One common criticism of the Prius is its perceived lack of speed. This criticism is only partly true, depending on the specific model of Prius. The first generation Prius, which debuted in 2001, had a zero-to-60-mph time of 13 seconds according to Car and Driver tests. The second generation, the version that gained widespread popularity, was only slightly faster with a time of 11.3 seconds. The current 2024 Prius, however, is much quicker at 7.1 seconds.

Another point of contention is the Prius’s styling. While aesthetics are subjective, the Prius has never been widely regarded as an attractive car, falling somewhere between an egg and something as unassuming as a doctor’s office. Additionally, the battery and electric motor components are typically expensive to repair or replace.

It’s fair to say that the Prius isn’t an exciting car, but it would be unfair to dismiss it as a bad car based solely on its lack of excitement. Just as a refrigerator at home may not evoke the same admiration as a masterpiece, it still serves a crucial purpose. Similarly, the Prius shouldn’t be devalued just because it lacks the flashy features and high performance of some other cars.