2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Nightshade: A Sexy Hatchback Exuding Coolness

Highlight: The driving range for the plug-in model is 44 miles.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $41,304 (Base MSRP): $34,970

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pre-collision system

Standard Equipment (on test vehicle): 19-inch alloy wheels; dual voltage charging cable; black exterior accents (e.g. door handles, trim, shark-fin, and badging; black interior accents; carbon fiber details on dashboard; heated outside mirror with a power folding feature; pseudo-leather seats; power driver's seat;a single zone ventilation system; heated front seats; auto dimming rearview mirror; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; 

Options: digital key capable; a 12-inch infotainment screen; fixed glass roof; key gloves; alloy wheel locks; and carpeted floor mats/cargo mats

Other Trim Levels:

SE

XSE

XSE Premium

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 50,000 miles

Hybrid Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Hybrid Battery Warranty: 10 years/150,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder hybrid engine/225-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 114 MPGe/48-MPG (test model)

Electric Range of Plug-In: 39 to 44 driving range

What’s New: The sporty looking Nightshade trim is all-new for 2026.

Why:

A powertrain offering gasoline and electricity

AWD or front wheel drive configuration

A stylish design

A fuel-efficient vehicle

A brake hold feature

The 4-cylinder engine is appropriate in terms of power

Comfortable seating w/a compliant ride

A co-pilot assist steering system

A high-level of safety driving aids

An available panoramic roof

One of the best hybrid battery warranties in the industry

A high-level of safety driving aids

But:

The multimedia center is best used with the sketchy voice activation system

Verdict: The Prius name is synonymous with hybrid technology. Since its last redesign in 2023, the Prius is not only fuel-efficient, but the compact vehicle also exudes an aura of cool and sexiness that escaped the previous generations.

To up the coolness factor of the stylish hatchback design, the 2026 Prius adds a Nightshade Edition to enhance the interior and exterior appeal. The Prius Nightshade is based off of the car’s mid-level XSE trim. The Night Edition distinguish itself by offering such features as 19-inch black alloy wheels, black badging and black door sills.

Moreover, the Prius Plug-In we reviewed offers the best of both worlds for those who are ready to dip their toe in the electric lane. Depending upon the trim, the Plug-In can garner up to 44 miles on a full charge, before the gasoline engine kicks in. For those with short daily commutes, they’ll rarely have to be dependent upon gasoline until they need to use the vehicle for commuter trips beyond the electric driving range.

Overall, the current Prius design and engineering team has made great strides from the previous generations that stood out because of its quirky looks.

Competition: Kia Niro Plug-In