Automotive News: We test drive the 2025 Toyota Prius Nightshade

The Toyota Pruis has been the industry standard for a reliable economy car. The fifth generation car that recently came out introduced some style into the Prius and the car’s styling was totally revised.

Along with a boost in power, the Pruis suddenly became an interesting car worth checking out, even for car enthusiasts. This year Toyota has introduced a new sporty version of the Prius called the Nightshade, and so we decided to investigate further.

We have to admit that one reason that the new Prius is more interesting, other than the new styling, is the fact that they race these cars in Asia. The great looking exterior styling really adds to the appeal of the Prius because it no longer looks like a weird economy car.

The new Prius brings a look that’s both cool and functional. Built on the second generation TNGA-C platform, it has a low center of gravity thanks to a low height and the placement of the Prius’ Lithium-Ion battery under the rear seat.

The platform also prioritizes body torsional rigidity with structural reinforcements in key areas like the front cowl, center pillar, and rear pillar frame. Four-sheet spot welding is used at 76 structural joints around the frame. The shape cuts through the wind with 0.27 Coefficient of Drag (Cd).

The slippery shape also helps keep noise levels inside to a minimum. At freeway speeds, the Prius is as quiet as a luxury car. The interior features a clean, modern design that minimizes eye and body movement.

A multi-information display is mounted directly in front of the driver to help keep eyes on the road and a standard 8-inch or available 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen is mounted within easy reach. The instrument cluster in front of the driver is very small and remind one of a motorcycle cluster. The amount of information is minimal and small but Prius owners will know everything they need to know.

The 2025 Prius pairs the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS 5) with a M20A-FXS inline four-cylinder 2.0L gas engine with two motor-generators through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. The engine, working in concert with the larger electric motor tries to be responsive and gets to 60 mph from a standstill in 7.2 seconds. While that is a very good number, the Prius will remind you that it is not designed to be a sports car.

The engine sound is not something that gets you excited and the responses are not very sporty. The four cylinder 2.0 liter engine puts out 150 hp and the electric motors add to that for a total of 194 hp (196 with AWD).

However, get into a corner and the low center of gravity coupled with our car’s 195/50R19 tires and the Pruis’ standard multi link rear suspension, provides a very crisp and planted feel that in unlike any other economy car.

It is actually fun to toss the Prius into a corner and it behaves amazingly well. Of course, most owners are more interested in the smooth ride but it is great to see that the Prius can actually be fun to drive.

The Prius is about fuel economy and it does not disappoint with a rating of 52 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway with FWD. AWD models are rated at 49 mpg city and 50 mpg highway. Hybrid cars highway numbers are always inflated and we managed only 42 mpg in mixed driving. If you push it and go faster than the speed limit, expect your mileage to suffer even more.

Our Nightshade trim level was stunning featuring the new Larashi yellow exterior paint. The Nightshade also adds blacked out 19 inch wheels, black door handles, carbon fiber interior accents, and black trim.

The Prius is designed to be affordable and is still a great deal with the entry level Prius LE starting out at $28,350. Our Nightshade model will require a payment of $32,495.