Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota Prius - Boot space, comfort & practicality

Practicality takes a bit of a back seat in the quest for aerodynamic efficiency

Boot space, comfort & practicality rating

3.8

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£378 off RRP*
Find your Toyota Prius
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The aerodynamic shape of the latest Prius has compromised space in the back but it remains a comfortable all-rounder. It’s easy to get comfortable if you’re sitting up front, though, thanks to the electrically adjustable seats – they’re finished in fabric on Design-spec models, while there’s synthetic leather for Excel trim.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s a decent level of kit, although while there are front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, there’s no option for a 360-degree camera – something we’d quite like, given the limited rear visibility. 

The Prius is longer than most of its plug-in hybrid hatchback competitors, but it’s narrower and lower due to its focus on reducing drag. The shallow windscreen reaches out in front with raked A-pillars, so there are relatively large blind spots up front. The view rearwards is also poor, with visibility from the rear-view mirror partially obscured.

Dimensions 
Length4,599mm
Width1,782mm
Height1,430mm
Number of seats5
Boot space284 litres

Dimensions and size

At 4,599mm long, the Prius is 46mm shorter than its predecessor, plus it’s also 50mm lower. As it stood the fourth-generation Prius was a relatively low-slung hatchback when compared with rivals, but this version has a much sportier profile that will certainly stand out among its hatchback-bodied competitors. 

While previous generations of Prius have been offered in a Prius+ MPV body style, Toyota has no plans to create a larger version of the current car.

How practical is the Toyota Prius?  

Seats & space in the front 

The front seats are spacious, and aside from a slightly odd driving position, there’s nothing to really complain about. There’s a good amount of adjustability in the seats, so taller and shorter drivers should have no issues getting comfortable. Headroom is fine, because the seat goes low if you need it to. There are two cup holders in the centre console, a storage bin under the armrest, and a spot for your phone by the USB ports.

Seats & space in the back 

The rear seats are where the Prius starts to feel cramped. Legroom is acceptable and the bench seat is comfortable, but the seating position is upright, so longer trips might be a bit of a chore for people back there. 

Adults will find limited headroom too; our measurements show it’s roughly the same in the back as the Vauxhall Corsa supermini. There’s enough room to sit upright, but with your head touching the roof, it’s not a relaxing experience. Slouching to create more of a gap means your legs hit the seat in front.

ISOFIX points in the back are handy, and children won’t have headroom issues either, so as a family car the Prius works quite well.

Boot space 

While there’s 284 litres of boot space in the Prius, which is more than in the previous generation, it’s not enough to make it feel as if it’s a roomy, useful size. Open the hatch, and the most noticeable thing is just how high the boot floor is, and how shallow the loading area is as a result. You can’t fit large boxes in either, because of the low rear screen.

There’s no real underfloor storage – there’s a cubby for a tyre repair kit and that’s about it. The loading lip is high, too, so lifting heavy items in might be an issue, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Our latest car deals

Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius

RRP £37,315Avg. savings £378 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £21,210Avg. savings £1,738 off RRP*Compare Offers
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £36,645Avg. savings £3,305 off RRP*Compare Offers
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,710Avg. savings £2,371 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
New BMW 3 Series to pioneer German brand’s bold design change in 2026
BMW 3 Series 'Neue Klasse' render (watermarked) - front

New BMW 3 Series to pioneer German brand’s bold design change in 2026

The design of the EV and ICE 3 Series will remain true to the show-stopping Vision Neue Klasse concept revealed last year
News
20 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
22 Nov 2024