[6][7] Toyota expected to sell 12,000 fourth generation Prius cars a month in Japan, and to reach annual sales between 300,000 and 350,000 units.

The fourth-generation Prius was designed to deliver significantly improved fuel economy in a more compact package that is lighter in weight and lower in cost.

These objectives were achieved through the development of a new generation of powertrains with significant advances in battery, electric motor and gasoline engine technologies.

[8][9] The next Prius is the first vehicle to use the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) modular platform, which provides a lower center of gravity and increased structural rigidity.

[14] The AWD-e models use a 1.2 kWh nickel–metal hydride battery that performs better in areas with colder temperatures where drivers favor all-wheel drive.

[17] Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Prius model, Toyota launched the S Safety Plus Two Tone and A Premium Touring Selection 20th Anniversary Limited editions with a two-tone colour scheme which pair selected colours with the roof and door mirrors painted in Attitude Black Mica and Gloss Piano Black interior trims replacing those in white found in most models.

[10][11] Under the Japanese JC08 cycle test, Toyota expects the fourth generation Prius to achieve a fuel economy rating of 40.8 km/L (115 mpg‑imp; 96 mpg‑US).

[19] Toyota also offers an "Eco" base-model variant of the fourth-generation Prius with improved efficiency, largely due to the reduced weight, achieved by eliminating the spare tire, a rear-window wiper and trunk-lid lining.