Compare the2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In HybridVS 2025 Nissan Ariya

The Prius Plug-In Hybrid has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Ariya doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Prius Plug-In Hybrid and Ariya have Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but the Prius Plug-In Hybrid offers optional Parking Support Brake (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Ariya’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Prius Plug-In Hybrid and the Ariya have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid is safer than the Nissan Ariya:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid is safer than the Nissan Ariya:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are over 14 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Nissan dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Prius Plug-In Hybrid’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota second in reliability, above the industry average. With 52 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in overall reliability. Nissan is ranked 17th.

The Prius Plug-In Hybrid’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 6 more horsepower (220 vs. 214) than the Ariya Engage’s standard electric motor.

As tested in Car and Driver the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid is faster than the Ariya Evolve+ electric motor:

On the EPA test cycle the Prius Plug-In Hybrid running on electricity gets better mileage than the Ariya:

The Prius Plug-In Hybrid SE’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 606 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The Ariya’s range is only 205 to 289 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 35 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge at a professionally installed 220-volt charging station can take up to 14 hours.

For better stopping power the Prius Plug-In Hybrid’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the Ariya:

For better maneuverability, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid SE’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the Ariya’s (34.4 feet vs. 35.4 feet).

The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 850 to 1500 pounds less than the Nissan Ariya.

The Prius Plug-In Hybrid is 9.5 inches shorter in height than the Ariya, making the Prius Plug-In Hybrid much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

The design of the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid amounts to more than styling. The Prius Plug-In Hybrid offers aerodynamic coefficients of drag from .27 to .29 Cd (depending on bodystyle and options). That is lower than the Ariya (.3 to .33) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Prius Plug-In Hybrid get better fuel mileage.

The front grille of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Ariya doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the Prius Plug-In Hybrid easier. The Prius Plug-In Hybrid’s trunk lift-over height is 29.2 inches, while the Ariya’s liftover is 30.6 inches.

If the windows are left open on the Prius Plug-In Hybrid the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Ariya can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To lock it, the door handles on the Ariya must be held while closing the door. On the Prius Plug-In Hybrid you just lock the door and close it, which makes it easier to lock up, especially when your hands are full.

The Prius Plug-In Hybrid’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Ariya’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The Prius Plug-In Hybrid has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Ariya doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Prius/Prius Prime was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024 and 1 more times in the last 22 years. The Ariya has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

Motor Trend selected the Prius Plug-In Hybrid as their 2024 Car of the Year. The Ariya has never been chosen.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Prius as the 2024 North American Car of the Year. The Ariya has never been chosen.

The Toyota Prius outsold the Nissan Ariya by over two to one during 2024.