18 Cars Similar to the Toyota Prius

Electric and hybrid vehicle technology has come a long way, attributed to the Toyota Prius. The Toyota Prius is one of the most well-known compact hybrid cars out there and essential in automotive history. The Prius demonstrated that internal combustion and electric motors could work together drastically and reliably to enhance fuel economy. Around 22 years after being launched, the Toyota Prius is still here with us, although it’s not necessarily the king of the hybrid industry any longer. The once cutting-edge vehicle now faces competition from models offering the same benefits. This means that car shoppers looking for the fuel efficiency of a hybrid but not the stand-out design and styling of a Toyota Prius, there are lots of choices. Here is an exclusive review of 17cars similar to the Toyota Prius.

17. Toyota Camry Hybrid

If you require a hybrid vehicle that provides plenty of space for cargo and passengers, you should consider getting a Toyota Camry Hybrid. According to U.S. News, the Toyota Camry Hybrid delivers significantly more shoulder and hip room for both rear and front seat passengers as well as more legroom than the Toyota Prius. The Camry features a 2.5-liter engine with an 88-kW electric motor that produces a combined 208hp, which makes it a peppier drive train than the Toyota Prius. Toyota Camry Hybrid is a safer bet, and while both car models feature similar safety features, it’s the Camry that is a top safety pick. At $28,425, the Camry Hybrid is a bit more costly than the base Prius. However, if you are looking at the Prius in XLE trim at $28 375, it is worth to cross-shop with the base Camry Hybrid.

16. Nissan Leaf

If your top priority is fuel efficiency, you should consider getting an electric car. While electric vehicles need to be charged, you will never need to stop at the pump, unlike the Toyota Prius. The Nissan Leaf packs a combined 111 MPGe that offers a range of up to 226 miles on a single charge which will conveniently get most Americans through the week with only a top-up. It's also a small car around the city for its instant torque delivery. The Nissan Leaf over the Prius is eligible for state and federal incentives and rebates. Therefore, while the price of the Nissan Leaf might appear slightly higher than the Toyota Prius, the Nissan Leaf might be a cheaper alternative to the Prius after incentives.

15. BMW i3

If you are searching for a more luxurious alternative to the Toyota Prius, the BMW i3 is a good option. You can opt for the all-electric model that starts at $43,390 or one with an added range-extender engine for $47,225. Both models have a power output of 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. According to Edmunds, the all-electric model offers a range of 81 miles which extends to 150 miles when integrated with the range extender engine. In comparing the MPGe EPA rating, the all-electric model has a 137 MPGe city and 111 MPGe highway rating, while the range extender model has 117 MPGe combined. The gasoline engine has a 39-mpg combined.

14. Ford Escape SE Sport Hybrid

Next on the list of cars similar to the Toyota Prius is the Ford Escape SE Sport Hybrid. You could get an excellent compact crossover for close to the price of a Toyota Camry. The Ford Escape SE Sport Hybrid is fuel efficient, matching the RAV4's 41 mpg. It's powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a well-refined 88-kilowatt electric motor drivetrain. This model features an excellent Sync 3 infotainment system that integrates Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Waze integration, and Amazon Alexa. It also has standard safety tech and a comprehensive driver's suite.

13. Lexus CT200h

Providing a luxury version of the Toyota Prius, the Lexus CT200h suffers a little regarding fuel economy. But still, the car offers an EPA rating of 43mpg/40mpg city and highway, respectively. According to Car.com, the vehicle is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces a system output of 134 horsepower. Generally, the Lexus CT200h is a viable option if you are looking for a luxury option in a compact, five-door car model. But luxury comes with a price, with the model going for around $ $32,290.

12. Ford C-Max Hybrid

The Ford C-Max Hybrid is among the closest competitors to the Toyota Prius. It is powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with a total system output of 188 horsepower. The car has an EPA rating of 42 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. Like the Prius, the Ford C-Max is not that costly. While the Prius has a base price of $24 525, the Kia Niro starts at $25,045 for the base model. The model also provides efficient fuel economy ratings.

11. Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Diesel models are still trendy. However, if you are not interested in Volkswagen diesel models, it is worth looking at the Volkswagen Jetta hybrid. With 42 mpg city and 48 mpg highway EPA ratings, this is one of the most highly fuel-efficient cars on the list. This is thanks to its 1.4-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain producing 150 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. However, this model is more costly than the Toyota Prius, with a starting price of $$31,840.

10. Mitsubishi Mirage

Are you in the market for something cheap, or are you not a fan of hybrids? The Mitsubishi Mirage is among the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars available today, with a rating of 37 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. It is also the cheapest car in this category, with a starting price of around $$13,840. You can almost buy two Mitsubishi Mirage models for the price of a Toyota Prius. However, the car is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque, so it's not as powerful as the Prius.

