DecodedCars2017 Toyota Prius
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 5dr Liftback
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 76–96 hp
- Transmission
- CVT, e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 4–5
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 56 combined · 58 city / 53 hwy
- Length
- 178.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,064 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 56 MPG combined — 108% better than the average 2017 midsize car (26.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 96 hp, versus about 160 hp for similar 2017 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Toyota Prius is a midsize car offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,064 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 56 MPG combined (58 city / 53 highway), 108% better than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 91 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2017
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Prius →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 Prius 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 Liftback | 178.7 in | 69.3 in | 57.9 in | 106.3 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,064 lb | 60/40 |
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 Eco Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 58 / 53 / 56 | +108% | $1,200 | 158 |
| Prius Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 54 / 50 / 52 | +93% | $1,300 | 171 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Toyota Prius 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Toyota Prius (this car) | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Hyundai Elantra | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2017 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
Recalls (3)
Electrical System › Wiring · Sep 5, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V579000 · 192,347 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU), could contact the cover at this connection and wear, causing an electrical short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine wire harness assembly and replace it if damage is found. A protective sleeve or protective tape will be included to prevent any future damage. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0T.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · May 2, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V295000 · 409 vehicles
- Problem
- Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
- Risk
- A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
Parking Brake · Oct 14, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V741000 · 91,585 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2015, to October 3, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with a foot-operated parking brake system that has a parking brake cable that may disengage.
- Risk
- If the parking brake cable disengages from the mechanism and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while the ignition is on and the driver leaves the vehicle, the vehicle may roll unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a clip at the parking brake cable end to prevent the cable from disengaging, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G01.
Not every 2017 Toyota Prius is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Toyota Prius buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 17 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Service Brakes — 14 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 13 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 14,000 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 2017 Toyota Prius. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Prius years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Prius | 55 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 10 |
| 2025 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 18 |
| 2024 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 27 |
| 2023 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 21 |
| 2022 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 24 |
| 2021 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 6 |
| 2020 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 14 |
| 2019 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 30 |
| 2018 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 37 |
| 2016 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 155 |
| 2015 Prius | 50 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 171 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →