Used Toyota Prius for sale: everything you need to know
The Toyota Prius is the original hybrid, and for many people, still the best. The original debuted in Japan in 1997, though the UK got it just as the new millennium came about - and a fifth-generation model has just arrived in 2024. Here though we’re looking at the popular fourth-generation car, sold in the UK between 2015 and 2022.
The Prius has always had efficiency at its core, with everything from the hybrid drivetrain to an aerodynamic body contributing to high fuel economy. These later models are less compromised by this pursuit too, and the Prius has got more refined, better-equipped, more comfortable and simply better to drive over the years. Here’s what you need to know before buying a Prius.
Should you buy a Toyota Prius?
If you want a spacious family car that puts efficiency at its forefront, then there are still few choices better than the Toyota Prius. Other cars might offer better performance or more attractive styling - the fourth-gen Prius we’re looking at here is certainly an acquired taste - but for simply getting around as easily as possible, using as little fuel as possible, then the Prius is still a great choice.
These 2015-2022 models still drive better than their predecessors, feeling more natural to drive than ever, with a more comfortable ride and better handling. The interior is more comfortable too and a little more refined than some previous generations, yet attaining high mpg figures has never been so easy either - you can reach well over 50mpg without even thinking about it, and much higher numbers if you drive carefully.
Better still, while a hybrid system might sound complicated, the Prius has developed a reputation for being one of the most reliable cars you can buy, and it’s worth noting that while plug-in hybrids are common these days, the Prius is a regular hybrid, or what Toyota calls a ‘self-charging’ hybrid - so no plugging-in required.
Toyota itself offers several alternatives if you aren’t sold on the Prius’s looks, such as the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Toyota C-HR (both of which have more powerful 2-litre hybrid variants, with more performance), as well as the smaller Toyota Yaris Hybrid if you don’t need as much space. There’s also the Lexus CT 200h, effectively a more luxurious Prius from Toyota’s premium brand. Elsewhere, several other brands offer both regular and plug-in hybrids - the plug-in Volkswagen Golf GTE’s style and performance are both quite appealing.
What’s the best used Toyota Prius model to buy?
There’s only one engine choice, a 1.8-litre petrol with hybrid assistance, though to get the best from it you’ll actually want to look further down the Prius range, rather than further up it. That’s because Active and Business Edition models come as standard with 15-inch wheels, and their narrower tyres and low rolling resistance result in the best economy figures. Trade up to fancier models and you get a drop-off in mpg, though to be fair, only a small one - so if you don’t mind a couple of miles fewer to every gallon for more equipment, then go for it. We’d go Business Edition over Active though, for the useful head-up display and heated seats.
Used Toyota Prius fuel economy and performance
- Toyota Prius 1.8 VVT-i: A petrol 1.8-litre with electric assistance results in a 122PS combined output through a continuously variable automatic. 0-62mph comes up in 10.6 seconds, and Toyota claims up to 68.3mpg - at its best in Active and Business Edition models on the smaller 15-inch wheel option.
- Toyota Prius 1.8 VVT-i AWD-i: The hybrid layout is unchanged in all-wheel drive models, but there’s an extra electric motor at the rear axle for part-time all-wheel drive. Performance is similar while economy drops a little to 58.9mpg.
What used Toyota Prius trim levels are available?
- The Toyota Prius Active comes with LED lights, climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while its 15-inch alloy wheels also allow for the best economy of any Prius model.
- The Toyota Prius Business Edition includes a head-up display, heated seats, wireless smartphone charging, and the same 15-inch alloy wheels (and therefore economy) of the Active.
- The Toyota Prius Business Edition Plus steps up to 17-inch alloys that slightly affect fuel economy, but adds satellite navigation, and gets a tyre repair kit rather than the space-saver spare of lower trims.
- The Toyota Prius Excel tops the range with leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system and a fully-connected online infotainment system.
Used Toyota Prius dimensions and boot size
The Toyota Prius’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4,540mm
- Width: 1,760mm
- Height: 1,470mm
- Ground clearance: 123mm
The Toyota Prius’s boot space is:
- 457 litres with temporary spare wheel
- 502 litres with tyre repair kit
- 1,633 litres with rear seats folded
Used Toyota Prius road tax
The Prius is one of a handful of cars slightly hobbled by the revised tax system that came into play in April 2017. Models registered prior to this date, which means some fourth-generation cars as covered here, and most earlier generations, are free to tax, thanks to their CO2 emissions below 100g/km. After this date though, all cars are subject to a £180 annual bill - the same as you’d pay for any ‘alternative fuel’ vehicle under £40,000, and only £10 less than any other petrol or diesel vehicle.
How much is it to insure a Toyota Prius?
Prius insurance shouldn’t be too expensive, with the range starting at group 13 out of 50, and the more expensive models only going as far as group 14, undercutting a lot of family hatchbacks like the Vauxhall Astra or Toyota Corolla. That said, the recent trend of catalytic converter thefts from hybrids like the Prius might have affected premiums, so it’s worth getting a quote before you buy your car.
