Toyota introduces the 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid Nightshade Edition. This model adds a bold look to the Prius lineup. It builds on the XSE grade. The Nightshade Edition features black accents. These include black badging, door sills, door handles, and bumper trim. The overall effect creates a cohesive, aggressive appearance.
The Nightshade Edition gets 19-inch black-finished alloy wheels. This design sets it apart. It will be available in Karashi, Wind Chill Pearl, and Midnight Black Metallic.
Key Performance Metrics
The 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers strong efficiency. Toyota's fifth-generation Hybrid System powers it. A 2.0-liter engine and electric motor generators contribute. This setup delivers an estimated 52 MPG combined rating. Total output is 220 net-combined hybrid system horsepower.
All-Electric Range
- SE Grade: 44-mile all-electric driving range. This uses a 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery.
- XSE, Nightshade, XSE Premium Grades: 40-mile all-electric driving range. These models use the same 13.6 kWh battery.
Charging Capabilities
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. This system combines gasoline engine and electric motor output. The lithium-ion battery pack recharges via plug-in.
Charging options include:
- Standard 120V household outlet: Recharges in approximately 11 hours. A dual-voltage cable is supplied.
- Level 2 charger: Recharges in approximately 4 hours.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid can operate without a plug-in. It functions as an efficient hybrid in such cases.
Drive Modes
Drivers choose from three modes:
- EV Mode: Relies solely on battery power. This functions like a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). It requires sufficient battery charge.
- Auto EV/HV Mode: Primarily uses battery power. It switches to Hybrid (HV) mode for extra power. This happens in demanding situations. Examples include steep hills or higher speeds.
- Hybrid Mode: Automatically switches between gasoline engine and electric motors. This efficiently combines engine drive force and electric power.
Under the Hood: Engine and System
The 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid features Toyota's fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System.
Key components include:
- M20A-FXS inline four-cylinder 2.0L gas engine.
- Two motor-generators (MG1 and MG2).
- Planetary-type continuously variable transmission.
The engine and MG2 provide responsive performance. Both MG1 and MG2 charge the lithium-ion battery. This design ensures exemplary energy efficiency. A compact high-output/low-loss drive motor supports drive functions. It uses a six-magnet and electromagnetic steel plate configuration. In Hybrid mode, both engine and battery power aid acceleration.
Driver Selectable Modes
All Prius Plug-in Hybrid grades include specific drive modes:
- NORMAL: Balances fuel economy and acceleration. Accelerator opening changes linearly.
- ECO: Improves hybrid system efficiency. It limits power response to pedal input.
- SPORT: Enhances dynamic performance and acceleration.
Interior Features and Technology
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid interior offers a premium, comfortable feel.
Standard features include:
- Digital gauge cluster for a head-up line of sight.
- Comfortable seating: Fabric- or SofTex®-trim, depending on grade.
- Toyota's Audio Multimedia system.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems
All grades offer Toyota's Traffic Jam Assist technology. This system helps ease stop-and-go traffic burden. It operates steering, gas, and brake pedals. This functions at speeds between 0-25 mph in certain conditions.
Grade-Specific Interior Details
- SE Grade:
- Dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels with covers.
- Standard 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen.
- Standard 6-way adjustable fabric front seats in black with red trim.
- Smart Key System on driver door.
- Six USB-C ports.
- Electronic Parking Brake.
- Leather-trimmed heated steering wheel.
- Rain-sensing wipers.
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
- Optional: Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking.
- XSE Grade:
- Includes all SE features.
- Machine-finished 19-inch alloy wheels standard.
- 8-way adjustable heated power driver's SofTex®-trimmed seat standard. Seating is black with red trim.
- Smart Key system on front doors and rear liftback.
- Wireless charger.
- Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking.
- Available options: 12.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, fixed glass roof.
- Nightshade Edition:
- Includes all XSE interior features.
- Adds carbon fiber accents on the dashboard.
- XSE Premium:
- Includes all standard SE and XSE features.
- JBL Premium Audio system with eight speakers.
- 12.3-inch touchscreen display.
- Fixed glass roof.
- SofTex-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats with Driver Memory seat.
- Power rear liftback.
