The price difference between a 2026 and 2027 Toyota Prius is a flat $305 across all trims and drivetrains, according to the latest specifications released by the automaker.
Pricing and Trim Adjustments
Both the standard hybrid and the plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) models see the same $305 increase. The base Prius LE front‑wheel‑drive (FWD) now starts at $30,050, up from $29,745 the previous year. The Prius PHEV SE, the entry‑level plug‑in, begins at $35,275, reflecting the same increment.
Beyond the price bump, Toyota adds a new black paint option called Inked, which replaces the former Midnight Black Metallic. This color is offered at no extra cost, while the existing Supersonic Red and Wind Chill Pearl continue to carry a $475 upcharge. The Nightshade trim’s palette is narrowed to Inked, Karashi, and Wind Chill Pearl.
Fuel Economy Shifts
Efficiency ratings show the most noticeable change. The 2027 Prius LE FWD posts EPA numbers of 59 mpg city, 50 mpg highway, and 55 mpg combined, compared with the 2026 model’s 57 mpg city, 56 mpg highway, and 57 mpg combined. City mileage improves modestly, but the highway figure drops enough to lower the overall combined rating.
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When all‑wheel drive (AWD) is added, the LE’s figures fall further to 56 mpg city, 49 mpg highway, and 53 mpg combined, both city and highway numbers slipping from the previous year. The cause of these shifts is not detailed, as the powertrain and weight remain unchanged.
The plug‑in variants change less dramatically. The XSE and higher trims retain a combined 114 mpg‑e rating, while the SE climbs to 129 mpg‑e, a 2 mpg‑e gain over 2026. However, both PHEV trims lose 1 mpg in the combined gas‑only EPA ratings, putting the SE at 51 mpg and the XSE and above at 47 mpg.
One way to look at this is that the modest price rise coincides with a modest feature upgrade—dual‑zone climate control now appears on every 2027 Prius, a convenience previously limited to higher‑end hybrids. That may soften the impact of the efficiency dip for buyers focused on cabin comfort rather than fuel numbers.
Interior and Technology Updates
Inside, the LE, XLE, and Nightshade hybrids retain an 8.0‑inch infotainment screen. The Limited hybrid and PHEV XSE Premium continue to offer a larger 12.3‑inch display. For those who prefer the bigger screen, the cost is $735 on the hybrid Nightshade and $610 on the Nightshade and XSE PHEVs.
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Audio setups remain unchanged: six speakers are standard, while the Limited hybrid and PHEV XSE Premium receive an eight‑speaker JBL Premium Audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup.
All 2027 Prius models, including the plug‑in version, come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The suite includes lane‑departure alert, cruise control, lane‑trace assist, road‑sign assist, automatic high beams, and a pre‑collision system with brake assist.
Availability
Toyota says the 2027 Prius and Prius PHEV are now open for orders and will arrive at dealerships in the near future. The company’s strategy appears to be to make incremental improvements while preserving the core design that has defined the Prius for nearly three decades.
Buyers may wait for the next update.
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