Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

Toyota Prius+ vs rivals

Does hybrid power work in an MPV? We test the new Toyota Prius+ against its rivals to find out

Toyota Prius+ vs rivals

The Toyota Prius is the world’s biggest-selling hybrid – and now the new Prius+ is hoping to make its mark on the MPV market.

The car is Europe’s first petrol/electric seven-seater, and in entry-level T4 guise, it emits just 96g/km of CO2 (although bigger wheels mean the T Spirit car we test here offers 101g/km).

Advertisement - Article continues below

These low figures come at a price, though, with the range-topper costing nearly £30,000. Can the new Prius+ justify this? To find out, we pitch it against two very different rivals.

First up is the Renault Grand Scenic 1.5 dCi stop/start, which has similar space and emits 105g/km. Even in well equipped Dynamique TomTom trim, it’s nearly £8,000 cheaper, too.

Or, for similar money to the Toyota, you can get behind the wheel of our reigning MPV of the Year – the spacious SEAT Alhambra. This vast seven-seater is the last word in people carrying practicality and costs only £23,535 in entry-level form. We test it here in £32,590 SE Lux trim with the powerful 2.0-litre TDI 170 engine.

How will the family friendly new Prius+ fare in the face of this twin-pronged attack?

Verdict

The Toyota Prius is huge hit across the globe. With a new Plug-in version and the launch of the seven-seater, this famous hybrid has grown into a family of cars, rather than a single model. And if you’re a diehard Prius fan (there are plenty out there) who’s always craved a little bit more space, the Prius+ will undoubtedly appeal.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

e-tron

2023 Audi

e-tron

23,874 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £19,983
View e-tron
e-C4

2022 Citroen

e-C4

18,684 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £11,992
View e-C4
XC90

2022 Volvo

XC90

33,154 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £40,488
View XC90
XC90

2016 Volvo

XC90

67,637 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £20,829
View XC90

However, like the standard car, it’s hamstrung by its CVT automatic gearbox. It’s also hobbled by an inflexible cabin layout – and when lined up against the class leaders in this test, it struggles to make a strong case for itself.

Yes, it’s efficient and reasonably roomy, but it’s expensive, and lacks the refinement, usability and driver appeal discerning MPV buyers expect.

Toyota Prius+ vs Renault Grand Scenic

Winner Renault Grand Scenic ★★★★

The Scenic proves you don’t need to go for a hybrid to get a clean and frugal seven-seater. It’s better to drive than the Toyota, more comfortable and the cabin is more practical and family friendly.

2nd Toyota Prius+ ★★★

The prius+ is well built and the seats fold easily. Five-year warranty and strong residuals also mark it out. But it’s not as spacious as the Renault, and our figures suggest it won’t be much more efficient.

Toyota Prius+ vs SEAT Alhambra

Winner SEAT Alhambra ★★★★★

Picking the Alhambra over the Prius+ means bigger tax and fuel bills, but it’s worth it as the SEAT is such a great car. It’s good to drive, with huge sliding doors and unrivalled practicality.

2nd Toyota Prius+ ★★★

You wouldn’t expect this Toyota to rival the SEAT for space, but it also loses out on performance and driving dynamics. And while the Prius+ attracts far less company car tax, it’s not much more efficient.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,571
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £16,100
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025