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Photo of a Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius

The 1997 Prius put the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid on the street.1

Researched October 28, 2026 from 35 sources

At a glance

0150300
110–220 hpPower
07.515
6.4–13 s0–60 mph
0100200
159.3–185.1 km/hTop speed
01,0002,000
1,254–1,618 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.31013141516

Layout
Front engine; FWD or electric AWD112
Gearbox
Planetary power-split e-CVT automatic213
Built at
XW10: Takaoka/Motomachi, Japan; XW60: Tsutsumi, Japan114

The story

G21 began in 1993 to create a low-emission family car. Eiji Toyoda urged the effort, Shoichiro Toyoda backed it, and Satoshi Ogiso helped develop the Prius: the first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid.23

1994: Go hybrid or lose the project19941997: December 10: the NHW10 goes on sale19972003: A Kammback liftback with 110 hp20032009: 2010 Prius: 1.8 liters and 134 hp20092011: Prius becomes a wider family20112015: TNGA and all-wheel drive in Japan20152016: Prius Prime brings a second plug-in20162017: 6.1 million Prius-family sales20172022: Hybrid Reborn reshapes generation five2022 Toyota Prius (first generation) (XW10): 1997–2003XW10Toyota Prius (second generation) (XW20): 2003–2012XW20Toyota Prius (third generation) (XW30): 2009–2016XW30Toyota Prius (fourth generation) (XW50): 2015–2022XW50Toyota Prius (fifth generation) (XW60): 2022–presentXW60 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones156891417
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1997–2003Toyota Prius (first generation) (XW10)
2003–2012Toyota Prius (second generation) (XW20)
2009–2016Toyota Prius (third generation) (XW30)
2015–2022Toyota Prius (fourth generation) (XW50)
2022–presentToyota Prius (fifth generation) (XW60)
1994Go hybrid or lose the project
1997December 10: the NHW10 goes on sale
2003A Kammback liftback with 110 hp
20092010 Prius: 1.8 liters and 134 hp
2011Prius becomes a wider family
2015TNGA and all-wheel drive in Japan
2016Prius Prime brings a second plug-in
20176.1 million Prius-family sales
2022Hybrid Reborn reshapes generation five
  1. 1994

    Go hybrid or lose the project

    Akihiro Wada told G21 leader Takeshi Uchiyamada to make the car a hybrid. The target became twice a conventional car's fuel efficiency.2

  2. 1997

    December 10: the NHW10 goes on sale

    The Japan-only NHW10 launched as the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid, powered by the Toyota Hybrid System.14

  3. 2003

    A Kammback liftback with 110 hp

    The second generation traded the sedan shape for a Kammback liftback. Its hybrid system made 110 hp; electric A/C could run with the engine stopped.135

  4. 2009

    2010 Prius: 1.8 liters and 134 hp

    The third generation delivered 134 hp combined. EPA combined economy was 50 mpg; the 2010 car returned 42 mpg in testing.67

  5. 2011

    Prius becomes a wider family

    The Prius v MPV and Prius c hatchback joined the family. The first production Prius plug-in followed in 2012.1

  6. 2015

    TNGA and all-wheel drive in Japan

    The fourth generation brought TNGA, a lower center of gravity and rear double-wishbone suspension. Japan also gained E-Four all-wheel drive.18

  7. 2016

    Prius Prime brings a second plug-in

    The second plug-in generation reached the US in November as the Prius Prime, initially with four seats.1

  8. 2017

    6.1 million Prius-family sales

    By January, worldwide Prius-family sales reached 6.1 million: 61% of all Toyota hybrids sold since 1997.1

  9. 2022

    Hybrid Reborn reshapes generation five

    Chief engineer Satoki Oya gave the fifth-generation designers freedom; project chief designer Yuji Fujiwara pursued the Hybrid Reborn concept.91011

Every generation

  • Toyota Prius (first generation)
    XW101997–2003
  • Toyota Prius (second generation)
    XW202003–2012
  • Toyota Prius (third generation)
    XW302009–2016
  • Toyota Prius (fourth generation)
    XW502015–2022
  • Toyota Prius (fifth generation)
    XW602022–present

Power over the years

From 110 hp to 220 hp in 17 years.

