2026 Toyota Prius Prime + EV Hover

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A transcript, cleaned up by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.

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Transcript:

The 2026 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid, formerly known as the Prius Prime, has been redesigned and now goes simply by the plug-in hybrid name. Before we dive into the car itself, I want to show you something new I installed in my garage called the EV Hover. This device neatly suspends my Level 1 charging cable above the vehicle, keeping it off the floor and organized. It’s compatible with Level 2 charging as well, and comes in different lengths and colors to fit your garage setup.

This particular Prius is the XSE, the top trim for 2026, featuring the Nightshade package. Nightshade is essentially an all-black aesthetic: black Toyota badge, black wheels, black door handles, black badging—everything. It’s sleek and gives the car a sporty, cohesive look.

The Prius plug-in hybrid was fully redesigned around 2023, giving it a more modern appearance. Some people describe it as somewhat “Tesla-like,” especially the Model 3, with its clean lines and fastback styling. It offers good electric range, efficiency, and comes loaded with amenities.

Under the hood, the Prius plug-in hybrid combines a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a combined 220 horsepower. It’s front-wheel drive with a CVT, and the hybrid system is responsive and peppy enough for its size. One of the highlights of a plug-in hybrid is the pure electric range, which can reach up to 44 miles (I’ve been consistently getting about 37 miles, or 60 km, depending on conditions).

The exterior styling includes a manual liftgate with a fastback design for a sportier look, and small design details like tethers for three car seats. Back seats fold 60/40, and there’s a good amount of cargo space. The rear doors are electronic, allowing for a sleek exterior without protruding handles.

Inside, the driver display is crisp and clear, though seating and steering wheel position are important to ensure a clear view. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen with wireless CarPlay, one-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. There’s a hidden compartment, two USB-C ports, a 12V outlet, and two cup holders. The gear selector is unique, and the car includes B mode for one-pedal driving or maximum regenerative braking, along with Eco, Sport, Normal, and Custom drive modes. Ambient lighting adds a touch of style, and the seats are upholstered in Toyota’s Soft Tech faux leather.

For rear passengers, there’s a small sunroof with a shade, though taller passengers might find the backseat tight. Overall, the Prius is comfortable for smaller adults or children.

Pricing for the plug-in hybrid starts around $43,000 CAD ($35,000 USD), with the fully loaded XSE Nightshade trim reaching nearly $48,000 CAD ($39,000 USD). Compared to previous generations, the new body style looks much sleeker while maintaining Toyota’s trademark efficiency, reliability, and resale value.

Thanks for joining me. Be sure to subscribe, and you can find me on social media as Exo Connie Peters.