Toyota has updated both US-market Prius variants for 2027, adding dual-zone climate control and a new Inked paint colour.
Both continue with fifth-generation hybrid systems, and neither release announces new powertrain hardware for this year.
The regular Prius remains available in LE, XLE, Nightshade and Limited grades.
Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine works with two motor-generators and a continuously variable transmission, producing 194hp with front-wheel drive or 196hp with electronic all-wheel drive.
Toyota quotes 0-60mph, or 0-97kph, in 7.2 seconds for the front-wheel-drive car and 7.0 seconds for the all-wheel-drive version.
The LE carries a US Environmental Protection Agency combined rating of 55mpg with front-wheel drive and 53mpg with all-wheel drive, equivalent to about 4.3 and 4.4 litres per 100km respectively.
All-wheel-drive cars use a separate rear electric motor rather than a mechanical connection from the engine.
The system can send drive to the rear axle when it detects wheel slip or when more traction is required during acceleration and cornering.
Normal, Eco and Sport modes alter powertrain response.
A separate EV setting permits short periods of electric-only operation at low speeds when charge allows, while a pedestrian warning system sounds when the car is moving quietly. Regenerative and hydraulic braking are coordinated to recover energy.
An 8.0-inch multimedia display is standard on the LE, XLE and Nightshade. The Limited receives a 12.3-inch screen and an eight-speaker JBL audio system, while the larger screen is optional on the Nightshade. Other grades use six speakers.
Over-the-air updates are included, together with five-year trials of Safety Connect, Service Connect and Remote Connect. Toyota also provides a 30-day, 3GB Wi-Fi Connect trial. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range.
US prices start at US$28,755 (RM117,800).
The 2027 Prius Plug-in Hybrid receives the same climate-control and colour changes, but retains its stronger electrified powertrain. Offered in SE, XSE, Nightshade and XSE Premium grades, it combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with electric motor-generators for 220hp.
Toyota estimates 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds. Its 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery provides up to 71km, of EPA-estimated electric range in the SE. XSE, Nightshade and XSE Premium versions are rated at 63km.
When the usable battery charge runs down, the car continues as a conventional petrol-electric hybrid. The SE is rated at 51mpg combined in hybrid operation, equivalent to about 4.6 litres per 100km.
Charging takes about 11 hours from a 120V household socket under ideal conditions, or around four hours using a Level 2 supply. Toyota provides a dual-voltage cable, so basic home charging does not require separate equipment.
Three powertrain settings are provided. EV mode uses battery power while sufficient charge remains. Auto EV/HV mode can start the engine when stronger acceleration is required, while Hybrid mode manages the engine and electric motors automatically. Normal, Eco and Sport drive modes are also fitted.
SE, XSE and Nightshade grades receive an 8.0-inch multimedia screen. The XSE Premium gets a 12.3-inch unit and eight-speaker JBL audio, with the larger display optional on XSE and Nightshade.
The plug-in model also receives over-the-air updates, five-year Safety Connect, Service Connect and Remote Connect trials, a three-month Drive Connect trial and the same 30-day, 3GB Wi-Fi offer. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Prices start at US$33,980 (RM139,200). Both versions offer Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Reservoir Blue and Inked paint, with Karashi reserved for Nightshade models. Supersonic Red and Wind Chill Pearl cost extra.
Both 2027 Prius variants are built at Toyota’s Tsutsumi plant in Japan.
