How to Build a Custom Toyota Prius

From trim levels to add-ons, here are the best ways to build a custom Toyota Prius.
Written by Sarah Williams
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
With seven trim levels to choose from and many available add-ons, building a custom Toyota Prius is involved and rewarding. 
The success of the Prius is a credit to its impressive fuel economy, safety ratings, and affordability. However, it is not known for its cool looks or superb handling. With a few strategic upgrades, you can customize your Prius to be everything you need—both stylish and smooth. 
We've created this guide to help you navigate various Prius customization options—and save money on
car insurance
. Read on for everything you need to know.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
icon4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
icon4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

2022 Toyota Prius customization options

The Toyota Prius is the quintessential hybrid. It was first released in 1997 in Japan and has continued to have great success. And the 2022 Toyota Prius has an impressive seven trims to choose from. 
The Toyota Prius trim levels are L Eco,
LE
, LE AWD-e, XLE, XLE AWD-e,
Nightshade
, and Limited. The Nightshade is new for 2022, adding 17-inch wheels for front-wheel drive and 15-inch wheels for all-wheel drive. The interior includes a heated steering wheel and front seats. 
The XLE model offers the same interior features, alongside power-adjustable seats, a smartphone charging pad, and expanded proximity key functions. While these are all great features, they cost an additional $4,500 compared to the L Eco base model. The base model ultimately has everything you need, along with a few fun features like passive entry and adaptive cruise control.  
The Toyota Prius comes with a 1.9L four-cylinder engine, and most can make it to 300,000 miles before giving up. The fuel efficiency reaches an impressive 50 mpg.
When it comes to additional packages, bundle packages are only available for the XLE, XLE AWD-e, and Limited. The other trims only have access to minor accessories. If you’re looking to customize your XLE, the $515 Premium Convenience Package comes with a power sunroof and more aerodynamic 15-inch wheels. 
Another option is the Advanced Technology Package, which adds adaptive auto-leveling headlights and a color head-up display for $800. The aerodynamic side-skirt extension kit can enhance the aesthetic of your Prius for $299. Finally, you can opt for blacked-out wheel covers for $299 or bump strips on the doors for $289. 

Toyota Prius optional packages

The availability of features varies by trim. See the chart below for a breakdown of several Toyota Prius options.
Package
Cost
Features
Which trims is it available on?
Premium Convenience Package
$515
Power tilt/slide moonroof, 15-inch wheels with P195/65R15 tires
XLE and Limited
Advanced Technology Package
$800
Color head-up display with speedometer, navigation, hybrid system indicator, adaptive front-lighting system
XLE and XLE AWD-e
Aerodynamic side-skirt extension kit
$299
Offer protection and increase aerodynamic performance
All trims
Blacked-out wheel covers
$299
Minimize and alleviate damage, increase lifespan
All trims
Bump strips on the doors
$289
Protect your doors
All trims
Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees
icon4.717k Ratings
5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Note that this list isn’t all-encompassing. There are many other add-ons to customize your Toyota Prius, whether it is a mechanical upgrade or an aesthetic update. Ask your dealer for more information.

How to customize your Prius to save money

In most cases, add-ons and packages increase the overall price of your Toyota Prius. Not only can this impact you at the dealership, but it can impact your insurance rates as pricier cars demand higher insurance premiums. 
There are, however, a few customizations that can actually save you money! Take a look at these options to improve the affordability of your Prius: 
  • Catalytic converter protection: Catalytic converters are common targets for theft—and expensive to replace.
    Prevent Prius catalytic converter theft
    with a cat shield.  
  • Chip tuning: With the Prius lacking in horsepower, enhance your performance chip to increase your engine’s power and gas mileage. 
  • Multimedia system with rear camera: Improve your safety and save money on insurance by adding a custom multimedia system with a rear camera. Not only will you enjoy better music, but you will be able to park and reverse more accurately. 
icon
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now

The best Toyota Prius mods

Unfortunately, the Toyota Prius isn’t the flashiest looking car. Here are a few simple mods to class up your vehicle and ride in style. 

Tires

The Prius comes standard with low rolling resistance tires that can cause longer braking distances. For higher performance, consider upgrading to a solid set of
all-terrain tires
. Add on some custom chrome reels to do one better. 

Window tinting

Tinting your car windows is an affordable way to level up your Prius’ look. It will decrease sun glare and improve your visibility while driving at the same time. 
By cutting down the UV rays that make it in, window tint
Tinting your car windows
also protect your vehicle's interior from aging. Tag on the added privacy and security, and it’s a great setup! Be sure to check which level of tinting is allowed in your state, as going above 20% can impact your visibility at night. 

LED Lights

Regarding driving at night, a custom set of LED lights can increase your visibility and improve road safety. They also modernize the look of your Toyota’s front end. 
rating reverse-full
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”

How to find affordable insurance for your Toyota Prius

Finding affordable
car insurance
for your custom Toyota Prius is easier than you think—just download the
Jerry
app. In 45 seconds, Jerry's
trustworthy super app
will scan over 50 top providers to help you find great insurance at a great price. 
Compare rates, choose the policy that works for you, and Jerry takes care of the rest, securing your new policy with the click of a button. The best part? Jerry users save an average of $887 a year on car insurance! 
Jerry
is the future of car insurance! I downloaded the app, entered the information, picked my insurance rate, and paid my fee. I even switched insurance providers easily! Jerry saved me $182/month so quickly!” —Paulina F.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
avatar
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
rating primary
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings