Toyota has been leading the charge of hybrid vehicle technology for about a quarter of a century now, and it all started with the first-generation Prius. Once met with skepticism and lighthearted jabs, the Prius has come a long way since its unveiling, and it’s now considered one of the most important cars of the 21st century.
Over the years, Toyota continued to improve on the Prius, and about a decade ago, as plug-in hybrid technology began to take off, Toyota released the plug-in version of the Prius. Like other PHEVs, it boasted a beefy rechargeable battery pack that allowed electrified driving for a certain range of miles.
Now, both the 2026 Prius and 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid are still massively popular among shoppers near Fort Worth. But is the powertrain the only difference between these two gas-savers? For folks out there who are considering both, let’s compare the two and see which one might be the best fit for you.
Prius vs. Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Fuel Economy
Let’s get the most obvious one out of the way first: because of their different powertrains, Prius Plug-in Hybrid’s MPG is quite different from the classic Prius.
With the LE trim, the 2026 Prius is capable of 57 MPG in the city and 56 MPG on the highway, or a combined 57 MPG. Other Prius grades with all-wheel drive and larger tires get lower fuel economy, but even trims like the Nightshade Edition AWD still returns a solid 49 MPG combined.
One of the major benefits of the 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid is that it’s capable of an estimated 44 miles of all-electric driving, which means that it doesn’t burn a single drop of gasoline. It also gets up to 53 MPG in the city and 51 MPG on the highway, or 52 MPG combined, when not running on battery power. While this is slightly lower than the regular Prius, as long as the battery has some juice in it, it’s rated for up to 127 MPGe, which puts it in a definitive lead—just make sure you keep it charged to benefit from its full potential.
One final note about the Prius PHEV: using a 120-volt outlet, it’ll take about 11 hours to charge fully, but a properly equipped 240-volt outlet can get the job done in about 4 hours.
Prius vs. Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Performance
The Prius is motivated by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a hybrid system that cranks out either 194 or 196 horsepower, depending on the drivetrain—it can be optioned in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. When equipped with AWD, it can travel from 0 to 60 in about 7.0 seconds.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is also powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder motor, but its hybrid system is more robust, pushing out a total of 220 horsepower and a bit more torque. This boost gives it a slightly quicker 0 to 60 time of about 6.6 seconds. However, the Prius PHEV can only be equipped with front-wheel drive, which gives the regular Prius a bit of an edge during bad weather and light off-roading.
Prius vs. Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Interior Space
Viewed from the outside, the Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid look pretty much the exact same—their length, width, height, and wheelbase are all but identical.
They have very similar interior dimensions too, but the Prius Plug-in Hybrid’s heftier battery pack reduces its interior capacity just a bit. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| 2026 Prius | 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid | |
| Passenger capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Head room (front/rear) | 38.0 / 36.4 in | 38.0 / 36.4 in |
| Shoulder room (front/rear) | 55.3 / 52.8 in | 55.3 / 52.8 in |
| Hip room (front/rear) | 54.7 / 51.7 in | 54.7 / 51.7 in |
| Leg room (front/rear) | 43.2 / 34.8 in | 42.4 / 35.9 in |
| Passenger volume | 91.2 cu ft | 91.2 cu ft |
| Max cargo volume (seats up) | 23.8 cu ft | 20.3 cu ft |
While differences are mostly negligible, the Prius has a bit more room in the front row and in the cargo area, while the Prius Plug-in Hybrid has slightly more room for rear seat passengers.
Prius vs. Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Technology
In terms of their interior features, both are incredibly similar. The Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid have an 8.0-inch center touch screen in the lower trims, while the higher trim levels come with a larger 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia setup. Regardless of which screen size you opt for, all come with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, one USB media port, five USB charging ports, and compatibility with the full range of Toyota Connected Services including in-vehicle Wi-Fi.
Prius vs. Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Safety
Both models come standard with Toyota safety Sense™ 3.0 for 2026, which includes the following features:
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Automatic High Beams (AHB)
- Proactive Driving Assist (PDA)
In addition, both come standard with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Safe Exit Alert (SEA). The Prius Plug-in Hybrid also has standard Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and both have available Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB).
Prius vs. Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Price
Generally speaking, hybrids tend to be a bit less expensive than plug-in hybrids, and that’s true of the Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid. Here’s their respective MSRP by grade:
2026 Toyota Prius:
- LE: $28,550
- XLE: $31,995
- Nightshade Edition: $32,800
- Limited: $35,565
2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid:
- SE: $33,775
- XSE: $37,025
- Nightshade Edition: $37,795
- XSE Premium: $40,470
Essentially, the up-front cost vs. long-term gas mileage is the most important factor to consider when choosing between these two models. If you need help calculating your monthly payment and fuel costs, contact the hybrid experts at our Toyota dealership in Burleson and we’ll help you choose the right Prius for your lifestyle.
Shop Toyota Prius Models for Sale Near Cleburne, TX
Now that you know all the important differences between the two, you’re ready to make an informed decision and pick the perfect Toyota hybrid for you. At Family Toyota of Burleson, we have an excellent selection of new Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid models for sale. Be sure to check out our new car specials to find low APR financing so you can get the most affordable monthly payment possible.
Ready to schedule a test drive? Call us today at 817-405-3122 or contact us online with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between the Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Prius Prime?
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Prius Prime are the exact same in everything but name—Toyota simply chose to change the name from Prius Prime to the Prius Plug-in Hybrid for the 2025 model year in order to eliminate confusion among shoppers.
Is the Prius or Prius Plug-in Hybrid More Cost Efficient?
The Prius has a significantly lower starting price, which may make it more appealing to shoppers on a budget. However, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid gets up to 127 MPGe, which means that it has far lower fuel costs as long as you’re able to regularly recharge the battery.
Which is Faster, Prius or Prius Plug-in Hybrid?
The Prius PHEV has more horsepower and a slightly faster 0 to 60 time than the Prius.
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