When you hear “Nightshade Edition,” chances are your mind goes straight to those stealthy black wheels, darkened trim, and the general vibe of something moody and mysterious rolling through the city at dusk. Let’s be honest—this blacked-out aesthetic isn’t exactly groundbreaking anymore. Almost every automaker has their own version of the “midnight makeover.” But Toyota’s take, especially when applied to the Prius, does feel like it has something to say: that even the planet-saving hybrid can have a bad-boy streak.
The first time I laid eyes on the 2025 Prius Hybrid Nightshade Edition, I paused. It wasn’t just the gloss-black 19-inch wheels—though those do make a statement. It was the feeling. It was like someone gave the Prius a leather jacket and let it sneak out past curfew. It’s not screaming for attention, but it doesn’t need to. This version of the Prius looks like it belongs in a neon-lit city alley or parked outside your favorite espresso bar. It’s aimed at people who still care about fuel economy, but wouldn’t mind turning a few heads on their way to the office—or the gym.
This summer, Toyota is taking that same cool factor and plugging it right into the Prius PHEV. Officially dubbed the 2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid Nightshade Edition, the car follows the same styling cues as its hybrid sibling: blacked-out emblems, gloss-black shark fin antenna, door handles, and bumper trim. It’s based on the mid-tier trims (XLE for the Hybrid, XSE for the PHEV), and what it lacks in color options, it makes up for in attitude.
Speaking of colors—don’t expect the usual rainbow. Nightshade trims offer just three choices: Wind Chill Pearl (a slick, icy white), Midnight Black Metallic (the ultimate urban ninja), and an exclusive Karashi Yellow. That last one? It’s a bold, sunny yellow-gold that gives off serious retro-sport vibes—think 80s track jacket, but in car form. It's loud in a way that says, "Yeah, I drive a Prius. Got a problem with that?"
Now, let's talk numbers. The 2025 Prius Hybrid Nightshade starts at around $33,755 for the FWD version and goes up to $35,630 for the optional AWD model. The 2026 Prius PHEV Nightshade, meanwhile, comes in at a flat $38,990—there’s no all-wheel drive for the plug-in, so just the one price. That’s not exactly budget territory, but for the added electric range and bold styling, it could easily be justified as a lifestyle upgrade.
Imagine this: it’s a Saturday afternoon, and you're cruising down a winding road outside the city. Dappled sunlight flickers through the trees, bouncing off your Karashi Yellow Prius like liquid gold. The black wheels spin in silence, drawing just enough attention without begging for it. You pull into a small roadside café, and as you step out, someone actually asks what you’re driving. When was the last time that happened in a Prius?
And that’s the thing—Toyota is quietly but confidently reshaping how we think about hybrids. The Nightshade Edition doesn’t try to be a sports car or a luxury ride. It knows exactly what it is: a cooler, sharper, slightly rebellious version of one of the most sensible cars ever made. It’s the Prius for people who’ve grown up, but not all the way. The ones who want their gas mileage with a side of edge.
So if you're in the market for a new car, and you’ve been stuck between “something fun” and “something practical,” maybe you don’t have to choose. The Prius Nightshade Edition proves that you can care about the planet and look like you just walked off a movie set. Because in 2025, driving clean doesn’t mean you can’t look a little dirty.