I’ve been driving the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid for a week and it’s the best of both worlds

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Even before the electric car revolution began, Toyota was secretly introducing the advantages of electric power into the Prius. It has been the face of hybrid cars for more than 20 years and has proven that hybrids have greater long-term savings compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles – and by 2025. The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid continues this idea.

I’ve been spoiled by performance EVs like the Lucid Air Touring, Hyundai Kona Electric, and even bigger vehicles like the Subaru Solterra, but the Prius Plug-In Hybrid beats them all for the price. More importantly, he is following in the same footsteps as his forefathers in determining how electricity is the way of the future.

That’s because this Prius is a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle) that can use 100% less electricity for up to 39 miles before switching back to the gas-electric hybrid engine. Driving for a week in 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid XSE Premium I think it’s the best of both worlds. That’s why.

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in 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Specifications

in 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Test Summary

I drove a total of 229.4 miles in the Prius Plug-in Hybrid for the week and accumulated a gas mileage of 82.2 mpg. This takes into account the gasoline it used, along with the all-electric power I drove for several days. On the third day, I stopped charging the Prius battery overnight, so the 49 mpg average is more accurate.

It actually outperforms all other previous hybrid vehicles I’ve tested, such as the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. And since I have a 33-mile all-electric range, that means fewer gas fill-ups.

Unlike other PHEVs I’ve tested that use all-electric power from a dedicated battery regardless of what drive mode they’re in, like the Mazda CX90, you can actually “save” all of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid’s electricity for later. I like it because I can drive it in HV mode and use mostly gasoline to propel the vehicle, saving the all-electric range.

in 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: What I Like

Drives like an electric car

Because it’s a PHEV and not just your standard hybrid, the 2025 The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid XSE Premium drives like an EV, but only when in EV mode. Near the shifter is a button that allows the Prius to run on its 13.6 kWh battery, giving it an electric-only range of about 33 miles.

I really enjoy driving the Prius in this mode because the acceleration and responsiveness feels more like an electric car. Cruising speed is achieved smoothly in one continuous motion, as opposed to the way I feel the gears shifting when running on gas in hybrid mode. It’s what I like to call a little taste of pure electricity, but something that can also run on gasoline.

The solar panel roof produces energy for the car

You can purchase a solar roof for $610, which helps feed energy back into the vehicle. I think it’s valuable because I’ve seen the panel draw over 100W at times during the day. Even if you shouldn’t expect it to fully charge the battery, it helps in other ways.

For example, the panel will charge the battery to some extent while the Prius is parked and it’s sunny outside. While driving, Toyota also claims that the solar roof provides power for auxiliary functions. Every bit of electricity it can produce is useful, which I think pays off in the long run.

Sportier design, high-tech interior

For a long time, the Prius looked exceptional on the road, but not in a good way because of its clunky design. That’s gone with the sportier design cues of this model. From the front, I love how the Prius Plug-In Hybrid tapers and blends into the subtle grille. But from the side, its sleek, aerodynamic profile makes it look less stuffed than previous generations.

Inside, a sportier design language is revealed with black and red accents with bucket seats. Not only does it make the Prius look fresher and more modern, but I also like how its 12.3-inch display adorns the center console.

You will save on gas refills

I know a lot of people who are hesitant to upgrade to an all-electric vehicle, which is why PHEVs like the Prius Plug-In Hybrid exist. I still think it’s the best of both worlds, as it removes the anxiety some people have about EVs while still giving drivers the opportunity to experience the benefits of all-electric power.

Charging the Prius nightly will give you about 33 miles of all-electric range, which can save you gas in the long run. For the first two days of using it, I charged the Prius overnight and it was fully charged each time. Combined with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 48 mpg, you’ll save a lot of fuel with this Prius.

Lots of utility as a hatchback

Being a hatchback, I really like the extra space the Prius Plug-In Hybrid offers. The trunk is already roomy enough to fit my Jackrabbit OG2 Pro micro bike without bending it, and I was able to fit a few plastic boxes I picked up at Costco when pulling the seats.

in 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: What I Don’t Like

The driver’s display is set too high

Similar to the all-electric Toyota bZ4X, the Prius’s driver display appears too high on the dashboard. It’s a little distracting when trying to look behind the road because of its position. Depending on how you position the steering wheel, it can sometimes cover the driver’s screen.

Also, I don’t like how the interface looks very busy with the driver’s screen. All the icons, speedometer information and adaptive cruise control details fill the screen.

The operation of the speaker is as follows

I like to listen to music in all the vehicles I test, but despite the JBL speaker system, the Prius sounds a bit flat – even when I adjust the EQ settings. This is especially noticeable on The Midnight’s new album, where the synths hit the high notes on some tracks.

in 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Bottom Line

in 2025 The appeal of the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid is that its price is not outrageous. The cheapest EVs still average around $40,000, with the Prius Plug-In Hybrid starting at around $34,000. This may not seem like a major difference, but it does when people take it at face value.

I can’t stress enough how this Prius offers the best of both worlds: a gas-powered hybrid that delivers excellent fuel economy and a small sample of all-electric power. By using its electricity and charging it every night, you can reduce the need to refuel. Also, I really like how the Prius Plug-In Hybrid’s sleeker design and sportier interior make for a more tasteful drive.

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