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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Toyota Prius

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Overview

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2013 Toyota Prius Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.0

The world's first and most successful mass-produced hybrid car, the 2013 Toyota Prius hybrid is now a family of vehicles, a sub-brand consisting of the original hatchback Prius, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid built on the same body, the Prius V with its wagon-like extended roofline, and the smaller Prius C hatchback. All Prius models use versions of the same basic powertrain technology, a marriage of gasoline engine and electric motor Toyota calls "Hybrid Synergy Drive." Both power sources can drive the vehicle, and they normally do so in a fluid dance where either can take the lead or both can work together. With varying degrees of pure-electric range plus the gas engine and regenerative braking charging a battery pack, the overall result is exceptional energy efficiency.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want the best fuel economy in the hybrid field, the 2013 Toyota Prius is still king, with a 51/48 mpg rating for the standard car, 51/49 for the Plug-In, 53/46 for the Prius C and 44/40 for the Prius V.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you don't mind sacrificing a few mpg, and you'd like something more conventional, or more sporty, the Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan and Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe are certainly worth a look.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.0
Driving Dynamics

6.7
Comfort & Convenience

7.5
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.5
Value

7.5
Safety

9.9

How It Ranks

#1

out of 8

MPG

#7

out of 8

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.1 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

There are no styling, specification or equipment changes to the Prius for 2013, though a new trim package is added, the Persona Series Special Edition.

Driving the Prius

2013 Toyota Prius Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Due to the seamless transition between electric motor and gasoline engine, driving the 2013 Toyota Prius hybrid is a surprisingly drama-free event. The driver has a choice of performance options...

via the EV, Eco and Power buttons. In EV mode, the Prius functions solely on electric power, though speed and range are quite limited. The Power mode delivers the full potential of the gasoline engine boosted by the electric motor. The Eco mode selects throttle response for best efficiency, and will even shut down the air conditioning when at idle. The Plug-In Hybrid version operates almost exactly the same, though its electric-only range is lots longer, a rated 11 miles. Driving conservatively and taking full advantage of the regenerative braking can yield fuel consumption that tops the EPA ratings.

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 comfortable. Also, the air conditioning can be remotely started to pre-cool the cabin.

POWER BUTTON
Although the 2013 Toyota Prius hybrid is a lean, green, gas-saving machine, everyone can use a little more urge now and then. Putting the car into Power mode changes the Hybrid Synergy Drive program to get where you're going a bit faster.

2013 Toyota Prius Details

2013 Toyota Prius Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 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-colored plastic and fabric look a little dull. 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. Plant-derived (and recyclable) plastic resins are used for the seat cushions and lower door panels.

Exterior

There's no mistaking a Toyota Prius hybrid. The 5-door hatchback's familiar shape is not exactly head-turning, but it's clearly efficient and slippery. Even the car's wheel covers are aerodynamic. The roof's apex is pushed rearward, creating a slightly sporty appearance while simultaneously maximizing rear-seat headroom. Most models ride on 15-inch wheels, but the Prius Five has 17-inchers. 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 lights.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A 2013 Toyota Prius Two hybrid includes a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with air-conditioning controls and Touch Tracer Display, height-adjustable driver's seat, auto up/down on all windows, pushbutton start, two 12-volt power outlets, a 6.1-inch touch-screen audio display and Bluetooth. Trim levels Three through Five bring upgraded audio systems with Entune telematics, navigation, heated and power-adjustable driver's seat, 17-inch alloy wheels and energy-saving LED headlights and fog lights. The Plug-in Hybrid version comes as a base model with up-level features such as navigation, and as an Advanced version with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and a head-up display.

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 are offered in the Advanced Technology Package, which includes the Navigation Package. The optional power moonroof has solar-powered ventilation and remote-start 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, lower-profile tires, and a rear anti-roll bar.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Toyota Prius hybrid is powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine mated mechanically and electronically to a 60-kilowatt electric motor, all working with a continuously variable transmission and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Total hybrid system horsepower is 134. The Plug-in Hybrid model uses a higher-capacity lithium-ion battery that can be charged from any outlet for up to 11 miles of pure-electric operation. The Prius' EPA city/highway fuel economy rating is 51/48.Learn to manage the system, utilizing regenerative braking and the low-speed full EV mode whenever possible, and you can push actual mileage even higher. The Plug-in Hybrid has a rating of 51/49 for standard hybrid operation, and 95 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) by the EPA's plug-in-hybrid formula.

1.8-liter inline-4 Atkinson Cycle
98 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
105 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
60-kilowatt Permanent Magnetic Synchronous Electric Motor
80 horsepower
153 ft-lb of torque
Net output: 134 horsepower
EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy: 51/48 mpg (hybrid); 51/49 mpg, 95 MPGe (Plug-in Hybrid)

Pricing Notes

The base 2013 Toyota Prius Two (One is a thinly equipped model for fleet purchases only) has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $24,960. Each successive trim adds a couple thousand dollars, with the Prius Five coming in just under $31,000. The new-this-year Persona Series Special Edition with its tasteful dark trim costs $27,890. Depending on trim level, an Advanced Technology and Navigation package, Plus Performance package and Plus Appearance package can be specified; a fully loaded Prius Five can top $40,000. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes in base form for $32,760 or Advanced for $40,285, with only minor accessories to add on top of that. To find out what the Prius is selling for in your area, check out KBB's Fair Purchase Price. The Prius has historically retained above-average resale value and we expect the 2013 to do the same.

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2013 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."

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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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