2027 Toyota Prius PHEV: Efficiency With a Sleeker Shape

Toyota's plug-in Prius has moved past its awkward, ugly-duckling past. Car and Driver says the 2027 Prius PHEV pairs genuinely impressive efficiency with a rakish profile and enough driving appeal to nearly overshadow its fuel-saving mission.

0-liter gas engine, two electric motors, and an 11-kWh battery pack, good for 220 horsepower sent to the front wheels through a CVT. 7 seconds and returned 49 mpg in mixed driving. The EPA estimates electric-only range at up to 45 miles, with up to 600 miles possible between fuel stops.

The styling has trade-offs. The racy roofline cuts into front and rear headroom, the rear seat is small, and the cabin gets a little noisy under acceleration. For 2027, Toyota adds dual-zone HVAC and a new exterior color called Ink.

Charging from a 240-volt outlet takes about four hours. Roof-mounted solar panels, available only on the XSE Premium, can help power accessories and add a bit of charge while parked. C/D measured 33 miles of EV range on its highway loop and 101 MPGe in EV mode; in electric-only mode, 60 mph came in 11.2 seconds.

Cargo space measures 20 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 26 cubic feet with them folded. 0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB-C ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Safety tech includes adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist.

Warranty coverage includes three years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, five years/60,000 miles powertrain, 10 years/150,000 miles hybrid components, and two years/25,000 miles scheduled maintenance.