Toyota Prius vs BMW I3
What's the difference?

Toyota Prius

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2021 price

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BMW I3

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2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2021 Toyota Prius

2020 BMW I3

By Tom White

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.8L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

3.4L/100km (combined)

Electric range

270 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Seamless hybrid drive
Incredible fuel efficiency
Comfortable and spacious

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Dislikes

Polarising exterior
Dorky central instrument cluster
Not so engaging to drive

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

2021 Toyota Prius Summary

What to say about the Toyota Prius in 2021? A car that was once a technology trailblazer seems now to have become properly retro, even while it’s still being built and sold.

The awkward-looking wedge, an eco-punk icon, not only brought Toyota’s hybrid synergy drive to the masses, it also debuted the brand’s excellent TNGA architecture and set the scene for the company's absurd hybrid success, which now sees the RAV4 version topping the sales charts.

So, after all these years (25 to be precise), is the Prius’s time finally over? Or does this quaint hybrid hero still have more to offer? I took a top-spec I-Tech for a week to find out.

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2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Toyota Prius 2020 BMW I3

Verdict

The Prius can rest its weary head. The Age of the Hybrid has begun. Even though this iconic eco car might have lost its ultimate purpose to more mainstream models in the last few years, it’s still the best execution of Toyota’s hybrid tech on the market and if you can look past its divisive-as-ever looks, it’s comfortable and practical, too.

The brand’s Australian division promises the Prius will stick around in one form or another, so we’re keen to see what its next iteration will look like. Plug-in? Fully electric? Time will tell.

Verdict

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Toyota Prius vs BMW I3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Prius vs BMW I3
What's the difference?