DecodedCars2017 Toyota Prius Prime
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 96 hp
- Transmission
- e-CVT, CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 4–5
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 54 combined · 55 city / 53 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 54 MPG combined — 101% better than the average 2017 midsize car (26.9 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 96 hp, versus about 173 hp for similar 2017 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is a midsize car offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 54 MPG combined (55 city / 53 highway), 101% better than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,250 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2017 Prius Prime configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 55 / 53 / 54 | +101% | $1,250 | 78 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime.
Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Toyota Prius Prime (this car) | 54 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Toyota Prius Prime buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Visibility/Wiper — 9 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 7 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 4 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 6,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Prius Prime years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Prius Prime | 52 | – | ★★★★★ | 4 | 15 |
| 2023 Prius Prime | 52 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 6 |
| 2022 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 8 |
| 2021 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 10 |
| 2020 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2019 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2018 Prius Prime | 54 | – | Not rated | 0 | 16 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →