Toyota Prius vs Nissan Ariya

What's the difference?

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Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius

2021 price

Nissan Ariya
Nissan Ariya

$55,840 - $71,840

2026 price

Summary

2021 Toyota Prius
2026 Nissan Ariya
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 1.8L

Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency
3.4L/100km (combined)

Seating
5

0
Dislikes
  • Polarising exterior
  • Dorky central instrument cluster
  • Not so engaging to drive

  • Busy ride on 20-inch wheels
  • Cabin storage could be better
  • Doesn’t stand out from the crowd
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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2026 Nissan Ariya Summary

Nissan was one of the first to launch a mainstream electric vehicle (EV) in Australia with the cute Leaf hatchback back in 2010.

While two generations of the Leaf have come and gone, Nissan still hasn’t launched another EV offering in Australia. That’s now finally changed.

The Japanese carmaker has just launched the Ariya mid-size electric SUV in Australia roughly five years after it was first revealed. It’s been available in other markets since 2022.

The EV market has gained momentum in Australia and there are a growing number of heavy-hitting rivals out there now for the Ariya to go up against.

Is it too little, too late for Nissan? Read along to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Toyota Prius 2026 Nissan Ariya

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