• High-mounted digital display
• Logical control layout
• Mixed material quality

How is the quality and layout?

Compared with the last Prius, this is a big step forward. There are soft-touch materials where you want them – dash top, door armrests – and some textured hard plastics that avoid feeling cheap. But look down and you’ll still find a few scratchy, black plastic panels that let the side down.

The layout is logical and refreshingly simple. You get proper buttons for key functions, push buttons for temperature, and intuitive steering wheel controls. The drive selector is a stubby little joystick in the centre console, which quickly becomes second nature.

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Excel models feel more upmarket thanks to leather seats and extra padding, but even base versions look and feel sturdy enough. It’s not quite Audi-polished, but it’s a step ahead of the Peugeot 308 and more inviting than the Volkswagen Golf.

Infotainment and tech

A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment set-up dominates the dash, and it’s a good one – fast to respond, with bright graphics and a clear layout. Toyota’s latest Smart Connect software is far better than the clunky systems of old.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the digital instrument panel is mounted high up in the driver’s eyeline. It works a bit like Peugeot’s i-Cockpit – a style choice that won’t suit everyone, but keeps your eyes near the road.

There’s also a wireless charging pad, USB-C ports front and rear, and a decent JBL sound system on Excel trim. It all works cleanly, and the system updates over the air too.

Comfort

• Seats lack lumbar support
• Lots of adjustment
• Rear access tricky

The front seats are wide and supportive, with decent adjustment in Excel trim. Base models with manual seats offer less fine-tuning, and some testers noted the lack of lumbar support after longer drives. It’s worth taking an extended test route if you’re particular about seating comfort.

Rear seats are spacious enough in terms of legroom, but headroom is tight. The low roofline also makes getting in and out a little awkward – taller passengers may find themselves ducking and twisting.