Model guide · Elgin Toyota
What Are the Toyota Prius Models?
The Prius family is two cars now: the Prius hybrid and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid. The smaller Prius c and the wagon-like Prius v are used cars only. Here is how the current models and grades compare, using Toyota's own figures.
Quick answer
For 2027 Toyota sells the Prius in LE, XLE, Nightshade and Limited grades, each in front-wheel drive (194 net horsepower) or all-wheel drive (196), with the LE rated at an EPA-estimated 55 mpg combined (53 with AWD). The Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes in SE, XSE, Nightshade and XSE Premium with 220 net horsepower, an EPA-estimated 44 miles of electric range on the SE and 39 on the others, and 51 mpg combined in hybrid mode on the SE. Both use a 2.0-liter engine and Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system.
The two Prius models side by side
| 2027 Prius | 2027 Prius Plug-in Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | LE, XLE, Nightshade, Limited | SE, XSE, Nightshade, XSE Premium |
| Drive | FWD or AWD on every grade | FWD |
| System output | 194 hp (FWD), 196 hp (AWD) | 220 hp |
| Fuel economy | LE: 55 mpg combined FWD, 53 AWD (EPA est.) | SE: 51 mpg combined in hybrid mode (EPA est.) |
| Electric range | Not applicable; charges itself | SE: 44 miles; XSE, Nightshade, XSE Premium: 39 miles (EPA est.) |
| Charging | None needed | 13.6 kWh battery; about 11 hours on a 120V outlet, about 4 hours on Level 2 |
| Wheels | 17-inch (LE), 19-inch (XLE, Nightshade, Limited) | 17-inch (SE), 19-inch (others) |
| Safety | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard |
Toyota's July 2026 figures. Fuel economy and range vary with wheel size, temperature and driving; the 19-inch grades rate slightly lower than the 17-inch LE and SE.
Which one fits
Prius LE or XLE
The efficiency pick. No plug, no planning, and the LE's 17-inch wheels give it the best rating in the family. AWD is available on every grade for winter traction.
Prius Plug-in Hybrid SE
The commuter pick if you can charge at home. Up to 44 electric miles covers most daily driving in the Elgin and Schaumburg area on the battery, with the hybrid system for longer trips.
Nightshade and Limited / XSE Premium
The equipment picks: black trim and 19-inch wheels on Nightshade; the top grades add the larger display, premium audio and more driver assistance. Expect a few mpg less than the LE or SE.
Older Prius models you will see used
| Model | Years sold in the U.S. | What it was |
|---|---|---|
| Prius c | 2012 to 2019 | A smaller, lower-priced hatchback with a 1.5-liter hybrid system |
| Prius v | 2012 to 2017 | A taller wagon-style Prius with more cargo space |
| Prius Plug-in and Prius Prime | 2012 to 2015, then 2017 to 2025 | The plug-in versions that the Prius Plug-in Hybrid replaced |
| Prius (fourth generation) | 2016 to 2022 | The previous body, with available AWD-e from 2019 |
All are still supported by Toyota service and parts. See used Prius inventory.
Owning one
Both current models use 0W-20 synthetic oil on Toyota's 10,000-mile or 12-month schedule, and ToyotaCare covers scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles on a new one. The hybrid battery is warranted for 10 years or 150,000 miles. If the car ever will not wake up, it is almost always the small 12-volt battery: how to jump-start a Prius.
Frequently asked questions
How many Prius models are there?
Two current models: the Prius hybrid (LE, XLE, Nightshade, Limited) and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid (SE, XSE, Nightshade, XSE Premium). The Prius c and Prius v were discontinued.
What is the difference between the Prius and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid?
The Plug-in Hybrid has a larger 13.6 kWh battery you charge from an outlet, giving up to 44 miles of electric driving before it works as a regular hybrid. The Prius charges itself and cannot be plugged in.
Does the Prius come in AWD?
Yes. The 2027 Prius offers all-wheel drive on every grade, with 196 net horsepower. The Plug-in Hybrid is front-wheel drive.
What is the Prius mpg?
Toyota's EPA estimate for the 2027 Prius LE is 55 mpg combined with FWD and 53 with AWD. The Plug-in Hybrid SE is rated 51 mpg combined in hybrid mode.
Is the Prius Prime still made?
No. Toyota renamed it the Prius Plug-in Hybrid starting with the 2026 model year.
Drive both at Elgin Toyota
Compare the Prius and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid back to back, and ask us about charging at home.
Sources
Figures were checked against Toyota's announcements on October 14, 2026. EPA estimates; your mileage and range will vary.
- 2027 Toyota Prius: Designed to Stand Out, Built on Hybrid Innovation (July 2026), Toyota USA Newsroom
- 2027 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Combines Electrified Performance and Everyday Efficiency (July 16, 2026), Toyota USA Newsroom
- What does ToyotaCare include?, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. support
