TOYOTA PRIUS HATCHBACK REVIEW

For The smooth drivetrain and compliant ride mean the Prius is comfortable, while the cabin is roomy enough for families. Emissions and fuel economy lead the field, and resale values are great.

Against The interior plastics are disappointing, especially as the Prius is so expensive. Rear visibility isn't very good and there's barely any feel in the steering.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

The Prius makes a good family car as well as a good green car, thanks to the spacious cabin and big boot. It's comfortable and easy to drive, and it also comes with Toyota's legendary build quality.

Reader review rating

3.5

The Toyota Prius Hatchback full review Read in full

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Perkier than hybrid rivals
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
A pretty well-rounded car to drive
Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
Quiet and smooth most of the time
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Pricey to buy, brilliant to own
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Unappealing, but unbreakable
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Top notch on both counts
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Good bits and bad bits
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Good for both passengers and bags
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
T3 trim provides everything you need

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There are 5 Toyota Prius versions available

Toyota Prius Hatchback 1.8 Plug-In 5dr	TBA	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Toyota Prius Hatchback 1.8 VVT-i T3 5dr	£21,055	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Toyota Prius Hatchback 1.8 VVT-i T4 5dr	£22,770	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Toyota Prius Hatchback 1.8 VVT-i 10 5dr	£24,285	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Toyota Prius Hatchback 1.8 VVT-i T Spirit 5dr	£24,285	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

Toyota Prius Hatchback 1.8 VVT-i T3 5dr

The cheapest Prius is also the greenest Prius, and surely that's the point, isn't it? It still comes with all the kit you really need, so this is our favourite version of the car.

What Car? says:4 stars out of 5

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Whichever Prius you choose, you'll get the same engine – a 98bhp 1.8-litre petrol unit that's backed up by an electric motor. All models come with a continuously variable transmission, too. That doesn't mean all models give you the same CO2 emissions and fuel economy, though. The entry-level T3 comes on 15-inch alloy wheels, and so returns 72.4mpg and emits 89g/km of CO2. The T4 and T Spirit trims come with 17-inch alloys, and that's why they do slightly worse at 70.6mpg and 92g/km, respectively.

That's one reason why the T3 is the one to go for – the other is that it's much cheaper than the others, and still comes with all the kit you need. That includes air-conditioning, front and rear electric windows and a head-up display.

Across the range, you'll get a warranty that covers the car for an impressive five years/100,000 miles.