0100200300 2005201020152020 hp 2006 · 110 hp · 2006 Prius: revised system rating2010 · 134 hp · 2010 Prius: combined system output2016 · 121 hp · 2016 Prius: combined system output2023 · 138 hp · 2023 Japan 1.8 L: combined output2023 · 194 hp · 2023 US FWD: combined system output2023 · 220 hp · 2023 Prius Prime: combined output 220 hp 2023 Prius Prime: combined output 110 hp 2006 Prius: revised system rating
1361315
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
20061102006 Prius: revised system rating
20101342010 Prius: combined system output
20161212016 Prius: combined system output
20231382023 Japan 1.8 L: combined output
20231942023 US FWD: combined system output
20232202023 Prius Prime: combined output

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Prius XW30 mainstream grades

    Standard

    Prius XW30 mainstream grades

    2010–2015 (US)

    134 hp

  • Standard

    Prius mainstream grades (fourth and fifth generation)

  • Performance

    Prius Touring (US)

    2007–2009

    110 hp
  • Prius Plug-in Hybrid (XW30)

    Standard

    Prius Plug-in Hybrid (XW30)

  • Prius Prime / Plug-in (second plug-in generation)

    Standard

    Prius Prime / Plug-in (second plug-in generation)

  • Special

    Prius Nightshade (US)

  • Prius Persona / Special Edition

    Special

    Prius Persona / Special Edition

    2013; 2015

  • Prius S Touring Selection G's (Japan)

    Performance

    Prius S Touring Selection G's (Japan)

  • Prius PHV GR Sport (Japan)

    Performance

    Prius PHV GR Sport (Japan)

  • Limited

    Prius 2020 Edition (US)

    2021

  • Limited

    Prius 10th Anniversary (UK)

    2010

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: a sedan with a short sloping hood, large front lamps and wraparound rear lights.14
  • Second generation: sloping-roof hatchback with a Kammback tail.515
  • Fourth generation: sloping roof and split rear window; early taillights dive toward the bumper.19

Year by year

  1. 2004 (US)

    Second generation replaces the sedan body with a sloping-roof hatchback.15

  2. 2005 (US)

    Rear-window wiper/washer becomes standard, having previously been optional.15

  3. 2006

    XW20 upper taillight sections change from black to clear, alongside a lightly revised front end.5

  4. 2012

    Third-generation refresh updates both sets of lights and the front bumper; US Two adds 15-inch covers and LED running lights.6

  5. 2019

    Rear lights change from vertical to horizontal; headlights become slimmer, and new round fog lights sit in the lower grille.12

  6. 2023

    The body sits lower and wider, the roof peak moves rearward and the hatch loses its vertical glass panel.10

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Toyota Prius
    Prius
    Photo of a Toyota Prius c / Aqua
    Toyota Prius c / Aqua

    Toyota Prius c / Aqua

    The c/Aqua is a subcompact hatchback; the regular Prius has been a compact five-door liftback since 2003.1

  • Photo of a Toyota Prius
    Prius
    Photo of a Toyota Prius v / α / +
    Toyota Prius v / α / +

    Toyota Prius v / α / +

    Look for an MPV people-carrier body: v, α and + identify the spacious offshoot; the European Prius+ has seven seats.13

  • Photo of a Toyota Prius
    Prius
    Photo of a Honda Insight
    Honda Insight

    Honda Insight

    On the 2010 models, the Insight's grille curves upward like a smile; the Prius grille has a downturned mouth.7

Against its rivals

  • Chevrolet Metro (1998)

    Prius vs Chevrolet Metro (1998)

    Observed economy

    Prius42 mpg
    Chevrolet Metro (1998)42 mpg
    7

  • Prius vs Honda Insight EX (2010)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Prius10 s
    Honda Insight EX (2010)10.3 s
    7

