Toyota Prius (hybrid) vs Toyota Corolla: running cost
The Toyota Prius (hybrid) is the cheaper of the two to run, at $1,150/year in fuel versus $1,850 for the Toyota Corolla (EPA estimate). That's about $700 a year, or $3,500 over five years, on fuel alone. Per mile it's 6¢ vs 10¢. Full side-by-side below.
Source: EPA / DOE FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data. Data as of June 2026.
Toyota Prius (hybrid) vs Toyota Corolla side by side
| Metric | Toyota Prius (hybrid) | Toyota Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
| Efficiency | 54 MPG | 34 MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,150 | $1,850 |
| Cost to drive 1,000 mi | $63 | $100 |
| Cost per mile | 6¢ | 10¢ |
| 5-year fuel (EPA) | $5,750 | $9,250 |
| Tailpipe CO2 | 163 g/mi | 257 g/mi |
| Est. 5-year cost to own | $31,075 | $35,250 |
What the numbers mean
The fuel/energy figures above are EPA data and are directly comparable. The Toyota Prius (hybrid)'s lower running cost adds up to roughly $3,500 over five years — money that can offset a higher purchase price. Whether that makes it the better buy depends on what each costs up front, how many miles you drive, and your local fuel and electricity prices. Model your own scenario with the EV-vs-gas calculator or the cost-to-own calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota Prius (hybrid) or the Toyota Corolla cheaper to run?
On EPA estimated annual fuel cost, the Toyota Prius (hybrid) is cheaper to run at $1,150/yr versus $1,850 for the Toyota Corolla — a saving of about $700 a year, or $3,500 over five years on fuel alone.
Toyota Prius (hybrid) vs Toyota Corolla: which has lower running cost per mile?
The Toyota Prius (hybrid) costs about 6¢ per mile to fuel/charge at June 2026 prices, versus 10¢ for the Toyota Corolla. Cost per mile is driven by efficiency and the price of gasoline vs electricity.
Does the cheaper-to-run model also cost less to own?
OwnRate's 5-year cost-to-own estimate is $31,075 for the Toyota Prius (hybrid) and $35,250 for the Toyota Corolla. Note these include illustrative depreciation, insurance and maintenance assumptions, not just fuel — so the cheapest to fuel isn't always the cheapest to own. See the methodology.
Toyota Prius (hybrid) vs Toyota Corolla: which is better for the environment?
The Toyota Prius (hybrid) emits less tailpipe CO2 (163 vs 257 g/mi). Lower fuel use generally means lower emissions.
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Last updated: 2026-06-20