Depending on my next commute I’ve been considering the Prius and the Honda. The Prius is about $5k more than a comparable(?) Corolla. The Honda is about $4k more than a Civic LX. The Prius is still nicer than the Corolla, Honda is more likely to deal.
Toyota is doing a good job of keeping the cost down. I’m looking forward to the next generation where they claim to keep the cost the same (pending the sinking dollar?)