While the Toyota Prius launched in the Japanese market in 1997, it wasn’t until 2000 that it was introduced to the U.S. as a 2001 model with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor.
Toyota sold a measly 15,000 units in year one in the U.S., but sales hit the 1 million benchmark by 2011. After all these years, Priuses are still popular.
The Japanese automaker’s first Prius models were hybrids, but it later produced plug-in hybrid models to expand the brand’s appeal.
Why Buy a Plug-in Hybrid?
If you’re not ready to go all out and buy an electric vehicle, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid might be more palatable. You can get some of the benefits of an electric motor with the added benefit of an internal combustion engine under the hood. It might be a step toward an EV down the road.
Carmakers Are Getting the Message
A Reuters report notes that U.S. carmakers are shifting more of their focus toward hybrids in response to slowing EV sales. Consumers aren’t as bullish on EVs as vehicle manufacturers had thought. While people buy EVs, they’re not doing so at a break-neck pace.
Toyota Has Been Making Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids for a Long Time
If you’re considering getting a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, why not go with a vehicle maker that has been doing both for a long time? Toyota knows the space and has a reputation for reliability.
Here are 13 benefits you’ll get from buying a used Toyota Prius if you don’t want an EV.
Fuel Efficiency
One reason to consider a used Toyota Prius is the fuel efficiency. You’ll save money at the pump since you won’t have to fill up as often.
According to Toyota of Anaheim, the 2024 Toyota Prius offers a driving range of 644 miles. For gas-only mileage, it gets 52 to 57 miles per gallon. The vehicle has a 2-liter hybrid 4-cylinder engine.
Hybrid Technology Pioneer
Toyota has been working with hybrid technology for decades and has the expertise and experience you want. Even after all that time, the company’s Prius vehicles are still popular among those looking for hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars. There’s something to be said for sticking with a company with a long track record of success.
Toyota Reliability
While the Toyota Prius brand is generally reliable, some model years are better than others. CoPilot for Car Shopping identifies 12 of the best years from a reliability perspective. If you want a used Prius, the best model years are from 2000 to 2004, 2013 to 2015, and 2017 to 2020.
Resale Value
According to CarEdge, Toyota Priuses retain their value quite well compared to competitors. It explains that a Prius typically loses 40% of its value after five years. While that sounds like a lot, it’s nonetheless better than the depreciation hit its competitors suffer.
Ample Cargo Space
The Toyota Prius punches above its weight when it comes to storage. Autoblog.com, for instance, performed a luggage test on the 2023 Toyota Prius. It says the Prius LE and the Prius XLE have 23.8 cubic feet and 20.3 cubic feet of room, respectively. That’s comparable to what you’d expect from a subcompact SUV. The hatchback configuration also adds to the ease of loading and unloading.
Advanced Safety Features
Used Toyota Prius vehicles also offer plenty of safety technology and features. For the 2024 Prius, you can get blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, an integrated backup camera, safe exit alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, proactive driving assist, and more.
All-Wheel Drive
While you can get a FWD Toyota Prius, you can also get one with AWD. So, a plug-in hybrid with AWD could make sense if you live in an area that gets snow or has challenging terrain.
City Driving
Do you want a fuel-efficient vehicle for city driving? A Prius will fit the bill. These compact, relatively quiet vehicles are designed to maximize fuel efficiency with an electric motor and internal combustion engine.
Longevity
If you’re like any other car owner, you’d like your vehicle to last a long time. According to one source, you can rack up 200,000 miles to 250,000 miles on the odometer of a Toyota Prius. It adds that some owners have crossed the 300,000-mile mark with their Priuses.
Affordable EV Alternative
Buying a used Toyota Prius in good condition can be a more cost-effective alternative than purchasing an EV. And if you go the hybrid route rather than the plug-in hybrid route, you won’t have to worry about installing an expensive EV charging station at home.
Quiet Cabin
Some people think buying an EV or high-end luxury vehicle is the only way to get a quiet cabin. You might be surprised at how quiet the cabin can be in a Toyota Prius. Its hybrid powertrain translates into reduced engine noise, and that’s all the more true when the vehicle switches to all-electric mode.
Strong Community Support
Prius owners are passionate about their hybrids and plug-in hybrids. You’ll find many online forums and resources to help maximize your ownership experience. Whether you join online communities dedicated to Prius owners or check for information without stopping to introduce yourself and say, “Hi,” you’ll see that Prius ownership has advantages.
Road Trip Friendly
Get a hybrid if you want to go on a road trip without worrying about range anxiety or charging station anxiety. You won’t have to worry about EV charging stations, and you will get great mileage due to the combined benefits of an efficient gas engine and an electric motor.
Prius Ownership Has Its Benefits
These are some reasons to consider buying a used Toyota Prius. You can see that ownership has its benefits. According to Hagerty, you can get a first-generation Prius in driveable condition for approximately $1,500. And getting one in showroom condition with a good battery wouldn’t take much more, setting you back around $2,500, adds Hagerty.
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