If you’ve read our first look review of the 2024 Toyota Prius Hybrid, you would know that we felt it brings a refreshing new flavor to the U.S. compact car segment. Toyota introduced the latest generation of the Prius for the 2023 model year and has yet to usher in major updates to its electrified sedan. For the MY2025, there are two notable change.
Prius Nightshade & ‘Karashi’ body color
The sole addition for this year is the Prius Nightshade edition which is available in the exclusive ‘Karashi’ body color. ‘Karashi’ is Japanese for mustard, and if you didn’t know, it is also widely used as either a seasoning or a condiment in Japanese cuisine. And Nightshade is not a new concept for Toyota, and it follows the brand’s familiar special edition formula, which we reviewed and liked in the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.
The Prius Nightshade is based on the XLE trim. This variant features 19-inch black-finished alloy wheels, black exterior accents, and a black shark fin antenna. Midnight Black Metallic and Wind Chill Pearl are the other colors for this variant for customers who don’t prefer the mustard yellow. Now, we’ve heard some people say the new color reminds them of the NYC taxi, but honestly, we think it’s brings out the bold and sporty side of the Prius.
Softex & Carbon Fiber detailing
Inside, the Nightshade edition features black SofTex-trimmed seats with grey stitching, carbon fiber detailing on the dashboard, and Toyota’s Audio Multimedia system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Other features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB-C ports, a wireless phone charger, 8-way adjustable heated front seats, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.
2.0L Hybrid powertrain
The 2025 Prius lineup is spread across four trims: LE, XLE, Nightshade, and Limited. It is powered by the familiar 2.0L engine paired with Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system (we see this in the 2025 Camry as well), delivering up to 196 hp with the optional Electronic On-Demand AWD system. Fuel efficiency remains its selling point, with an EPA-estimated rating of up to 57 MPG combined for FWD models, and 54 MPG combined for AWD versions.
Pricing & Availability
The 2025 Toyota Prius Hybrid has reached dealerships in the U.S. Pricing (base MSRP) begins at USD 28,350 for the LE, and tops out at USD 36,765 for the Limited AWD. As for the Nightshade, it is priced at USD 32,495 for the FWD, and at USD 33,895 for the AWD model.
Featured image: 2024 Prius Hybrid
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
