DecodedCars2016 Toyota Prius v
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Midsize Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 5dr 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
- 3,318 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 41 MPG combined — 56% better than the average 2016 midsize station wagon (26.3 MPG).
- 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 2016 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), 56% better than the 2016 midsize station wagon average of 26.3 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 16 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the vehicle speed control.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Prius v — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Prius v →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2016 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr Hatchback | 181.9 in | 70.1 in | 62.2 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,318 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 | +56% | $1,650 | 216 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota Prius V SW FWD | Not rated | Not rated | –★ / –★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 13.6% |
Recalls (1)
Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter · Jun 24, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V369000 · 266,638 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. 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
- An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.
Not every 2016 Toyota Prius v is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Toyota Prius v buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 4 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 27,500 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 2016 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 |
| 2015 Prius v | 41 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 24 |
| 2014 Prius v | 41 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 82 |
| 2013 Prius v | 41 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 115 |
| 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 →