The 2025 Toyota Prius Nightshade Version stands out as a trendy evolution of a car as soon as identified for wanting odd. This present fifth-generation mannequin builds on the modern redesign from 2023 that reworked the Prius right into a extra aerodynamic and visually interesting car. With its smooth strains and sporty stance, the Prius now turns heads in a means that earlier variations by no means did. The Nightshade Version takes the design additional by including unique black accents that give it an edgy city vibe good for drivers who need effectivity with out sacrificing the cool issue.
- Base Trim Engine
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2L I4 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
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2-speed CVTi-S CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Entrance-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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150 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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139 lb.-ft. @ 4400 RPM
- Base Trim Gasoline Financial system (metropolis/freeway/mixed)
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57/56/57 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Kind
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Lithium ion (Li-ion)
- Make
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Toyota
- Mannequin
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Prius
Provided with a alternative of front-wheel or all-wheel drive and gasoline financial system that makes lengthy commutes simpler in your price range, the Prius manages to remain related in a world with an ever-increasing variety of hybrid choices. There’s quite a bit to love concerning the Prius, however no automobile is ideal. Listed here are 5 issues about this fuel-efficient hatchback that I beloved, and one factor that drove me nuts.
5 Issues I Cherished
Fashionable Black Nightshade Accents
The Nightshade version elevates the Prius with its assortment of black exterior trims that add a contact of sophistication. From the black-finished 19-inch alloy wheels to the darkened accents on the grille and mirrors, this trim is extra eye-catching. It’s a delicate but efficient strategy to give the Prius a bit additional punch with out going overboard. The general design feels trendy, ditching the dated components of the prior technology that made it stand out for the fallacious causes.
The Nightshade version additionally affords an unique shade, Karashi, which is a form of mustard shade. It isn’t a shy shade, and it isn’t for everybody. Fortunately, they provide Midnight Black Metallic and Wind Chill Pearl for many who don’t like the concept of with the ability to see their automobile from area.
Spectacular Gasoline Financial system Rankings
Gasoline financial system has all the time been the large lure of the Prius, and that continues for the 2025 mannequin yr. Figures fluctuate by trim, with the front-wheel drive LE main the lineup with an EPA-estimated 57/56/57 metropolis/freeway/mixed. The Nightshade AWD is among the many least environment friendly of the lot at 49/50/49, respectively, which remains to be nice gasoline financial system.
A part of the drop comes from the addition of all-wheel drive, which may’t be prevented. The front-wheel drive model of the Nightshade is 52 mpg throughout the board, which is likely to be the way in which to go in case you’re not driving the place the snow falls. There are additionally drive modes of Eco, Regular, and Energy, so you possibly can select simply how a lot you need to tone down efficiency within the title of gasoline financial system.
Beneficiant Cargo Room
There’s 23.8 cubic toes of cargo room within the LE trim, however the remainder of the lineup has 20.3 cubic toes behind the rear seats. These seats additionally flip down 60/40 for added cargo flexibility. It is a hatchback, although it seems like a sedan at first look, which makes it simpler to stow cumbersome stuff which may not slot in a conventional trunk.
A tonneau cowl for the cargo space is commonplace throughout the lineup to maintain treasured gadgets out of sight, as is a cargo space gentle so you possibly can see even at evening. An influence liftgate is commonplace on the Restricted trim. This isn’t a giant car, but it surely does a superb job of managing cargo.
Qi Wi-fi Charging
All however the base trim of the Prius contains Qi wi-fi charging. That is along with six USB-C charging ports which can be commonplace on all trims. There are two ports within the rear, two within the middle console, and two up entrance, so there’s no scarcity of choices in the case of conserving everybody’s units charged.
The placement of that wi-fi charger can also be good. Some autos don’t make the spot safe sufficient, so your telephone is prone to slide off if you take a pointy flip. Within the Prius, there’s a slot on the middle console that holds your telephone comfortable irrespective of how twisty the highway.
Accessible 12.3-Inch Infotainment Touchscreen
The usual infotainment system on the Prius contains an 8-inch touchscreen with wi-fi Apple Automobile and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, and a 6-speaker audio system. The Restricted trim provides a 12.3-inch touchscreen together with an eight-speaker JBL premium audio system.
That extra premium setup can also be out there as an choice on the XLE and the Nightshade, and it’s a giant enchancment. Particularly if you’re following a posh driving route, the bigger display screen makes it far simpler to remain on monitor.
Sturdy Energy And Good Dealing with
Energy for the Prius comes from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with electrical motors. All-wheel drive trims ship 196 web system horsepower, whereas front-wheel drive fashions are available with 194 horsepower. Both means, this makes the Prius a surprisingly peppy car for one thing that places such a giant concentrate on gasoline financial system.
It has good acceleration that makes it simple to stand up to freeway speeds and even offers you a bit additional energy if you want it for passing slower autos. It additionally handles nicely, and whereas it isn’t overly sporty, it’s nonetheless responsive sufficient to make winding nation roads enjoyable to drive relatively than a chore.
One Factor I Hated
Engine Noise That Grates On The Ears
Engine noise within the Prius stands out as an unwelcome intrusion. At low speeds, it hums noticeably as an ever-present background sound. It isn’t overpowering, but it surely’s one thing that you’ll discover.
Throughout arduous acceleration and at freeway speeds, the sound turns into extra intrusive with a tough word that makes you surprise if the Prius is up for the problem. Although the car responds when it comes to pure acceleration, the engine noise makes it sound prefer it’s working far too arduous.
The Verdict
The Toyota Prius is not the one hybrid on the block, with loads of competitors from sedans, SUVs, and vehicles. To maintain it aggressive, Toyota refined it with higher type and higher options. It nonetheless has the spectacular gasoline financial system that made it so in style within the first place, and it simply seems a complete lot higher. It is a dependable choice in the case of hybrids, so long as you do not thoughts the engine noise.
