Trims and Powertrains

You can look for the ‘26 Prius in trim grades called LE, XLE, Nightshade Edition, and Limited. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) a welcome option for drivers who value surefootedness on the asphalt. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine forms the powertrain with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission; the FWD Prius has one electric motor while AWD calls for a rear-mounted second motor. FWD results in output of 194 horsepower and EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 57 mpg city/56 mpg highway for the LE and 52 mpg city/52 mpg highway for the XLE and above. AWD raises horsepower an iota to 196, with fuel economy ratings of 53 mpg city/54 mpg highway (LE) and 49 mpg city/50 mpg highway (XLE and above).

Standard Features and Major Options

The LE has fabric upholstery, LED exterior lighting (headlights/daytime running lights/taillights/brake lights), heated and power-adjustable side mirrors with folding capability, a smart key system on the driver’s door, a steering wheel trimmed in SofTex simulated leather, a 7-inch LCD multi-information display, a half-dozen USB ports, and a tonneau cover for the cargo area to shield valuables from view. The XLE upgrades to heated front seats, SofTex upholstery, a heated steering wheel, wireless device charging, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 19-inch alloy wheels, and two additional bottle holders per row. Smart key access is expanded to both front doors and the trunk, and a fixed-glass roof becomes an option.

The Nightshade Edition introduces a dark design theme inside and out, including black SofTex-upholstery with gray stitching, black doorsills, carbon-fiber detail on the dash, 19-inch alloy wheels with black finish, and a blacked-out treatment for the exterior badging, bumper trim, door handles, and roof-mounted antenna. The Limited gets a standard fixed-glass roof, a power liftback, digital key capability, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings. A digital rearview mirror and heated rear seats are optional.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology

The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) suite consists of advanced safety technologies designed to assist with speed regulation, lane positioning, collision prevention, and overall driver awareness. Every ‘26 Prius receives automatic high beams, proactive driving assist, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and road sign assist. Safe exit alert, rear seat reminder, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert also come standard. Front/rear parking assist with automatic braking is added at the XLE level, while Limited purchasers can elect the Premium Package to get Advanced Park and a panoramic view monitor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The default multimedia array in the ‘26 Prius contains wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth hands-free phone and music streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Toyota Connected Services. The LE, XLE, and Nightshade Edition all have six-speaker audio paired with an 8-inch color touchscreen; the Limited upgrades to a 12.3-inch color touchscreen and a JBL premium audio system with eight speakers and an amplifier.