its more than two-decade history that’s a compliment. It’s almost Lamborghini-like up front, while the rear is smoothed out with a full-width taillight bar. The hatch is no longer separated into a rear window and lower glass section, which looks better than before, but it also reduces rearward visibility. The rear door handles are now hidden in the corner of the rear window. 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Specs

Inside, the previously centre-mounted instrument cluster is now in front of the driver – where it should have been all along. The dash styling is stark but futuristic-looking, especially the unusual squared-off steering column.

Engine and Performance

The Prius Plug-In Hybrid uses a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that, on its own, makes 150 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to twin electric motor-generators, with a combined output of 196 hp. That’s a considerable upgrade from the previous Prius Plug-In Hybrid , which used a 1.8L engine and made a combined 121 hp. The extra power is appreciated, especially for highway passing.

As before, it uses an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT), which drives the front wheels. Another electric motor powers the rear wheels when AWD is needed for extra traction. The lithium-ion hybrid battery self-charges through regenerative braking and doesn’t get plugged in. Should you want a PHEV, which can be charged to provide a range of battery-only driving, there’s the Prius Plug-In Hybrid Prime.

2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Fuel Economy

The Prius Plug-In Hybrid is rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 4.8 L/100 km in the city, 4.7 on the highway, and 4.8 in combined driving. I came in a little higher in my week with it, finishing at 5.4. It runs on 87-octane gasoline. That 4.8 L/100 km combined is unchanged from the 2022 Prius Plug-In Hybrid , despite being larger and more powerful. 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Specs

2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Safety Features

However, in addition to the backup camera that is required on all new cars, other standard equipment include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and tracing assistance, automatic high-beam headlamps, and emergency front braking with pedestrian recognition.

Some assist features have also been updated from the outgoing Prius Plug-In Hybrid . The emergency braking gets improved front detection and can now detect motorcycles, along with pedestrians and cyclists; the lane departure system can detect items such as guard rails, which help it determine where the lane is; the adaptive cruise control has four following-distance settings, up from three; and if you’re unable to steer, such as in a medical emergency, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid can slow and stop itself.

2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Price and Release Date

At $38,510 and $44,850 for its two trims, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid is a little pricey in its small segment of similarly sized hybrid cars. The Hyundai Elantra comes in a single hybrid trim that rings in at $31,074 before tax, while the Toyota Corolla Hybrid ranges from $27,750 for the front-wheel-drive base trim to $36,050 for the range-topping all-wheel-drive version. Meanwhile, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid Prime is $40,010 to $48,850 but qualifies for federal, provincial, and territorial incentives. 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Specs