Toyota Prius - Interior, design & technology

The Toyota Prius is more expensive and upmarket than ever, and while the interior doesn’t have the visual flair of the bodywork, it’s still smart. Among the paint colours available are bright red and a fetching yellow, but the rest of the options are a bit dull.

What is the Toyota Prius like inside?

The Toyota’s low-slung roof and screen mean that you sit a long way from the scuttle, resulting in a dashboard that feels distant. Visibility isn’t great as a result, and while it’s not difficult to see out, it takes some getting used to, as does the fiddly driving display.

What is the interior quality like? 

Toyota is known for its quality and the Prius is true to form. There were no rattles when we tested the car and while the materials aren’t as plush as in some rivals, there are no surfaces that let the side down. It’s a pleasant interior that feels like it should last well.

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Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the dash is where most of the tech can be found, and it’s a responsive unit with clear menus and a modern-looking layout. There’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as expected, plus built-in navigation, and it’s easy to use. There’s also a row of climate-control switches, which is good to see, and although there’s no wireless charging available, there are six USB ports in the Prius, including ones for rear passengers.

We generally prefer rotary controls in cars, but the Toyota’s bank of toggle switches are better than the touchscreen functions found in most rivals, simply because they are easier to access while you’re driving.

The positioning of the seven-inch driver’s display up high on the dash might look a little odd, but it works well in practice. The steering wheel (which is wrapped in especially squidgy leather) is low enough for the screen to be easily readable, although the layout is a little cluttered with too much information in a confined space.