- Available options: Panoramic View Monitor, Digital Rearview Mirror, heated rear seats, Advanced Park. Advanced Park executes steering and braking controls. It helps navigate into parking spaces. It can parallel park and back into perpendicular spaces. It uses cameras and sensors.
Exterior Color Options
Standard exterior colors include Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Midnight Black Metallic, and Reservoir Blue. Karashi is exclusive to the Nightshade grade. Premium colors are Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red.
Connectivity and Infotainment
The 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid features advanced multimedia systems.
- 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia Screen: Standard on SE, XSE, and Nightshade grades.
- 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia screen: Standard on XSE Premium grade.
These screens offer Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Users interact via touch and voice activation.
Drive Connect Features
Available Drive Connect (1-year trial included) provides:
- Intelligent Assistant: Voice-activated commands ("Hey Toyota") for directions, POI search, audio, and cabin temperature.
- Cloud Navigation: Onboard navigation using cloud for map, traffic, and routing. POI search uses Google data.
- Destination Assist: 24/7 live agent assistance for destination location.
Audio and Connectivity
- Dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity.
- Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.
- JBL® Premium Audio system: Eight speakers, Clari-Fi® technology. Standard on XSE Premium.
- Six-speaker audio system: Standard on SE, Nightshade, and XSE grades.
- Wi-Fi Connect: 1-month/3 GB trial with 4G connectivity for up to five devices. Turns Prius Plug-in Hybrid into an AT&T Hotspot.
- Integrated Streaming: Links Apple Music® and Amazon Music® subscriptions to the vehicle. (1-month trial included).
- Safety Connect: 5-year minimum trial. Includes Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator.
- Service Connect: 5-year minimum trial. Provides Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts, and reminders.
Toyota Mobile App and Digital Key
The Toyota mobile app connects users to their Prius Plug-in Hybrid. Requires an active Remote Connect trial or subscription (1-year trial included).
App features include:
- Activate headlights.
- Lock/unlock doors.
- Remotely start vehicle.
- Check vehicle status.
- Receive reminder notifications.
- Set Guest Driver Alerts.
Digital Key capability is standard for the XSE Premium. It is optional for the XSE and Nightshade grades. This feature allows smartphone control for locking, unlocking, and remote starting.
Safety Systems: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This suite includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD):
- Detects vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists.
- Provides audible/visual forward-collision warning.
- Provides automatic emergency braking if no reaction.
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC):
- Adaptive cruise control system.
- Set at speeds above 20 mph.
- Maintains preset distance from preceding vehicle.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA):
- Detects lane markings or road edge above 30 mph.
- Provides audible/visual warning for inadvertent lane departure.
- Provides gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA):
- Helps keep vehicle in lane center.
- Assists driver with steering control when DRCC is active.
- Road Sign Assist (RSA):
- Uses forward-facing camera to recognize road signs.
- Provides sign information via Multi-Information Display.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB):
- Detects headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles.
- Automatically toggles between high and low beams.
- Proactive Driving Assist (PDA):
- Uses vehicle camera and radar.
- Provides gentle braking and/or steering.
- Supports distance control to preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist.
- Provides gentle braking into curves.
Pricing and Warranty Information
The 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid arrives at dealerships this summer.
Base MSRP
Prices exclude a $1,195 (USD) Dealer Processing and Handling fee. All prices are subject to change.
| Grade | Model # | Base MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Prius Plug-in Hybrid SE | 1235 | $33,775 |
| Prius Plug-in Hybrid XSE | 1237 | $37,025 |
| Prius Plug-in Hybrid XSE Premium | 1239 | $40,470 |
| Prius Plug-in Hybrid Nightshade | 1233 | $37,795 |
Warranty and ToyotaCare
- Basic New-Vehicle Warranty: 36-month/36,000 miles. Covers all components except normal wear and maintenance.
- Powertrain Warranty: 60-month/60,000 miles.
- Corrosion Warranty: 60 months/no mileage limitation.
- Hybrid-Related Components Warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles. Covers defects in materials or workmanship.
- Hybrid Battery Warranty: 10 years/150,000 miles. Transferable across ownership.
- ToyotaCare Plan: Covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance. Two years or 25,000 miles. Includes 24-hour roadside assistance for three years, unlimited mileage.
This information provides a clear overview of the 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Nightshade Edition. It details performance, features, safety, and pricing.
