Used Toyota Prius for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 330
Average Price: Around £15,840

Toyota Prius (2025) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent driving dynamics with responsive steering and composed handling	Limited 284-litre boot capacity, roughly half the size of the Corolla Touring Sports
Strong 220bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain with 6.8-second 0-62mph time	Shorter electric range than some rivals affects company car tax competitiveness
10-year warranty when serviced with Toyota, and legendary brand reliability	Sloped roofline compromises rear headroom despite decent legroom

Quick Summary

The 2025 Toyota Prius represents a remarkable transformation from its predecessors, emerging as a genuinely enjoyable driver's car rather than merely an efficient choice. This fifth-generation plug-in hybrid hatchback combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, producing 220bhp and delivering 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds. The 13.6kWh battery provides up to 53 miles of electric-only range, with real-world testing showing approximately 40-45 miles. Available exclusively as a plug-in hybrid in the UK, it competes directly with vehicles such as the Volkswagen Golf GTE, Cupra Leon e-Hybrid, and Audi A3 TFSIe, whilst also rivalling PHEV SUVs like the Toyota C-HR and RAV4.

The Prius delivers impressive practicality with a 284-litre boot (a 30-litre improvement over its predecessor) and improved rear legroom thanks to a longer wheelbase. However, the distinctive sloping coupe-like roofline compromises rear headroom, and boot space remains significantly smaller than the Corolla Touring Sports estate. Running costs are excellent when charged regularly, with real-world testing achieving over 80mpg through a combination of electric and hybrid driving. The cabin impresses with high build quality, logical ergonomics, and a straightforward 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. At around £38,000, the Prius positions itself competitively against full electric vehicles and other premium plug-in hybrids, backed by Toyota's legendary reliability and 10-year warranty when serviced with Toyota.

Best for: Drivers seeking an efficient, well-built car that's genuinely fun to drive, those wanting to stand out from the SUV crowd, and buyers who can live with modest boot space and rear headroom compromises.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising maximum load-carrying ability, passengers requiring spacious rear accommodation, or buyers seeking the longest electric range for company car tax advantages.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Prius if: You seek an efficient, well-built car that's genuinely fun to drive, want to stand out from the SUV crowd, and can accept modest boot space and rear headroom compromises.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise maximum load-carrying ability, require spacious rear accommodation, or need the longest electric range for company car tax advantages.

Competitive Position: The Toyota Prius (2025) stands out as a compelling choice in the plug-in hybrid hatchback segment, offering exceptional driving dynamics and impressive efficiency when charged regularly. Whilst rivals like the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf score higher on expert ratings and offer better value percentages, the Prius distinguishes itself through its engaging driving experience and legendary Toyota reliability. Its limited boot space and rear headroom are genuine compromises compared to traditional family hatchbacks, but for buyers seeking a car that's genuinely enjoyable to drive rather than merely practical, the Prius makes a strong case. It represents a remarkable evolution from previous generations, transforming from a rational choice into a car you'll want to own.

Read our full Toyota Prius Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.