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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.8L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 54 / 50 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 52 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,300 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 170 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Hybrid |
| Base Price | $25,975–$34,102 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Toyota Prius at 8.1/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this hybrid. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.1/10, while Performance at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 9.1/10, reliability is one of this hybrid's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.3/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.7/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $25,975–$34,102, 54 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Prius sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.8/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Toyota Prius is a solid, well-rounded hybrid that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Toyota Prius ranks #67 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 51% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $25,975 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $31,584 by about 18%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hybrid ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Toyota Prius scores 8.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.1 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.4/10 | $29,401 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.4/10 | $29,401 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $28,545 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.4/10 | $27,688 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.2/10 | $26,832 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $25,975 | |
| 2020 | 8.1/10 | $25,119 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $24,263 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.1/10 | $23,406 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 8.0/10 | $22,550 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $21,694 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $20,837 | Read review → |
Other hybrids at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