  • Prius vs Auris Hybrid T Spirit

    Price as reviewed lower is better

    Prius23,895 £
    Auris Hybrid T Spirit21,325 £
    24
  • Volkswagen Golf GTE

    Prius vs Volkswagen Golf GTE

    Plug-in weight lower is better

    Prius1,530 kg
    Volkswagen Golf GTE1,615 kg
    25

Prices

Value today $4.6K–$32.0K1830

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $4,600–$32,000 2001 · $19,995 · US published retail2004 · $20,510 · US base2004 · $23,668 · US as tested2010 · $22,750 · US base2010 · $31,950 · US as tested2023 · $28,545 · US base, LE2023 · $31,990 · US base, XLE2023 · $35,560 · US base, Limited2024 · $28,745 · US base, LE2024 · $35,760 · US base, Limited 2001 · US$19,995 · US retail price, 2001 model year 2025 · $29,900 · 2025 Prius, mileage 7,713, Bidbus2026 · $11,759 · 2007 Prius, 28k miles, BaT2026 · $32,000 · 2026 Prius, 1,041 miles, Bidbus2026 · $17,200 · 2019 Toyota, Bidbus $32.0K Bidbus, 2026
1710131430333435
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2001Launch price$19,995US retail price, 2001 model year
2001Price when new$19,995US published retail
2004Price when new$20,510US base
2004Price when new$23,668US as tested
2010Price when new$22,750US base
2010Price when new$31,950US as tested
2023Price when new$28,545US base, LE
2023Price when new$31,990US base, XLE
2023Price when new$35,560US base, Limited
2024Price when new$28,745US base, LE
2024Price when new$35,760US base, Limited
2025Auction sale$29,9002025 Prius, mileage 7,713, Bidbus
2026Auction sale$11,7592007 Prius, 28k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$32,0002026 Prius, 1,041 miles, Bidbus
2026Auction sale$17,2002019 Toyota, Bidbus
2026Value today$4,600–$32,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Land Speed Prius: 210.5 km/h”
    • “No. 31's Sugo GT300 victory”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 35 sources
  1. Toyota Prius - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. The Story Behind the Birth of the Prius, Part 1 | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  3. History of the Toyota Prius | Toyota UK mag.toyota.co.uk
  4. Toyota Launches the Revolutionary PRIUS Hybrid Passenger Vehicle | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  5. Toyota Prius (XW20) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. Toyota Prius (XW30) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  7. 2010 Hybrid Comparo caranddriver.com
  8. Toyota Prius (XW50) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  9. World Premiere of All-New Prius in Japan | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  10. Tested: 2023 Toyota Prius Drives Even Better Than It Now Looks caranddriver.com
  11. Prius Design Sketches | Toyota Design | Toyota Brand | Mobility | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  12. The New 2019 Toyota Prius with AWD-i Intelligent All-Wheel Drive - Toyota Media Site media.toyota.co.uk
  13. The Toyota Prius is the 2024 MotorTrend Car of the Year motortrend.com
  14. Toyota Prius (XW10) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  15. 2004-09 Toyota Prius | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  16. Hollywood Goes Green - MovieMaker Magazine moviemaker.com
  17. Used Toyota Prius Mk3 buying guide | DrivingElectric drivingelectric.com
  18. 2010-15 Toyota Prius | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  19. Used Toyota Prius (Mk4, 2015 - 2022) review and buyer's guide | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  20. TOYOTA、プリウスをマイナーチェンジ | トヨタ | グローバルニュースルーム | トヨタ自動車株式会社 公式企業サイト global.toyota
  21. Toyota Launches New "GR" Sports Car Series in Japanese Market | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  22. 2021 Toyota Prius Gets 20th Anniversary 2020 Edition motortrend.com
  23. Prius 10th Anniversary - Toyota Media Site media.toyota.co.uk
  24. Toyota Prius T Spirit 1.8 auto review | evo evo.co.uk
  25. New Toyota Prius review - how does the hybrid hero drive? | evo evo.co.uk
  26. News | SUPER GT オフィシャルサイト supergt.net
  27. Under the skin of the Toyota Land Speed Prius | Toyota UK mag.toyota.co.uk
  28. Starring Role: Hollywood's love affair with Toyota's Prius continues autoweek.com
  29. GT4 Toyota Prius Demo (Pics and Video inside) | GTPlanet gtplanet.net
  30. 2026 Toyota Prius Auction Result #11886 - Bidbus bidbus.com
  31. Buying a Used Prius: What to Know by Generation | Atomic Auto atomicauto.com
  32. Used Toyota Prius (3rd-gen) review - ReDriven redriven.com
  33. Tested: 2004 Toyota Prius Enters the Mainstream caranddriver.com
  34. No Reserve: 28k-Mile 2007 Toyota Prius for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,759 on September 4, 2026 (Lot #261,581) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 2025 Toyota Prius Auction Result #1456 - Bidbus bidbus.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • global.toyota
  • mag.toyota.co.uk
  • caranddriver.com
  • media.toyota.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • moviemaker.com
  • drivingelectric.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • evo.co.uk
  • supergt.net
  • autoweek.com
  • gtplanet.net

Photo credits

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