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Toyota has announced a striking new addition to its hybrid lineup, the 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Nightshade Edition, set to arrive at dealerships this summer. Based on the XSE grade, this special edition model enhances the vehicle’s modern aesthetic with a host of sophisticated, blacked-out features, offering a more aggressive and edgy appearance.
Key Highlights
- The new Nightshade Edition is being introduced for the 2026 model year, built upon the XSE grade.
- It features distinctive black accents, including badging, door handles, bumper trim, and 19-inch black-finished alloy wheels.
- The Prius Plug-in Hybrid delivers 220 net-combined hybrid system horsepower and an estimated all-electric driving range of up to 44 miles for the SE grade.
- The 2026 lineup is expected in summer 2025, with the SE grade starting at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $33,775.
A Bold New Look
The Nightshade Edition elevates the Prius Plug-in Hybrid’s design with meticulously crafted details. It showcases sleek black badging, door sills, door handles, and bumper trim for a cohesive, commanding presence. This spirited attitude is completed by 19-inch black-finished alloy wheels. The Nightshade Edition will be available in exclusive colors, including Karashi, alongside Wind Chill Pearl and Midnight Black Metallic.
Performance and Advanced Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid is powered by Toyota’s fifth-generation Hybrid System, which pairs a 2.0-liter engine with electric motor generators. This powertrain produces an impressive 220 horsepower and achieves a manufacturer-estimated combined rating of up to 52 MPG.
The vehicle offers versatile driving modes, including EV, Auto EV/HV, and Hybrid, to suit various driving conditions. In EV Mode, it relies solely on its 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides an estimated 44-mile range on the SE grade and a 40-mile range on XSE, Nightshade, and XSE Premium grades. Charging is convenient, requiring no special equipment for home use; a full charge takes approximately eleven hours on a standard 120V outlet or about four hours with a Level 2 charger.
Interior, Technology, and Safety
Inside, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid features a premium and comfortable cabin. All grades come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes advanced features like the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.
The lineup includes four grades: SE, XSE, Nightshade Edition, and XSE Premium.
- The SE grade features 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, and fabric-trimmed front seats.
- The XSE grade adds 19-inch alloy wheels and SofTex®-trimmed heated power driver’s seats.
- The Nightshade Edition includes the same features as the XSE with added carbon fiber dashboard accents.
- The XSE Premium grade adds a JBL® Premium Audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a fixed glass roof, and heated and ventilated front seats.
All models include dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity and support for wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. For more details on Toyota’s full range of electric vehicles, visit their official website.
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