Consumer Reports review and ratings of Gen 5 Prius—with side-by-side comparison to Gen 4

The review is just in. Gen 5 got virtually the same overall score as Gen 4. So, if you have a Gen 4, there is no reason to upgrade for most people.

While Gen 5 has improved acceleration and braking, it suffered from lack of comfort and convenience (ride, rear-seat comfort, noise) in comparison to Gen 4. So, bear in mind that while the overall score is about the same as for Gen 4, you will be trading comfort and convenience for improved acceleration and braking if you are considering to choose a Gen 5 over a Gen 4.

Tested models: Gen 5 Prius XLE AWD with midnight-black metallic exterior/gradient-black faux-leather interior and Gen 4 Prius XLE

I am surprised that they seem to have bought and tested an AWD according to their road-test video—however, since their full report is not available yet, this is not confirmed. The fuel economy is pretty good given that it is an AWD. I wonder what the emergency-handling maximum speed would be without AWD.

Gen 4 (XLE) overall score: 79
Gen 5 (XLE AWD) overall score: 80
Gen 4 road-test score: 75
Gen 5 road-test score: 76
Gen 4 emergency-handling max speed: 54 mpg
Gen 4 Prius Prime emergency-handling max speed: 55 mpg
Gen 5 emergency-handling max speed: 54 mpg
Gen 4 fuel economy: 52 mpg
Gen 5 fuel economy: 51 mpg (40 city, 59 highway)
Gen 4 acceleration: 10.3 s
Gen 5 acceleration: 7.7 s
Gen 4 dry braking: 135 ft
Gen 5 dry braking: 131 ft

Highs: fuel economy, hatchback versatility, optional AWD
Lows: compromised access and visibility, engine noise

It is interesting that my Gen 4 Prius Prime is still the best-handling Prius. We will see if Gen 5 Prius Prime will match or surpass its handling when Consumer Reports finishes its testing.

The full report is not available yet.

For me, the only reason to trade in for a Gen 5 Prius Prime SE would be to upgrade from TSS 2.0 to TSS 3.0. The improved range would be good, too. Most other things seem to be a unfortunate downgrade from a Gen 4 Prius Prime Limited to a Gen 5 Prius Prime SE.

Detailed ratings (Gen 4 in (parentheses)):

Performance

Acceleration 4 / 5 (3 / 5) 0 to 60 mph 7.7 sec (10. 3 sec)
Transmission 4 / 5 (5 / 5)
Braking 4 / 5 (4 / 5)
Emergency Handling 4 / 5 (3 / 5)
Emergency-Handling Maximum Speed 53.5 mph (54.0 mph)

Comfort / Convenience

Ride 3 / 5 (4 / 5)
Noise 3 / 5 (4 / 5)
Front Seat Comfort 4 / 5 (3 / 5)
Rear Seat Comfort 2 / 5 (3 / 5)
Interior Fit and Finish 3 / 5 (3 / 5)
Trunk/Cargo Area 3 / 5 (3 / 5)

Fuel Economy & Emissions

Fuel Economy 5 / 5 (5 / 5)
CR's Overall Mileage 51 mpg (52 mpg)
CR's City Mileage 40 mpg (43 mpg)
CR's Highway Mileage 59 mpg (59 mpg)
Annual Fuel Cost $900 ($875)
Greenhouse Gas 8 / 10 (9 / 10)
Smog Rating 7 / 10 (7 / 10)

Owner satisfaction

Driving Experience 80 / 100 (79 / 100)
Comfort 67 / 100 (65 / 100)
Value 60 / 100 (46 / 100)
Styling 70 / 100 (70 / 100)

ROAD TEST 76 / 100 (75 / 100)

PREDICTED RELIABILITY 4 / 5 (5 / 5)

PREDICTED OWNER SATISFACTION 5 / 5 (4 / 5)

TIRES AS TESTED Toyo Extensa A/S 2 size 195/50R19 88H

 

While other car makers like Hyundai, Honda, etc. improve their cars significantly with each generation, Toyota makes marginal improvements at best. Perhaps that has to do with some conservative automobile-making culture in the company. Nevertheless, Toyota leads the industry in active driving-assistance systems (ADAS), which I really appreciate. It is not to mention that they still make the most reliable and dependable cars in the world.

 

Consumer Reports said that it was "still weird-looking." However, they noted that it is more attractive and sporty-looking now.

They also noted that visibility and trunk space is greatly compromised in Gen 5. Visibility is lowered by long and low-angle A pillars and a narrow windshield.

They cautioned not to buy a Gen 5 Prius until you thoroughly test-drive it because in order to see the the gauges, you need to lower the steering wheel—a driving position not all drivers will be comfortable with.

 

The 2023 Prius Prime XSE PHEV is still in test—they won't finish testing it for another three months or so, as they only recently bought it.

 

No hate—I just posted the Consumer Reports review. Gen 5 PHEV is better in some ways and worse in others than Gen 4 PHEV, but in any case, it is twice as expensive. Gen 4 PHEV cost a little over $20k. Gen 5 PHEV costs over $40k.

As I said many times, for me, the only appeal in Gen 5 is TSS 3.0.

 

That is correct. I would definitely trade in my 2021 Prius Prime Limited for a Gen 5 for TSS 3.0 if the economics were right, but they aren't. I don't want to have car payments for another five years unless I have to.

As you said, I am disappointed in quite a few things about Gen 5, but I they would not be deal-breakers for me. I also don't want to downgrade from a Limited to an SE and lose the auto-on headlights, which is a crucial safety feature, but the higher trims are really expensive and have a worse fuel economy and BEV range.