The Toyota Prius is the go-to vehicle for those demanding good fuel economy and an eye on a greener planet. The Prius hybrid answers the call, tossing in an affordable price tag, an extended warranty for its hybrid battery (a significant area of concern when buying a used hybrid), and genuine Toyota quality. While the most popular Prius remains the hybrid, other variations exist, such as the plug-in hybrid Prius Prime, the smaller Prius C, and a wagon version dubbed the Prius V.
Toyota Prius Generations
- Toyota Prius 5th Generation
- Toyota Prius 4th Generation
- Toyota Prius 3rd Generation
- Toyota Prius 2nd Generation
- Toyota Prius 1st Generation
Toyota Prius (5th Generation: 2023 - Current)
Key Improvements: If there is ever a case of turning a sow's ear into a silk purse, the fifth-generation Prius is it. Whereas the fourth-generation Prius took the first steps in banishing the Prius' unremarkable appearance, the current version sprints to the hot hatch finish line in record time. That sprint is made easier thanks to a big jump in horsepower, up to 194 from the previous generation's 121. Yet, even with more power, the current Prius retains its EPA combined fuel economy rating of 57 mpg. The all-wheel-drive models gain two more horsepower but lose three mpg in the combined ratings.
The fifth-generation’s improvements aren’t just skin dep. Inside the cabin, Toyota moves the speedometer and vital instrument readouts directly in front of the driver. The sharply sloping roofline means rear seat passengers lose some headroom, but the interior remains a vast improvement over the previous version. The infotainment touchscreen is larger, up to 12.3 inches on XLE and Limited trims, and houses wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Toyota Connect services. Additional features new to the Prius include a power liftgate, an upgraded JBL audio system, and a Digital Key that turns your phone into a key.
Toyota Prius (4th Generation: 2016 - 2022)
Key Improvements: The fourth-generation Prius bests its predecessor with better styling, an improved suspension system, and higher-quality cabin materials. The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid model gets a larger battery pack and 25 miles of electric-only range. Compared to the third-generation Prius, the fourth-generation car provides more standard safety equipment, such as a rear backup camera and broader availability of the Toyota Safety Sense driver assist suite. Fuel economy figures of 52 and 56 mpg combined beat the previous generations' figures by about 5 to 10 mpg.
Model Updates: For 2017, the Safety Sense package becomes standard, bringing forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. The 2019 Prius Four trim gains an 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the car gets a mild refresh and new trim name structure in line with Toyota's other models. Part-time AWD is offered for the first time. The 2020 Prius gains standard Apple CarPlay, while the 2021 car gains Android Auto on all but the Limited trim. Toyota Safety Sense adds bicycle detection to the collision avoidance system and traffic sign recognition.
Toyota Prius (3rd Generation: 2010 - 2015)
Key Improvements: The third-generation Prius improves on the second-generation car while retaining its basic silhouette. A more powerful engine delivers better fuel economy. Improvements to the cabin include lighter fabric colors, upgraded audio systems, and steering-wheel-mounted touch-sensitive buttons for audio and climate controls. New features include an available Solar Roof self-ventilating power moonroof, forward collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. A Power Button lets the driver choose between three modes. EV mode allows low-speed electric-only power for short distances, while Eco mode delivers maximum fuel economy. The Power mode setting adds an extra boost when needed. The compact Prius C and larger Prius V wagon join the roster during this period.
Model Updates: Toyota adds a low-cost Prius I for 2011. For 2012, a plug-in hybrid arrives with an 11-mile electric-only range. Also new for 2012 is Toyota's Entune infotainment services.
Toyota Prius (2nd Generation: 2004 - 2009)
The second-generation Prius is the genesis for the car we know today, growing larger and transforming from a 4-door sedan to an aerodynamic 5-door hatchback. The rear seat is noticeably larger, and the cabin is more modern, moving the transmission selector from the column to the dash. There's more power from the hybrid engine, along with better fuel economy.
Toyota Prius (1st Generation: 2000 - 2003)
The first Prius helped blaze a path to a hybrid future. Finding a low-mileage version in good condition won't be easy, but it's not impossible. Just be aware that the hybrid battery pack is long past its life expectancy, and replacing it can cost between $1,500 and $2,000, and that's not counting labor.
Used Toyota Prius Prices by Generation
- Toyota Prius 5th Generation - $33,314 Average price
- Toyota Prius 4th Generation - $21,161 Average price
- Toyota Prius 3rd Generation - $11,181 Average price
- Toyota Prius 2nd Generation - $7,342 Average price
- Toyota Prius 1st Generation - $5,246 Average price
Used Toyota Prius Prices by Year
- 2024 Toyota Prius - $36,992 Average Price
- 2023 Toyota Prius - $32,443 Average Price
- 2022 Toyota Prius - $23,701 Average Price
- 2021 Toyota Prius - $23,705 Average Price
- 2020 Toyota Prius - $23,238 Average Price
- 2019 Toyota Prius - $21,560 Average Price
- 2018 Toyota Prius - $20,643 Average Price
- 2017 Toyota Prius - $18,220 Average Price
- 2016 Toyota Prius - $17,475 Average Price
- 2015 Toyota Prius - $14,034 Average Price
- 2014 Toyota Prius - $12,257 Average Price
- 2013 Toyota Prius - $11,453 Average Price
- 2012 Toyota Prius - $10,508 Average Price
- 2011 Toyota Prius - $9,770 Average Price
- 2010 Toyota Prius - $9,088 Average Price
- 2009 Toyota Prius - $7,886 Average Price
- 2008 Toyota Prius - $8,124 Average Price
- 2007 Toyota Prius - $6,666 Average Price
- 2006 Toyota Prius - $7,234 Average Price
- 2005 Toyota Prius - $6,152 Average Price
- 2004 Toyota Prius - $5,209 Average Price
- 2003 Toyota Prius - $5,008 Average Price
- 2002 Toyota Prius - $6,200 Average Price
- 2001 Toyota Prius - No Inventory
