Toyota Prius

Name: 2012 Toyota Prius
Brand: Toyota

EPA MPG: 48 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 48 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The regular Toyota Prius is the most efficient car you can buy that doesn't have to be plugged into an electrical outlet. It gets an impressive 44 mpg overall in our testing--with plenty of room for five, a big flexible hatchback, a comfortable ride, and very secure handling. If there's a knock on the Prius, it isn't engaging to drive, feels underpowered and is loud when you ask for max power.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Toyota Prius

vs. Similar Cars

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Chevrolet Volt

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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2012 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2012 Toyota Prius

$7,450 - $7,975

EPA MPG 48 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Cruze

$4,050 - $4,650

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Sonic

$3,100 - $4,050

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Volt

$3,625

EPA MPG 37 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Dodge Caliber

$3,700 - $4,125

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Fiesta

$2,850 - $3,550

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda CR-Z

$5,250 - $6,050

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Civic

$3,325 - $8,525

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 44 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Fit

$6,175 - $7,700

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Insight

$4,875 - $5,575

EPA MPG 41 mpg

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2012 Hyundai Accent

$3,775 - $4,300

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2012 Hyundai Elantra

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EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2012 Kia Forte

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EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2012 Kia Rio

$3,425 - $4,175

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2012 Kia Soul

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EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Mazda 2

$4,325 - $4,750

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Mazda 3

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EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2012 Nissan Cube

$3,350 - $4,500

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Nissan Sentra

$3,500 - $4,025

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Nissan Versa

$3,400 - $4,325

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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2012 Scion iQ

$5,825

EPA MPG 36 mpg

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2012 Scion tC

$6,025 - $6,250

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Scion xB

$6,375 - $6,925

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Scion xD

$5,825 - $6,175

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Smart ForTwo

$3,550 - $3,775

EPA MPG 36 mpg

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2012 Subaru Impreza

$4,800 - $11,650

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2012 Suzuki SX4

$2,725 - $3,400

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Toyota Corolla

$6,675 - $7,300

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Toyota Matrix

$6,450 - $7,050

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2012 Toyota Prius C

$6,550

EPA MPG 50 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Prius V

$7,525

EPA MPG 42 mpg

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2012 Toyota Yaris

$4,925 - $6,450

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2012 Volkswagen Beetle

$4,450 - $6,125

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Volkswagen Golf

$4,875 - $10,200

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.8-liter 4 electric (134 hp)
1.8-liter 4 hybrid (134 hp)

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2023-Present

Current Generation

Toyota’s complete redesign of the Prius gave it a sleeker look, more power, and incremental improvements in fuel economy. We measured 51 mpg with the AWD XLE version we tested. Front-drive versions are even more sparing with fuel. Although it delivers quicker acceleration than in the previous Prius, the engine is noisy when it kicks in. The car can propel itself on electric power alone at low speeds, light throttle situations up to about 25 mph. A plug-in hybrid is also available. Handling is tighter, making the car fairly nimble and the ride is firm yet steady. The low stance, curvy roof, and raked windshield compromise access and visibility. AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW come standard. Adaptive cruise control and lane centering assist are also standard on all trims.

2016-2022

2016 Redesign Year

While the previous generation Prius was an evolution of the second-generation car it replaced, the fourth-generation Prius was a revolution. The biggest advance was an incredible 52 mpg overall, brought by a new, larger, and more efficient engine. Styling became much more controversial; its practical effect was that the Prius sits lower than before, sacrificing some access, visibility, and rear seat space. Still, this small hatchback can provide the family-hauling space of most mid-sized sedans. Handling is more sure-footed and interior noise has been reduced. The interior doesn't feel as cheap as before, although some odd touches still remain, including some unconventional controls. 2017 brought standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. All-wheel drive was offered for 2019. Updates for 2020 include standard Apple CarPlay—but still no Android Auto. For the model year 2021, the Toyota Safety Sense system was upgraded to TSS2.0. This suite of safety equipment includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with low-light pedestrian and daytime bicyclist detection, lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance, automatic high beams and road sign assist. A version of lane keeping assistance (lane tracing assist) helps to keep the car in the center of the lane while the adaptive cruise control is being used. Adaptive cruise control is standard with the stop and go function. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are standard on all trims, except the LE Eco. Toyota’s rear seat reminder is now standard on all trim lines for 2022.

2010-2015

2010 Redesign Year

The 2010 redesign preserved all of the Prius virtues, while improving the driving position, making stability control standard, and adding a larger engine. Although acceleration and the 44 mpg overall fuel economy remained the same, the car offered better crash protection and more available amenities. Typically, the car propels itself on electric power up to about 25 mph, and then the engine starts to provide motivation, as well as recharging the battery. Brake pedal feel is a bit touchy, but easy to get used to. The ride is firm and handling a bit reluctant. Still, the hatchback configuration, upright stance and roomy rear seat make the Prius one of the most sensible choices out there. Throw in bulletproof reliability and low running costs and you have an ideal transportation solution. Just be aware the car is mundane to drive, loud on rough pavement, buzzy when accelerating hard and the interior is rather cheap in look and feel. Don't bother with the plug-in version; it's more expensive and thanks to a very short battery-only range, brings little advantage over the regular Prius.

2004-2009

2004 Redesign Year

The Prius is an ideal transportation solution for anyone purely interested in low running costs and practicality. It gets 44 mpg overall and doesn't need to be plugged in. This four-door hatchback automatically switches between its electric motor and gasoline engine, or uses both, as needed. It can also drive at low speeds on electric power alone. The ride is firm, but compliant enough, although road noise and engine drone are noticeable. Handling is secure, but the car does not have a sporty nature. Some controls are complicated and the interior feels basic. High-end versions came with leather seats, which spruced up the interior a bit. If budget permits, focus on a 2007 or later Prius since it had standard side curtain airbags, an available rear view camera, and Bluetooth connectivity.

2001-2003

2001 Redesign Year

The first generation Prius hybrid was a quirky small sedan that gets 41 mpg. It uses electric power to augment its engine and switches unobtrusively between the two. The sedan can also propel itself on electric power alone at low speeds. This version of the Prius is slow and not particularly agile, but it rides reasonably. Odd-looking instruments and a column mounted gear selector make the car seem like a science experiment from the past. The cabin is narrow. Buying a Prius as a used car is a wise choice, but we suggest you opt for a 2004 or later build. The hatchback configuration makes it much more practical, it gets 44 mpg overall and has a peerless track record.