If fuel cost matters most
The available data is incomplete, so use the side-by-side table rather than a one-line verdict.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Toyota Prius vs Tesla Model S
A verified side-by-side comparison of Toyota Prius and Tesla Model S, using generation-level specs, official EPA records and NHTSA safety data where available.
At a glance
| Metric | Toyota Prius | Tesla Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 1997 - present | 2012 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 220 hp | 1020 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 57 MPG | — |
| Latest NHTSA overall | NR | NR |
| Open recalls (2023/2021) | 4 | 24 |
| Latest dimensions | 4600 × 1780 × 1420 mm | 4979 × 1964 × 1445 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1497 kg (3300 lbs) | 2172 kg (4788 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Hybrid Gasoline, Plug-in Hybrid Gasoline | Electric |
If power matters most
Tesla Model S with a verified peak of 1020 hp.
If safety is the filter
The available data is incomplete, so use the side-by-side table rather than a one-line verdict.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | Toyota PriusPrius V (XW60) LE FWD | Tesla Model SModel S Palladium Long Range AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Hybrid Gasoline | Electric |
| Cylinders / Configuration | Inline-4 | Dual motor |
| Displacement | 2.0L (1987 cc) | — |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated Dynamic Force | Electric |
| Horsepower | 194 hp | 670 hp |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 723 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 7.2 s | 3.1 s |
| Top Speed | 195 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Fifth-Generation Planetary e-CVT | Single-speed |
| Gears | — | — |
| Drivetrain | Front-Whee | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 57.0 MPG | — |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 56.0 MPG | — |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 57.0 MPG | — |
| Electric Range | — | 652 km |
| Battery Capacity | 0.9 kWh | 95.0 kWh |
| CO₂ Emissions | — | — |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4600 mm | 4979 mm |
| Width | 1780 mm | 1964 mm |
| Height | 1420 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm | 2960 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1405 kg | 2161 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 5 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which has more horsepower, the Prius or the Model S?
Tesla Model S reaches the higher verified peak at 1020 hp, compared with 220 hp for the Toyota Prius.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.