9. Honda CR-Z

For a sportier option, the Honda CR-Z is a compact hybrid hatchback that produces 130 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque for a six-speed manual transmission. However, its fuel economy has less to be designed, returning around 31 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. According to AutoData, if you opt for the CVT, you get an enhanced fuel economy of 36 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. It is more affordable than Toyota Prius at $21 100. However, the CVT will go for an additional $650.

8. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is another similar car to the Toyota Prius that provides a better overall driving experience. This car mode has provided an excellent hybrid sedan for the last decade. After its recent redesign, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid comes with a new look interior and exterior. Its exterior has aerodynamic, flowing organic lines that are easy on the eyes. The interior is sleek and modern, so you can easily mistake it for an expensive luxury vehicle. This car is also fuel efficient with a 50mpg city and 54 mpg highway. Therefore, based on your taste and preference, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is an excellent alternative midsize sedan to the Toyota Sedan.

7. Honda Insight

As the original competitor to the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight is still a great competitor to the trusty Prius. Since its first release twenty years ago, the original Honda Insight was a stunning small car with a fuel economy of 53 mpg combined. Today, the current third-generation Honda Insight has evolved into a great-looking vehicle powered by a 1.5-liter gas engine and two electric motors that produce a combined 151 hp. The Honda Insight lacks Android Auto, and Apple Car plays on the base model, which could be a deal-breaker for some. However, the Toyota Prius also doesn’t offer Android Auto.

6. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

If you are searching for another hybrid SUV, Hyundai provides the perfect hybrid in the Santa Fe model. Although it’s not the most fuel-efficient model, it is better than most of the SUVs of its size and sedans. With the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, you get a hybrid SUV with massive passenger and cargo space, a stylish exterior, and a luxurious interior. It also comes with Hyundai's industry-top warranties. The car has an edge in terms of warranty coverage, with the 2022 model coming standard with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. The Prius warranty is not quite as extensive.

5. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is another competitor to the Toyota Prius, particularly regarding fuel economy. The base model has a combined 55 mpg, which is impressive, with the Blue trim level's 58 MPG being more exceptional. This is double the national car average of 25.1 mpg. The other selling point for the Ioniq is that it doesn't look like a hybrid. According to The Car Connection, for a smaller car with high fuel efficiency, the Ioniq Hybrid is a perfect option.

4. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

If you are searching for high fuel efficiency at a superb bargain, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a perfect choice. Although its 53 mpg EPA rating in the city is not as high as the Toyota Prius, it beats it on the highway with 56mpg. It also has a lower starting price while maintaining Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. The interior does not have the most luxe materials, but it’s still comfortable and well-designed. Other standard safety features include; lane departure assists, blind-spot monitoring, and entertainment features such as Android Auto and wireless CarPlay.

3. Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid challenges the Toyota Prius’ long reign of fuel efficiency superiority by matching its 52-mpg combined EPA rating. The lightweight Prius L Eco trim level has 56mpg, while the All-Wheel-Drive option lowers the rating to 49mpg. According to MotorBiscuit, both models are powered by a 1.8-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, producing 121 horsepower via a continuously variable transmission. While both the Corolla Hybrid and the Toyota Prius have a similar drivetrain, most people find the Corolla to be more fun to drive. However, the Corolla hybrid has no optional powertrains like the Prius.

2. Chevrolet Volt

The Plug-in Chevrolet is another worthwhile vehicle to consider when finding alternatives to the Toyota Prius. Although Chevrolet stopped manufacturing the model in 2019, the model is still available at car dealers. The Volt is one of the best plug-in hybrids on the market, and, unfortunately, Chevy killed the model too soon. The 2019 Chevrolet Volt is powerful for a hybrid, and it outdoes a Toyota Prius with 60mph in three seconds. It offers a range of 53 miles on battery only, which is impressive, and competitive fuel efficiency of 42 mpg in hybrid mode. The base model goes for around $33,520.

1. Honda Accord Hybrid

The Honda Accord is one of the best-selling and most adored sedans. Now available as a hybrid, you can get up to 48 miles per gallon while still excelling in areas where it shines as a regular car. While the mileage is slightly lower than the 58 miles per gallon of the Toyota Prius, it is still great for daily driving. According to Motor Trend, some of the small things that set the Honda Accord Hybrid apart include a comfortable and spacious interior with materials that feel luxurious. It also gives an exciting acceleration off the block and enhanced handling. So, if you are searching for a great hybrid car, the Accord Hybrid is hard to beat.

Bottom Line

These are some of the cars similar to the Toyota Prius. Before you settle on the best alternative to the Toyota Prius, it's recommendable to get behind the wheel for a test drive. In the end, test-driving each of the vehicles is the best way of understanding which of these car models is the most appropriate fit for you. Ultimately, getting any of the above-reviewed cars similar to the Toyota Prius based on your needs will not get you disappointed.