The unassuming Toyota Prius has been named MotorTrend’s Car of the Year, surpassing contenders such as the upscale BMW 7 Series, previous awardee Lucid Air, and the fully electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model 3.
This marks the second time the Toyota Prius has claimed the MotorTrend Car of the Year accolade, with its previous win dating back to 2004.
The Toyota Prius: A Favorite Among Auto Experts
MotorTrend praised the new Toyota Prius as the “gold-standard hybrid,” acknowledging its substantial cultural impact beyond its carbon footprint.
The combination of efficiency, safety, and value, coupled with a refreshed design, positions the Prius as a standout in the automotive landscape.
Notable features include a slim LED taillight spanning the car’s width, an optional solar roof for on-the-go hybrid battery charging, and a futuristic front-end design.
Despite a slight reduction in roofline height, the cabin maintains ample space.
The interior boasts a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster display, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and, as an option for mid grade models and above, a 12.3-inch screen.
The center console includes side-by-side cup holders, USB-C charging ports, and a wireless charging slot for smartphones.
In terms of safety, the Prius excelled in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, securing a Top Safety Pick+ rating.
2024 Toyota Prius Cost Breakdown
However, opting for a brand-new, fully-equipped Toyota Prius Limited, inclusive of all premium features, will only cost $35,760.
The XLE variant, featuring 19-inch wheels and the option to upgrade to a larger infotainment screen and a sunroof, starts at $32,190.
The Prius LE, the base model, comes at a modest $28,745 MSRP.
For those interested in All-Wheel Drive (AWD), a rear-mounted motor can be added to any model for just $1,400.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid carries a slightly higher price tag but remains over $7,000 below the average car price.
MotorTrend indicates that the SE starts at $33,770, the XSE at $37,020, and the XSE Premium at $40,465.
Consideration of potential gas savings and available incentives adds further value to the eco-friendly Prius, making it an even more attractive choice.