2026 Toyota Prius: MPG, NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2026 Toyota Prius scores well across safety and reliability, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation compared to 16 other value Hatchbacks. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $28,550 - $36,965
- EPA Combined MPG
- 54-57 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,050 - $1,100 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 8 / 10 (Low Emissions)
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $5,500 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 5 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $877 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.64
- Brand Origin
- Japan
Priced from $28,550 to $36,965, the 2026 Toyota Prius is one of 16 value Hatchbacks. The data below covers what it costs to fuel, insure, and maintain over the miles you will actually drive.
- 5-year ownership cost $6,353 below value Hatchbacks average
- Avg repair cost $177 per year below Hatchback average
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
2026 Toyota Prius at a Glance
Compared with similar hatchbacks in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Toyota Prius are high published crash-test results and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated five-year cost. The main caution is that fuel cost is only average.
- safety
- reliability
- estimated 5-year cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+.
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.5/5 from RepairPal.
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup is about $6,353 below the similar-vehicle average.
Cautions in the data
- Fuel cost lands in the middle of its comparison group rather than standing out.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Toyota Prius?
With both a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation, the 2026 Toyota Prius has been tested by both NHTSA and IIHS crash test programs. Among Hatchbacks, 74% earned the top NHTSA score. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
74% of Hatchbacks share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 10.2%
The NHTSA star rating covers frontal, side, and rollover crashes. IIHS picks up where NHTSA leaves off with small-overlap frontal tests, roof strength, and headlight evaluations.
How Did the 2026 Toyota Prius Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
The 2026 Toyota Prius earned an IIHS TSP+. To qualify, a vehicle must score well across all crash test categories and demonstrate effective crash prevention technology. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G+ Good+ |
IIHS vehicle class: Small cars
Test results are a snapshot from before the vehicle shipped. The recall record tracks what has been discovered since, including any components the manufacturer has agreed to repair at no cost.
Does the 2026 Toyota Prius Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for the 2026 Toyota Prius, affecting ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:SWITCHES/KNOBS/BUTTONS, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH. This is typical for Hatchbacks, which average 0.8 recall campaign. Recall repairs are provided free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:SWITCHES/KNOBS/BUTTONS, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Most recent: January 2026
Units affected: 565,144
What Do 2026 Toyota Prius Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 5 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Toyota Prius. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
2 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-03-12
Most-reported problem areas
- Electrical3
- Visibility1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Commuting miles add up. The EPA fuel data below shows what you can expect to spend annually on the 2026 Toyota Prius, broken down by trim.
What Is the 2026 Toyota Prius Fuel Economy?
At up to 57 combined MPG, the 2026 Toyota Prius's most efficient trim costs an estimated $1,050 per year in fuel, $263 less than the $1,313 average for value Hatchbacks. Real-world results will vary. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 54 to 57 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE FWD HEV | 57 MPG | 57 | 56 | $1,050 per year |
| LE AWD HEV | 54 MPG | 53 | 54 | $1,100 per year |
| XLE FWD HEV | 57 MPG | 57 | 56 | $1,050 per year |
| Nightshade FWD HEV | 57 MPG | 57 | 56 | $1,050 per year |
| XLE AWD HEV | 54 MPG | 53 | 54 | $1,100 per year |
| Nightshade AWD HEV | 54 MPG | 53 | 54 | $1,100 per year |
| Limited FWD HEV | 57 MPG | 57 | 56 | $1,050 per year |
| Limited AWD HEV | 54 MPG | 53 | 54 | $1,100 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $5,250 to $5,500 depending on trim.
All trims earned EPA SmartWay certification for lower emissions and fuel cost. EPA smog rating: 8 out of 10.
Commuters put the most predictable miles on a vehicle. That makes the full ownership cost, not just fuel, the number that matters most. AAA breaks it down below.
What Does the 2026 Toyota Prius Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Toyota Prius ranges from $69,835 to $88,860 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Hybrid class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,551 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,571 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,535 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $721 per year |
| Financing | $1,001 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,479 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.64 per mile |
Commuters benefit most from the trim that balances fuel economy and features at the lowest total cost. The table below puts all 8 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Toyota Prius Trims Compare?
