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2012 Toyota Prius

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Overview

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2012 Toyota Prius Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.1

The world's first and most successful mass-produced hybrid car, the 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid continues to expand its dominance with two new models joining the growing Prius family. The wagon-like Prius V stretches the current hatchback's dimensions by adding a larger cargo area and higher seating, while the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is ready to take on the Chevrolet Volt. But, the most popular and best-selling model remains the 3rd Gen Toyota Prius hybrid hatchback. The 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid may not make the cover of the hot-rod magazines, and it probably won't be on the wish list of every newly licensed teen-age boy. But, for the vast majority of folks who simply need a high-mileage mode of transport that is also very eco-friendly, very reliable and very much in demand, the 2012 Prius hybrid in all its forms is the hybrid of choice.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for the best fuel economy in the hybrid field, the 2012 Toyota Prius' 51/48 mpg rating is still king. As some states also allow hybrid cars to waive the 2-person-per-car minimum to drive in the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, the 2012 Toyota Prius might actually be able to speed up your commute times. With the Plug-in Hybrid version, you could theoretically stop using gasoline altogether if your commutes are relatively short.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a more conventional or even sporty design, and don't mind sacrificing a few mpg, the Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedan or sporty Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe is certainly worth a look, as are the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima hybrid sedans. Those seeking to save some money should look at the less expensive Honda Insight hybrid.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.1
Driving Dynamics

6.8
Comfort & Convenience

7.6
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.6
Value

7.6
Safety

10.0

How It Ranks

#2

out of 15

MPG

#12

out of 15

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.1 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid gains some new styling, with a revised front end, new headlight and taillight designs and new 15-inch wheel covers on the Prius 2. A host of new audio systems is added, including Toyota's Entune. Entune is a subscription infotainment service similar to Ford's SYNC that uses voice-recognition software for many of its functions, and includes apps for Bing, Pandora and Movietickets.com.

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid uses a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged in 3 hours via a standard power outlet or half that time on a 240-volt line. The car can travel in electric-only mode for 11 miles and at speeds up to 62 mph, then works as a regular Prius hybrid after the battery discharges.

Driving the Prius

2012 Toyota Prius Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Due to the seamless transition between electric motor and gasoline engine, driving the 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid is a surprisingly serene event. The driver is given a range of performance...

options via the EV, Eco, and Power buttons, which allow for variations in throttle application and fuel consumption. In EV mode, the 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid functions solely on electric power (speed and miles permitting), while the Power mode setting delivers the full potential of the gasoline engine assisted by the electric motor. The Eco mode setting is probably the most useful of the three, allowing the Prius' computer to modify the throttle response for the best balance of fuel consumption and performance. The Eco mode is so efficient, it will even shut down the air conditioning when at idle. During our time with the 2012 Toyota Prius, we played with all three settings and to our surprise, found our fuel mileage easily topped EPA estimates no matter what mode we were in.

Favorite Features

Solar Roof Package
Thanks to the solar cells mounted on top, the Solar Roof Package nets you a power moonroof that self-ventilates to help keep the car at a constant temperature. Additionally, a button on the key fob allows the air conditioning to be remotely started for up to three minutes, providing the batteries are fully charged.

Power Button
Although the 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid is a lean, green, gas-saving machine, sometimes a little more power is warranted. For those situations, putting the car into Power mode gives you extra oomph to get where you need to go.

2012 Toyota Prius Details

2012 Toyota Prius Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid hatchback features an interior as modern and different as its exterior. The contoured dash looks particularly handsome with its 2-tone panels, although on base models the gray plastic and fabric choice are a bit depressing. The Prius' steering wheel incorporates a wheel-like control that operates the Touch Tracer Display controlling a number of fuel-usage and hybrid-operation displays on the Prius' LCD information screen. The touch-sensitive switches can also be employed to control the Prius' A/C, information screens, volume and station settings. With all this data displayed directly ahead of the driver, he can keep his eyes on the road ahead while operating various functions. In a nod to champions of recycling, the 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid features plant-derived (and therefore recyclable) plastic resins for the seat cushions and lower door panels.

