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Toyota Prius vs Toyota Corolla

What's the difference?

VS
Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius

$39,990 - $44,990

2021 price

Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla

$29,270 - $40,450

2024 price

Summary

2021 Toyota Prius
2024 Toyota Corolla
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 1.8L

Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol/Electric

-
Fuel Efficiency
3.4L/100km (combined)

5.9L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Polarising exterior
  • Dorky central instrument cluster
  • Not so engaging to drive

  • Safety could be better
  • Drony CVT
  • No rear (adjustable) ventilation
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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2024 Toyota Corolla Summary

Full disclosure, the Cleary family’s main transport is a Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid hatch, purchased new in mid-2021.

And the chance to catch up with the Corolla Hybrid sedan in entry-level Ascent Sport form, boasting an upgraded motor and battery set-up (added in late 2022) was one I didn’t want to miss.

Four-door sedans of any description are a rarity these days, but Toyota is reluctant to let go of the format with the Camry remaining a popular option (not just with cab and Uber drivers) and the booted Corolla retaining a committed bunch of devotees.

So, how does this car compare to the hatch, and have the recent powertrain improvements made a meaningful difference to its performance and economy? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Toyota Prius 2024 Toyota Corolla

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