With 8 trims priced from $28,550 to $36,965, the 2026 Toyota Prius offers a range of equipment levels. All trims use a Hybrid powertrain. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE FWD HEV | $28,550 | 57 MPG | $1,050 per year | FWD | 194 hp | 3,097 lbs | $80,195 |
| LE AWD HEV | $29,950 | 54 MPG | $1,100 per year | AWD | 196 hp | 3,230 lbs | $81,345 |
| XLE FWD HEV | $31,995 | 57 MPG | $1,050 per year | FWD | 194 hp | 3,164 lbs | $83,640 |
| Nightshade FWD HEV | $32,800 | 57 MPG | $1,050 per year | FWD | 194 hp | 3,164 lbs | $69,835 |
| XLE AWD HEV | $33,395 | 54 MPG | $1,100 per year | AWD | 196 hp | 3,285 lbs | $85,290 |
| Nightshade AWD HEV | $34,200 | 54 MPG | $1,100 per year | AWD | 196 hp | 3,285 lbs | $85,595 |
| Limited FWD HEV | $35,565 | 57 MPG | $1,050 per year | FWD | 194 hp | 3,219 lbs | $87,210 |
| Limited AWD HEV | $36,965 | 54 MPG | $1,100 per year | AWD | 196 hp | 3,340 lbs | $88,860 |
The Toyota Prius lineup has expanded from 6 trims in 2024 to 8 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $600 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
added 2025
- Nightshade (FWD, AWD)
Price changes since 2024
- LE FWD HEV $27,950 (2024) → $28,550 (2026) +$600
- LE AWD HEV $29,350 (2024) → $29,950 (2026) +$600
- XLE FWD HEV $31,395 (2024) → $31,995 (2026) +$600
- XLE AWD HEV $32,795 (2024) → $33,395 (2026) +$600
- Limited FWD HEV $34,965 (2024) → $35,565 (2026) +$600
- Limited AWD HEV $36,365 (2024) → $36,965 (2026) +$600
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE FWD HEV | $27,950 57 MPG | $28,350 57 MPG | $28,550 57 MPG |
| LE AWD HEV | $29,350 54 MPG | $29,750 54 MPG | $29,950 54 MPG |
| XLE FWD HEV | $31,395 57 MPG | $31,795 57 MPG | $31,995 57 MPG |
| XLE AWD HEV | $32,795 54 MPG | $33,195 54 MPG | $33,395 54 MPG |
| Limited FWD HEV | $34,965 57 MPG | $35,365 57 MPG | $35,565 57 MPG |
| Limited AWD HEV | $36,365 54 MPG | $36,765 54 MPG | $36,965 54 MPG |
| Nightshade FWD HEV | — | $32,560 57 MPG | $32,800 57 MPG |
| Nightshade AWD HEV | — | $33,960 54 MPG | $34,200 54 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
After comparing trims, the question shifts from 'what does it cost to buy' to 'what does it cost to keep.' RepairPal's reliability data addresses that directly.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Toyota Prius?
With a 4.5/5.0 reliability score from RepairPal, the 2026 Toyota Prius rates above average for value Hatchbacks. Fewer shop visits and lower repair costs are expected compared to peers. Source: RepairPal.
Third-party reliability data is backward-looking. The Toyota warranty below is forward-looking: it defines what is covered and for how long if the vehicle does not live up to expectations.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Toyota Prius Come With?
The warranty terms below reflect Toyota's published coverage for the 2026 Prius. All trims share the same warranty. Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 2yr/25k |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2yr/25k |
What Are the 2026 Toyota Prius Specs?
The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2026 Toyota Prius. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Compact car
| Engine | 2L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 194 - 196 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 117.4 - 125.3 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $147 - $189 |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 10.5 - 11.3 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 567 - 644 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 181.1 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 70.2 in |
| Height | 55.9 - 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,097 - 3,340 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Toyota Prius?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
All data shown for the 2026 Toyota Prius comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. For a vehicle driven every day, the fuel and reliability data above matters most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Toyota Prius FAQ
Which 2026 Toyota Prius trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 8 available trims, the Nightshade FWD HEV has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $69,835, starting at $32,800 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $88,860. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Toyota Prius?
The 2026 Toyota Prius competes with 2026 Acura Integra, 2026 Hyundai Venue, and 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. Browse all 2026 Hatchbacks.
What changed on the 2026 Toyota Prius from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 2 new trims were added and the entry price increased by $600 for the Toyota Prius lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Toyota Prius cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Toyota Prius include about $790 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $88 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $878 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Toyota Prius a hybrid?
Yes, the entire 2026 Toyota Prius lineup uses a hybrid powertrain across all 8 trims. The most efficient trim has an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,050. Hybrid powertrains combine a gas engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency.
Where is Toyota based?
Toyota's headquarters are in Japan. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our Japan-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Toyota models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Toyota model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Toyota models page for the full lineup.
What does the 2026 Toyota Prius cost per mile to drive?
Based on AAA ownership cost estimates and EPA fuel data, the 2026 Toyota Prius costs approximately 63.9 cents per mile to operate, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and financing. Actual cost per mile depends on your annual mileage, driving habits, and location.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.