DecodedCarsToyota Prius v
6 model years from 2012 to 2017, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2012–2017
- Class
- Midsize Station Wagons
- Latest engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Best MPG
- 41–41 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2012 (183)
- Fewest problems
- 2017
- Interest
- 3,921 Wikipedia views / 30 days
The 2017 Prius v in brief
The 2017 Toyota Prius v is a midsize station wagon offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,318 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 41 MPG combined (43 city / 39 highway), 54% better than the 2017 midsize station wagon average of 26.7 MPG, for an estimated $1,650 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
The Toyota Prius v has 6 model years in our data, from 2012 to 2017.
Its most efficient year was 2017 at 41 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 41 to 41 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the service brakes (221), engine (63), electrical system (54).
Buying used? 2017 has the fewest problems in our data.
2014 has the most recalls (4); all years together count 5 campaigns and 432 owner complaints.
How the 2012 Prius v compares
The 2012 Toyota Prius v is a midsize station wagon offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,274 lb.
About the Toyota Prius v
The Toyota Prius v, also named Prius α in Japan, and Prius+ in Europe and Singapore, is a hybrid petrol-electric automobile produced by Toyota introduced in Japan in May 2011, in the U.S. in October 2011, and released in Europe in June 2012. The Prius v was unveiled at the January 2011 North American International Auto Show alongside the Prius c Concept, and it is the first Prius variant to be spun off from the Prius platform. According to Toyota the "v" stands for "versatility". It is a compact MPV with a standard full hybrid drivetrain.
From the Wikipedia article "Toyota Prius V", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2017 Prius v pros & cons
Full 2017 details →What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 41 MPG combined — 54% better than the average 2017 midsize station wagon (26.7 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Best and worst years to buy used
2017 Prius v
12 owner complaints · 1 recall · 3 crash reports
None of the 3 model years we compared stands out for complaints or recalls.
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 3 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Show all 6 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1.8L 4-cyl | 41 MPG | 181.9 in | 3,318 lb | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2016 | 1.8L 4-cyl | 41 MPG | 181.9 in | 3,318 lb | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2015 | 1.8L 4-cyl | 41 MPG | 181.9 in | 3,318 lb | Not rated | 2 | 24 |
| 2014 | 1.8L 4-cyl | 41 MPG | 181.9 in | 3,274 lb | Not rated | 4 | 82 |
| 2013 | 1.8L 4-cyl | 41 MPG | 181.9 in | 3,274 lb | Not rated | 2 | 115 |
| 2012 | 1.8L 4-cyl | 41 MPG | 181.9 in | 3,274 lb | Not rated | 3 | 183 |
Alternatives to the 2012 Prius v
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Dodge Caliber | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Toyota Matrix | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Kia Rondo | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →