What's New For the 2020 Toyota Prius?

For the 2020 model year, the Toyota Prius gets some advancements and improvements in the areas of safety and technology. The latest Prius has some notable differences from the 2019 model year, but it also retains some of its fan-favorite features. This year, Toyota extends its advanced safety technology to the lower-level Prius trims as well. Now, all trims proudly sport the Safety Connect system and Toyota's comprehensive Safety Sense cluster of driver-assist tools.

Even with the base trim, you'll get advanced safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The upper-level trims get more standard safety features as well, including advanced parking assist sensors with sonar control. Technology also gets a refreshment this year with the inclusion of a larger and more capable infotainment system.

Now, every Prius gets a standard seven-inch infotainment display center with a number of standard amenities that include Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. All-wheel-drive, a recent option for the Prius's drivetrain, is standard on select trim levels this year. All trims are offered in a variety of appealing colors. In 2020, the Toyota Prius retains its exceptional fuel economy ratings and its quiet, smooth ride quality. The Prius still uses a hybrid mechanical system.

What Features are Available for 2020?

The 2020 Toyota Prius comes in six trim levels for the 2020 model year. The base trim is the L Eco. This trim gets some eco-friendly technologies, including a lighter-weight hybrid battery. The base trim gets an innovative exterior design complete with 15-inch alloy wheels. Its interior gets the latest and greatest technology that Toyota offers, including a standard seven-inch infotainment display with Android Auto, smartphone pairing, and Apple CarPlay.

The second trim level adds to that list with more practical and functional amenities, including a cargo cover, sonar-assisted parking sensors, and more advanced safety amenities, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection. This trim also gets parallel parking assist-the XLE upgrades to larger and more prominent 17-inch wheels. The XLE is followed by the Limited, which swaps out the previous sound system for a higher-end JBL sound system.

This trim level also gets a more advanced infotainment system that has a high-resolution display screen and includes navigation. The Limited gets a larger 11.6-inch display screen, too. The other trims are the LE and the XLE in all-wheel-drive versions. The LE with all-wheel drive also gets unique LED headlights and accent lighting. The XLE with an all-wheel-drive gets heated seats.

2020 Prius Powertrain Options

Front-wheel drive is standard on most 2020 Prius trim levels, while the others get all-wheel drive. The Prius has the same engine across the board, which is a 1.8L V4. This engine produces just under 100 HP on its own and over 120 HP when paired with the electric motor. All Prius trims get an automatic transmission.

Packed with Safety Features

No matter which trim level you choose, you'll find plenty of safety technology on all Prius trims. The base trims get advanced airbag protection and seat belts. Traction control, stability control, and a suite of driver-assist safety amenities are standard or optional in the 2020 Prius, too.