Exterior

Despite the new design and continued freshening, the 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid, for better or for worse, is still easily identifiable as a Toyota Prius hybrid. The 5-door hatchback's familiar shape is not exactly head-turning, but it is not unattractive by any means. The Prius' sheet metal is designed to cheat the wind, with sharp-edged creases and flush glass panels. Even the car's wheel covers are aerodynamic. The roof's apex is pushed as far rearward as possible, creating a slightly sporty appearance while simultaneously maximizing rear-seat headroom. Base models ride on 15-inch wheels, but moving to the Prius Five brings 17-inch wheels as well as the option for the new dealer-installed Plus Performance accessory package. Plug-in Prius models feature a port on the right side where the charging cable goes, while the left side has a traditional gas cap. Plug-in models also have a distinct grille, wheels, door handles, and headlights and tail lights.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A nicely equipped 2012 Toyota Prius One hybrid includes a wide variety of standard features, including a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with air-conditioning controls and Touch Tracer Display, height-adjustable driver's seat, auto up/down on all windows, push-button start, two 12-volt power outlets, a tonneau cover, and auxiliary input jack. The Prius Two adds a 6.1-inch touch-screen audio display, a USB port, Bluetooth, LED daytime running lights (DRL), keyless entry, MP3 compatible CD player and a rear-window wiper. Moving up to the Prius Three adds the 3-door Smart Key entry system, navigation, rearview camera, Entune infotainment with free 3-year subscription, an upgraded JBL AM/FM/CD changer with satellite radio, Bluetooth and eight speakers, while the Prius Four trim is enhanced with the JBL audio plus eight "Green Edge" high-efficiency JBL speakers and 8-channel amplifier, a leather interior, heated front seats with driver's lumbar support, an 8-way power driver's seat, auto on/off headlights and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The top-of-the-line Prius Five adds 17-inch alloy wheels and energy-saving LED headlights and foglights. The Plug-in Hybrid version of the Prius comes two ways: a base model that incorporates features of higher-trim Prius hybrid models such as a nav system, and an Advanced version that ups the ante with features like Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, premium navigation, head-up display, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Optional Equipment

Several advanced safety systems are available for the top-of-the-line Prius Five, including Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, head-up display, the Pre-Collision System, Lane Keep Assist and Intelligent Parking Assist; all offered in the Advanced Technology Package – which includes the Navigation Package. Techno-savvy Prius shoppers will likely be interested in the optional power moonroof with solar-powered ventilation and remote air conditioning to help keep the vehicle cool. The dealer-installed Plus Performance accessory package adds a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs, ground effects, 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels, low-rolling-resistance, low-profile tires and a tuned rear sway bar.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid are powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine matched with an electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. It is rated at 98 horsepower. The total hybrid system horsepower (gasoline engine and electric motor combined) for 2012 is 134 horsepower. The 2012 Prius' fuel economy ratings of 51 city/48 highway can be pushed even higher when utilizing the full EV mode. Fuel economy ratings for the Plug-in Hybrid are 95 mpge (miles per gallon equivalent) and 50 mpg in standard hybrid mode.

1.8-liter in-line 4 with 60-kilowatt Permanent Magnetic Synchronous Electric Motor Atkinson Cycle Hybrid
98 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm (gasoline engine) + 80 horsepower (electric motor) = 134 net horsepower
105 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm (gasoline engine); 153 ft-lb of torque (electric motor)
EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy: 51/48 (hybrid); 95 mpge/50 mpg (Plug-in Hybrid)

Pricing Notes

The base 2012 Toyota Prius One hybrid has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting in the low $20,000 range. Each trim adds slightly to that price, with the Prius Five ringing in around $30,000. Adding the Advanced Technology and Navigation packages will up the total to nearly $35,000. Prius Plug-in Hybrid models, which are still limited in their availability, start around $33,000 for a base model and about $40,000 for the Advanced trim. To find out what the Prius is being sold for in your area, be sure to check our Fair Purchase Price to see what others have paid. The compact Honda Insight ranges from around $19,000–$24,000, while the mid-size Fusion Hybrid is in the $30,000 to $34,000 range, and Toyota's own Camry Hybrid stickers in from $27,000 to $33,000. The Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle starts around $40,000. The Prius has historically retained an above-average resale value regardless of fluctuating gasoline prices, and we expect the 2012 to be no exception.

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2012 Toyota Prius Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 234 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.0/10

Great car! ...but not for everyone.

By Ibaqt (TN) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "mileage, reliability, smooth, lots of room"

Cons: ""cheap" interior and the seats"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Purchased my 2011 Prius II brand new. I spent over a year researching, reading reviews, and pestering the sales men with test drives in cars such as the Jetta TDI, CR-Z, Civic hybrid, and Accord. My main criteria, in order, were: gas milage, reliability and quality, roominess, and visibility. Over the last 40,000 miles my Prius has proved itself time and time again and I'm thrilled with it! Smooth ride, quiet (love sneaking up on people in electric mode), excellent brakes that have saved me from an accident several times, and no maintenance except oil changes every 5k miles. My gas milage in eco mode during winter months is about 47-50mpg. Summer brings milage around 55-64mpg. My commute is mostly back roads and some highway. I am not a lead foot and don't mind taking a few extra minutes to get somewhere. That being said, the Prius does have get up and go when switched to power mode and you step on the gas! I was surprised to learn that the Prius 0-60 acceleration was only about a second behind the Jetta TDI! We've made several long distance trips, cruise control set at 72mph usually results in about 52mpg. The lowest I've gotten was over 900 miles going 85-90mph, we averaged about 40mpg. That's great when you think about it, but I was horrified! ;) I've never had any electric or engine troubles. Everything is holding together well, even though we live up a 1/2 mile gravel driveway that gets pretty rough. There is a slight rattle coming from the little shelf thing in the center console, but that can be easily fixed with a small piece of felt. One of my main complaints is the interior plastics which scratch easily. I have the tan interior which doesn't show scratches as much as the grays. The button and knob quality is fine, the issue is with door panels and dash. Another issue is the seat shape. While they're not exactly uncomfortable, a few small changes could make a world of difference. When comparing the Prius to the other cars I mentioned, I found that unless you're paying close to $30k, the interiors aren't going to give the expensive feel. Also, when it comes to visibility, from my experience, most new sedans do not have great visibility. I would definitely recommend a Prius to anyone looking for a reliable and fuel efficient car."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great MPG

