10,000 Miles with the 2025 Toyota Prius: An Honest Review

After spending 10,000 miles behind the wheel of my 2025 Toyota Prius XLE, I can confidently say this isn’t your grandpa’s eco-mobile anymore. Toyota has really stepped things up. The 2025 Prius is not just about saving fuel anymore. I’ve tested it on highways, in city traffic, and on long weekend trips, and it keeps surprising me.

Let me start with what you probably care about most: fuel economy. I’m getting about 45 mpg on average, which is a bit below Toyota’s claimed 52 mpg. But honestly, I don’t drive it gently. With fast highway runs and stop-and-go traffic, 45 mpg still translates to over 500 miles per tank. That means you’ll visit gas stations less often and keep more cash in your pocket.

The driving experience has also genuinely surprised me. The 194-horsepower hybrid powertrain has good power for daily use, hitting 60 mph in merely 7.1 seconds. With this power, you’re not going to win any drag races. However, it’s quick enough and never feels sluggish. The steering is responsive, and the suspension balances comfort with control. I’ve even started enjoying curvy roads, something I never thought I’d say about a Prius.

Of course, it’s not perfect. Under heavy acceleration, the engine produces an annoying drone that drowns out everything else, especially when merging on highways. The armrests are also too firm, which you’ll definitely feel on long trips.

The interior layout also raises some eyebrows. The steering wheel positioning often blocks the digital gauge cluster. It forces you to lower the wheel awkwardly toward your lap. The massive dashboard creates distracting glare on sunny days, and that physical volume knob Toyota thoughtfully included? It’s mounted frustratingly far from the driver’s reach.

I’ve also wrestled with the wireless phone charger. It is hit or miss. Some phone cases don’t work, and the connection to wireless Android Auto drops randomly. Sometimes it connects right away, sometimes it doesn’t.

The lower, sleeker roofline looks fantastic but comes with a trade-off: getting in and out requires more effort than the previous generation. If you have mobility concerns, this might matter to you.

Still, the Prius wins in practicality. The cargo space is genuinely impressive when you fold those rear seats down, and the fuel efficiency makes it my go-to choice for road trips. After 10,000 miles, maintenance has been minimal, with only routine service covered under Toyota’s complimentary plan and one $61 cabin filter replacement.

My 2025 Toyota Prius at a Glance

Bottom Line

The 2025 Prius has impressive fuel economy and surprisingly engaging driving dynamics. However, there are a few things, like engine drone, ergonomic oddities, and a temperamental wireless charger, that keep it from being perfect. If you can live with these quirks, you’ll appreciate the 500-mile range and low running costs.