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Wagon · Hybrid

Toyota Prius v 2012–2017 (ZVW40)

Toyota Prius v
Photo: © M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · source
Price
$26,675–$30,935
MPG
41
  • Strength: Strong running costs
  • Strength: Strong value retention
  • Watch-out: Poor driving fun
  • Watch-out: Below-average tech
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How it scores for you10 scores
Wagon-sized cargo on famously durable hybrid running gear makes an appliance-grade case; glacial pace and a drab cabin are the price.
Reliability63

Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years; none of its 2 recalls were serious. About 12% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted +5 points for its wider reputation.

Safety50

No overall NHTSA crash rating yet, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.

Running costs83

About $1,600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 83% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility50

34.3 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 50% of other wagons we track.

Passenger space60

Tall roof gives excellent headroom and a flexible sliding rear bench.

Driving fun22

134 hp hauling wagon mass through a CVT; among the slowest vehicles on sale, tuned solely for economy.

Tech35

Basic screens and sparse driver aids; utilitarian even for its day.

Comfort50

Soft ride and upright seating; noise and thin trim keep it merely adequate.

Value retention70

SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.

Capability0

No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.

Safety & recalls4 recalls
Overallnot rated
Frontalnot rated
Sidenot rated
Rollover 4/5

4 recalls · 7 common complaint areas across 2015–2017

  • Brakes — 49 complaints (2015)
  • Recall — Hybrid propulsion: inverter (2017)
  • Visibility/wiper — 32 complaints (2016)

2017

  • RecallHybrid propulsion: inverter20V369000

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall wh

  • Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper17 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER

    Windshield cracked from bottom to top and across while sitting and there was no evidence of a rock or chip that would cause that. Air temp was about 95 degrees. No rain, no impact, car was sitting parked and not running.

  • Complaint clusterCruise control10 complaintscomplaints:VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

    On 10/16/23 I was turning slowly into a parking spot and my car suddenly accelerated without my pressing the accelerator. I slammed on the break and the car stopped. It was frightening because I could have hit someone or something but luckily the car stopped before that happened. I believe that this

  • Complaint clusterElectrical10 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    For the past year or so we have had issues with the vehicle not starting properly. If we leave the radio, wipers, heater, or air conditioner in the ON position when we shut the car off, or a window down a little on a hot day, a sensor triggers a Low Battery error code. We have had the battery chec

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other9 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    While driving the speed limit of 70mph on a major highway, the sunroof on my 2017 Toyota Prius exploded. There was no warning of any kind: no other traffic nearby so no rock or debris from another vehicle; no overpass or bridge so nothing from above; it was a mild sunny day of 76 degrees so not a

  • Complaint clusterBrakes9 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    On 9/14/22 I was almost a hundred miles from my home in Sherrill, NY on Rte 81 south, approaching the bridge in Binghamton, NY when I heard a loud ringing noise. At first I thought it was my phone; then I thought it was a police vehicle; then a construction noise. I finally faced the fact if was com

2016

  • RecallHybrid propulsion: inverter20V369000

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall wh

  • Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper32 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER

    Moments ago, I entered my 2016 Toyota Prius to find that my windshield had mysteriously cracked while parked over night. The crack was not present when I last drove the car last night. Based on some online research for windshield replacement cost, I've learned that Toyota was faced with a class acti

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other24 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Coolant is leaking. There were no indicator that coolant is low. Suddenly while trying to get on the freeway the car would not get up to speed regardless how much pressure was put on the pedals. On the way back home, all of a sudden the engine temperature light flashed on then off twice. The car op

  • Complaint clusterElectrical20 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Car was driving fine one day and then while driving down the interstate I had the Pre collision system malfunction error, Brake light came on, Cruise will not operate, ABS light is on. After much research it seems Prius V has a common issue with brake booster faulting.

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain14 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    During summer months when temperatures are above 100 degrees when accelerating from a complete stop I can hear the engine rev and the RPMs increase but the vehicle will move at 1-2 mph. Even if the accelerator is to the floor. After 3-4 seconds the tires will squeal and the vehicle will be jolted fo

  • Complaint clusterCruise control11 complaintscomplaints:VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

    On [XXX] at [XXX] I was backing out of a driveway when my 2016 Prius V5 accelerated on its own. When I applied the brakes, nothing happened. I hit a curb, which flattened the front passenger tire. In order to get the car to stop, I took it out of gear and put it in neutral. The car finally came to a

2015

  • RecallAirbags15V013000

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota Prius V vehicles manufactured November 7, 2013, to January 7, 2015. The occupant classification system (OCS) that activates or deactivates the passenger seat air bag system may be improperly calibrate

  • RecallHybrid propulsion: inverter20V369000

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall wh

  • Complaint clusterBrakes49 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    The brake booster assembly failed, as many of these models had before. A bunch of codes went off as I was driving and the brakes did not function properly. Toyota had an extended warranty for this which they discontinued last year and they would extend no good will towards the $4,000 repair

  • Complaint clusterElectrical17 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The headlight bulbs keep going out. I have replaced the bulbs at least 2-3 times a year for the past few years. I have asked dealers about this and they tell me there is no recall or tsb. This is a hazard to night driving because of decreased illumination, especially in dark roads with not enough li

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain16 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    My mom was involved in an accident in her 2015 Toyota Prius on April 19, 2022, which she advised lurched forward at a stop and when applying the brakes to stop the vehicle, she said was unresponsive, causing her to clip a vehicle and sending her vehicle into a ditch totaling her car and injuring her

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other14 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Brakes failing while driving in the rain. I was unable to use my brakes in the rain and headlights turned off while driving too. Took it to the dealer and they won't do anything unless lights are on on dashboard to read the code.

  • Complaint clusterExterior lighting6 complaintscomplaints:EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    My vehicle has an ongoing issue with the headlights not being bright enough to drive at night with. I have replaced the headlights more than 5 times now over the course of a year, each time with different brands including Toyota OEM headlights. Each time, they are still not sufficiently bright enoug

Cost to own$18,200 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$26,675–$30,935

Estimated used price, by model year

2017$11,700–$13,700
2016$10,100–$11,900
2015$8,700–$10,300

$1,600/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $26,675–$30,935
Efficiency41 MPG
Seats5
DrivetrainFWD
PowertrainHybrid

City MPG

43

Highway MPG

39

Combined MPG

41

Horsepower

134 hp

Doors

5

Length

181.9 in

Width

70.1 in

Height

62.2 in

Wheelbase

109.4 in

Curb weight

3,318 lb

Cargo volume

34.3 cu ft

Cargo (seats folded)

67.3 cu ft

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