DecodedCars2013 Toyota Prius v
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Midsize Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 96 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 41 combined · 43 city / 39 hwy
- Length
- 181.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,274 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 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.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 41 MPG combined (43 city / 39 highway), for an estimated $1,650 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Prius v — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Prius v →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi · Kariya, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2013 Prius v configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback | 181.9 in | 70.1 in | 62.2 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,274 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius v Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 43 / 39 / 41 | – | $1,650 | 216 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Toyota Prius v.
Similar 2013 midsize station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Toyota Prius v (this car) | 41 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Toyota Matrix | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Hybrid Propulsion System · Oct 4, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V684000 · 807,329 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
- Risk
- If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.
Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter · Jul 15, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V449000 · 108,624 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Prius V vehicles manufactured August 22, 2011, to June 30, 2014. A component within the hybrid inverter assembly may overheat, causing the hybrid system to reduce output power allowing the vehicle to only drive a short distance. In some circumstances, the hybrid system may shut down causing the vehicle to stop while being driven.
- Risk
- The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unti (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Not every 2013 Toyota Prius v is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Toyota Prius v buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 61 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 14 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 77,000 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 2013 Toyota Prius v. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Prius v years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Prius v | 41 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2016 Prius v | 41 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2015 Prius v | 41 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 24 |
| 2014 Prius v | 41 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 82 |
| 2012 Prius v | 41 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 183 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →