2027 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: What Changed, What Stayed, and What to Know

Toyota's plug-in Prius gets dual-zone climate control on every grade for 2027, and Kunes Toyota stores in Illinois can walk you through the four grades.

The 2027 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is a light update to the car formerly known as the Prius Prime. Toyota added dual-zone climate control to every grade and introduced a new black color called Inked, while the 220-horsepower plug-in hybrid system carries over. (The details below reflect what Toyota had published as of mid-October 2026; ask us to confirm any specific Prius Plug-in Hybrid.) Here is what changed, what carried over, and how the grades compare.

The main change is comfort. Dual-zone automatic climate control is now standard on every grade, including the XSE Premium, which did not have it before. The new Inked exterior color is the other addition.

The ownership picture shifts slightly as well. Toyota raised prices modestly across the lineup, and the SE's EPA-estimated hybrid-mode fuel economy is 51 mpg combined, one mpg lower than the 2026 SE.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid keeps Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system, which pairs a 2.0-liter engine with electric motor-generators for 220 net-combined horsepower and an EPA-estimated 0–60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. Its 13.6-kWh battery gives an EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 44 miles on the SE grade and up to 39 miles on the XSE, Nightshade, and XSE Premium. When the battery is depleted, the car runs as an efficient hybrid, and Toyota lists 51 mpg combined in hybrid mode on the SE grade. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is built at Toyota's Tsutsumi Plant in Japan.

No special equipment is needed to charge the Prius Plug-in Hybrid. Plug it into a standard household outlet with the supplied dual-voltage cable and, under ideal conditions, the battery recharges in about 11 hours on a 120V outlet and in about four hours on a Level 2 charger. If you cannot plug in, the car simply runs as an efficient hybrid.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid has three modes, depending on driving conditions and battery charge. EV mode uses the battery only, like an electric car, whenever there is enough charge. Auto EV/HV mode relies mainly on battery power but switches to the hybrid system on steep hills or at higher speeds. Hybrid mode automatically blends the gasoline engine and electric motors for efficiency. Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes are standard on every grade, and an electronically controlled brake system blends regenerative and hydraulic braking to recover as much energy as possible.

The 2027 Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes in four grades: the SE, XSE, Nightshade, and XSE Premium. The SE is the entry point, the XSE adds more equipment and styling, the Nightshade adds black exterior accents, and the XSE Premium tops the lineup. The SE, XSE, and Nightshade have an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE Premium comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that is available on the XSE and Nightshade.

Every grade comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The SE comes with 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels with wheel covers, six-way adjustable fabric front seats, a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, six USB-C ports, and rain-sensing wipers. The XSE adds 19-inch machine-finished wheels, an eight-way power heated driver's seat with SofTex trim, a Qi-compatible wireless charger, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking.

The Nightshade Edition builds on the XSE with black 19-inch wheels, black bumper trim, blackout badging, black door sills, and carbon-fiber detail on the dashboard. The XSE Premium adds an eight-speaker JBL audio system, the 12.3-inch touchscreen, a fixed glass roof, heated and ventilated front seats, a memory driver's seat, and a power rear liftback. Available on the XSE Premium are a Panoramic View Monitor, a digital rearview mirror, heated rear seats, Advanced Park, and a 185-watt solar roof (limited availability) that can charge the drive battery while parked.

The SE, XSE, and Nightshade have an 8-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system, while the XSE Premium comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and the JBL system (the larger screen is available on the XSE and Nightshade). The system supports over-the-air updates. Toyota also includes five-year trials of Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect, a 30-day, 3 GB Wi-Fi Connect trial, and a three-month Drive Connect trial, and these services depend on a 4G network.

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard and includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Proactive Driving Assist. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Alert are also standard.

The new Inked black joins Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, and Reservoir Blue on the color list, and the Nightshade has its own exclusive color, Karashi. Premium paint colors include Supersonic Red and Wind Chill Pearl.

Toyota's limited warranty covers the vehicle for 36 months or 36,000 miles, the powertrain for 60 months or 60,000 miles, and corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limit. ToyotaCare is included, covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for one year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years with unlimited mileage.

Toyota lists the 2027 Prius Plug-in Hybrid at a starting MSRP of $33,980 for the SE, before the $1,295 dealer processing and handling fee. Prices rose slightly from 2026, and starting prices do not include options, so many vehicles on our lots cost more.

Toyota said in July that the 2027 Prius Plug-in Hybrid would reach dealerships in the summer. Ask our Kunes Toyota stores about availability.

No. It is a light update with dual-zone climate control on every grade and a new Inked color.

The SE, XSE, Nightshade, and XSE Premium.

Toyota lists an EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 44 miles on the SE grade and up to 39 miles on the XSE, Nightshade, and XSE Premium.

220 net-combined horsepower.

Toyota lists 51 mpg combined in hybrid mode on the SE grade.

Yes. Toyota renamed the Prius Prime as the Prius Plug-in Hybrid for 2025.

Under ideal conditions, about 11 hours on a standard 120V outlet and about four hours on a Level 2 charger.

A 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and ToyotaCare, which covers scheduled maintenance for one year or 10,000 miles and roadside assistance for two years.

Kunes sells new Toyota models at Kunes Toyota of Galesburg and Kunes Toyota of Springfield in Illinois. Use the map below to find the one nearest you.

Kunes sells new Toyota models at two Illinois locations: Kunes Toyota of Galesburg and Kunes Toyota of Springfield. Pick the one closest to you on the map below, then stop in to ask about the Prius Plug-in Hybrid (a spec sheet cannot tell you how quiet it is on electric power). We make it EASY!