The 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid Nightshade Edition makes a powerful statement in Toyota’s electrified lineup. While the standard Prius is known for efficiency, the Nightshade Edition pushes boundaries with bold styling and premium black accents. Built on the sporty XSE grade, it features blacked-out badging, bumpers, door handles, and sills—each element contributing to a cohesive, aggressive design.
Moreover, the Nightshade rolls on striking 19-inch black-finished alloy wheels. This gives it a dynamic look that instantly sets it apart. Buyers can choose from Karashi, Wind Chill Pearl, and Midnight Black Metallic. These paint options blend elegance and edge, perfectly matching the vehicle’s unique personality.
The Nightshade Edition joins the 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid lineup, which also includes SE, XSE, and XSE Premium trims. The SE grade delivers a manufacturer-estimated 44-mile all-electric range, while the XSE, Nightshade, and Premium grades offer an estimated 40 miles. Every variant uses a 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery. Toyota’s fifth-generation Hybrid System pairs this battery with a 2.0L engine, producing 220 net-combined horsepower and up to 52 MPG combined.
Charging is flexible and user-friendly. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid can recharge through a standard household outlet or a Level 2 charger. Under ideal conditions, charging on a 120V outlet takes about eleven hours. However, using a Level 2 charger reduces this to roughly four hours. Even when unplugged, the car runs efficiently as a self-charging hybrid.
Drivers can select from EV Mode, Auto EV/HV Mode, or Hybrid Mode. In EV Mode, the car uses only electric power when the battery allows. Auto EV/HV Mode balances the battery and gas engine to adapt to driving conditions. Hybrid Mode intelligently blends both sources for maximum efficiency and smooth performance.
Thanks to regenerative braking and Toyota’s Electronically Controlled Brake system, the car can capture energy during deceleration. This system blends hydraulic and electric braking forces, increasing battery recovery while enhancing stopping power. As a result, drivers enjoy responsive performance and better fuel economy.
For those who enjoy variety, the driving modes include NORMAL for daily balance, ECO for maximum efficiency, and SPORT for enhanced throttle response. These modes ensure the vehicle feels tailored to your preferences.
Inside, the 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid Nightshade Edition is equally impressive. It features carbon fiber accents on the dashboard and premium black SofTex®-trimmed seats with red stitching. The digital gauge cluster is designed for optimal visibility. The model comes standard with Toyota’s 8-inch Audio Multimedia touchscreen, although buyers can upgrade to a 12.3-inch screen.
Tech features include Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Bluetooth®, and voice-activated Intelligent Assistant. With an active Drive Connect trial, users can enjoy cloud-based navigation and over-the-air updates. Additionally, integrated streaming lets users link Apple Music® or Amazon Music® accounts to the car’s system.
For audiophiles, the XSE Premium offers a JBL® Premium Audio system with eight speakers. Other trims include a six-speaker system. The Nightshade also supports Wi-Fi Connect with 4G for up to five devices, turning the car into a mobile hotspot.
Toyota equips all trims with Safety Sense 3.0. This includes Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Automatic High Beams. Furthermore, Proactive Driving Assist supports braking or steering in specific conditions to enhance safety.
The SE grade offers 17-inch wheels, black fabric seats with red accents, rain-sensing wipers, and a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel. Meanwhile, the XSE adds 19-inch alloy wheels, an 8-way power-adjustable heated driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, and parking assist. The XSE Premium builds on this with ventilated seats, a JBL® system, power rear liftback, panoramic view monitor, and even an available 185W solar roof.
Standard colors across trims include Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Midnight Black Metallic, and Reservoir Blue. Karashi is exclusive to the Nightshade. Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red are available as premium color upgrades.
Clearly, the 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid Nightshade Edition offers more than just visual upgrades. It fuses high efficiency with standout style, advanced safety, and cutting-edge technology. With a starting MSRP of $33,775 for the SE grade, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid lineup arrives this summer, ready to turn heads and charge ahead.
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