By J.R. (SC) on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "MPG, quiet"

Cons: "No power seat"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have 7000 miles on it and I average 53.6 MPG. This is my second Prius and you can't beat the MPG. I wish it had a 6 way power drivers seat."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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My first Toyota

By Ali (MI) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Mileage, App connectivity, Customizability"

Cons: "Seems to get on peoples nerves! Jealosy?!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my first Toyota ever. a 2013 Persona Prius I am a previous owner of a Jeep 2010. Served me well for 3 years but, you know, 19 MPG isn't exactly good. I bought this car for 1. Mileage, I drive 140 miles twice weekly commute. and believe or not 2. Design, this might sound weird but I used my friends 2012 Prius and liked the inside and outside. I have owned this car for over 1 month and a half and put 5000 miles on it, I feel like I'm ready to give my opinion. 1. Value: one of the highest values in the market, for a car that cost less than 30000, gets 50 miles per gallon (yes it does), has one of the best resale values in the industry, has the renowned Toyota reliability (Google "a Prius hits one million miles") this is outstanding. 2.Driving Dynamics: Call me a geek, but I am enjoying the Hybrid Dynamics in general, and the idea of harnessing energy while breaking (regenerative breaking) in particular. I have no idea why there are still cars being manufactured that do not regenerate all that energy when breaking. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed driving my Jeep as much as the next owner but, I AM enjoying driving my Prius as much. 3. Design, interior and exterior: I like the design inside and out. I actually like it a lot. Granted, I have the 17 inch alloy wheels, Lower door moldings, Illuminated door sims, Leather seats which do make a difference in how the car looks and gives a good feel and impression to the driver. 4. Quality/Reliability: Toyota is renowned for making quality cars. Their reliability is the best in the market. The quality is amazing too. You get standard top safety features, bluetooth connectivity, remote keyless entry, multi information display, top fuel economy. In addition, the Persona I own has more Standard features such as Navigation, Leather, rear backing camera, 17 inch Alloy wheels. 5. Comfort and convenience: This car is very comfortable, I am a fan of the layout of the dashboard and center console. Leather seating also make for more comfort/quality feel. It is one of the most convenient cars too, with the multi information display that gives you A-Z information. I also am enjoying the app connectivity. This is a Smart Car. You get apps and all. It's also future proof. You can Update the apps as they evolve. It also has great back seat and trunk space. Summary, this car is great on so many levels no wonder it's getting this Persona of it's own. Whenever you think Hybrid you think Prius, even though a dozen or more manufacturers are making Hybrids of all kink. But for Toyota to have this car on the road since the 1990's and to hit 5 million in sales recently this is a huge accomplishment and a testimony to this car greatness. Happy new Toyota Owner"

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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BEST CAR EVER!

By Sussey Q (TX) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 64,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "$30 fill up and LOTS of room for the size!"

Cons: "It won't fit five kids. ;)"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my SECOND Prius to own, my sister owns one and my mom is on her second prius as well. The only issue we have had is after about at 140,000 miles on my sister's car and 200,000 on my car the battery went out and that's about $4000. By then the car wasn't worth that so I just got a new one. Also one of the AC components went out in my mom's first one(which is why she sold it to me!) but, it only cost about $750 for my husband to order the part and replace it himself. It has about as much room as my sister's Tahoe, and is a great well thought out car. To top it off, it costs me $30 to fill up. This couldn't be a better car and i am so so sad that I have to sell mine since I got pregnant and we won't all fit in my prius now. :( If they made a Prius with third row seating I would be all over it. Haha"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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The Best Car I ever owned. The Prius III 2010

By BigDad (NJ) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Well built Car with Great Mileage"

Cons: "Lack of Lumbar seat, Full time Traction Control"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Plenty of power, Great Gas milage if your driving habits are good that is. The few complaints I have 1)The drivers seat lacks a Lumbar support. To get one, you have to spend a lot more money (up to $4200.00) and comes with leather seats and a lot more of things you may not want. 2) No Tachometer, 3) Cannot take front wheels out of Traction control which will get you stuck in the snow"

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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