Good Luck Finding a Toyota Prius That Consumer Reports Doesn’t Recommend
Toyota has a reputation for engineering and offering incredibly popular cars that build huge consumer segments of loyal enthusiasts. From the Camry to the RAV4, the automaker clearly has a formula for success that just works. One of the most iconic cars that almost always seems to be a favorite is the Toyota Prius.
This beloved car came on stage as an electric alternative game-changer and continues to earn high marks in today’s car-buying world. Even among the critics, including Consumer Reports, the Toyota Prius is a good car. You’ll actually be hard-pressed to find a Prius the consumer watch group doesn’t recommend. So what makes this little hybrid ride such a powerhouse?
How many Toyota Prius models earn recommendations?
Consumer Reports recommends the 2021 Toyota Prius and also gives it the green choice designation for its electric potential. It’s no surprise that the Prius performed well in road tests and among the consumer ownership surveys. Looking back, the Prius is not a newbie to the CR recommendation either. Each model within the 2016 through 2020 generation earns high marks. Even the 2004 through 2015 model years were successful with recommendations across the board.
A few that didn’t quite make the cut
It’s tougher to try and narrow down which Toyota Prius models didn’t earn Consumer Reports recommendations. In fact, you’ll have to go way back to the early years of 2001, 2002, and 2003 to see a Prius without the CR badge of honor.
But some suggest those earlier years only fell short because there simply weren’t enough ownership surveys in circulation to evaluate the predicted reliability and owner satisfaction scores.
Everyone appreciates the Toyota Prius
Not everyone will love its boxy look. And not everyone is in the market for a fuel-efficient commuter car with high-tech engineering. But now and even in years past, there’s plenty to appreciate about the Toyota Prius. Auto Evolution commends the year the Prius offered an all-wheel-drive version, a win for Toyota and consumers alike in 2018. U.S. News named the 2020 Prius a finalist for the Best Hybrid or Electric Car for the Money award, too.
The Toyota Prius continues to impress in the fuel efficiency department. The 2021 model earns 52 mpg overall with its hybrid version. It’s loaded with tech and a colorful dashboard of gauges, an intuitive touchscreen, and a futuristic interior design. The Prius won’t drive like a Camry, but it’s not meant to be a thrill ride. What it does accel at, though, is versatility, safety, and value, all characteristics everyone can at least appreciate about a car these days.
The Toyota Prius is just that good
The Toyota Prius isn’t just a good little car. It’s a winner in a host of circles which is why it continues to earn recommendations from the likes of Consumer Reports. It’s not a car that will dominate the track or haul the family boat. But it’s always dominated in value with affordable price points. You can buy a 2021 model for $24,525 to $32,650. It scores well with consumers and critics where it counts, including safety, with several five-star ratings with NHTSA over the years.
Why it may have won the hearts of many with its groundbreaking hybrid introduction in the early years, it continues to be the green choice for environmentally conscious consumers looking for an electric substitute to the traditional gas-guzzling rides.
Toyota tends to lead with its best foot forward with every vehicle it offers, and the Prius is no exception. Just rely on the Consumer Reports recommendation, rooted in Prius ownership data. People love their Prius models, and it seems to be a trend that won’t be letting up anytime soon.
