Toyota started Prius hybrid since 1997, it has been 21 years of reputation for reliability and low maintenance cost!
Stop-start system on Toyota Prius hybrid or any other hybrid is a totally different system than ICE stop-start system like Mazda i-stop. Hybrid uses the big drive motor where the axial is attached to the engine crankshaft to start the engine. The reliability of frequent stop-start the engine is a non-issue due to the same axial used by both engine and motor、no additional moving parts、and much more powerful motor to start the engine!
Can’t compare these 2 systems.
The changes to the engine to deal with the frequent restarts such as special coatings on the crank etc is similar and mentioned in the edmunds article. Yes the way the engine is started is different. But so is a car without start stop. You’ll also hear start stop systems referee to as mild hybrid.