The 2019 Toyota Prius lasts around 300,000 miles with some relatively minor window regulator and auto-park system issues reported. At $20,850 to $31,998, it’s a great value for a small car with extremely low fuel costs as it ages.
Is the 2019 Toyota Prius a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2019 is a great year for the Toyota Prius since it is an extremely practical car with low fuel costs. Owner reviews praise the advanced safety technology, excellent reliability, and the practical cargo space.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are improved from earlier models, the seats are supportive on longer drives, cargo space is also excellent with the hatchback.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no major problems reported on the 2019 Prius. In general, models from 2012–2022 are all considered to be extremely reliable small cars.
- Performance 5/10 – Performance is poor form the hybrid powertrain which is built to be extremely efficient rather than powerful.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2019 Prius is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, along with cameras. Optional upgrades include adaptive headlights and park assistance systems.
- Gas Mileage 10/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 52 MPG, giving 587 miles of range from the 11.3 gallon tank. Gas costs are $107 cheaper than average, at $97 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2019 Toyota Prius is similar in price to some other hybrid cars, with very low depreciation rates, making it a great value as it ages.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Prius?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 Toyota Prius offers outstanding efficiency paired with hatchback versatility while getting high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Prius at 4.6/5, enjoying the extremely quiet cabin at highway speeds, but doesn’t like the clunky Toyota Entune apps.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Prius a 4.5/5, praising the spacious interior for a small car, but owners don’t like the poor acceleration from the hybrid engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 Toyota Prius Have?
Common problems reported on the 2019 Toyota Prius include worn-out window regulators, issues with the auto-park system, and excessive noise from the exhaust. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other cars on the market, leading to lower repair bills as the Prius ages.
Worn-out window regulators are the most widespread complaint found on the 2019 Toyota Prius, showing up at around 40,000 miles. Window regulators are a known weak spot across a lot of Toyota vehicles, and they simply have to be replaced. Changing out the window regulators costs around $400, depending on local labor rates.
Issues with the auto-park system have also been reported by some Prius owners within the first 1,000 miles. The problems are usually caused by some software issues. Most dealerships will update the software for free to fix the problems, while others charge around $50 for labor.
Excessive noise from the exhaust is another problem found on some Prius models at around 2,500 miles. Usually, the problem is simply caused by a loose clamp on the exhaust, which allows it to leak before the muffler. Most dealerships will tighten the clamps for free, while others charge around $40.
There are three recalls on the 2019 Toyota Prius, which is similar to other small cars from the same year. The most serious recall is for a loss of stability control. Toyota will replace the brake booster pump on affected models for free. Other recalls include the speed and fuel display, along with a load capacity label. Toyota will also fix those issues for free.
How Long Will the 2019 Toyota Prius Last?
A well-maintained 2019 Toyota Prius can last around 300,000 miles, which is longer than some other hybrid cars like the Ford Fusion Energi. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than many other competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $364 per year.
As a used 2019 Prius reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the spark plugs for $175, a variable valve timing control solenoid costing $250, along with the backup warning sensor which costs $325.
The Prius is very reliable. I have never experienced any problems with the vehicle and do not expect any in the near future.
So far it has shown to be reliable. I drive a lot and the car has taken the long distance very well. So far so good, but then again it's only the first year.
How Is the Technology?
Standard entertainment technology is decent, offering a 6.1-inch touchscreen display with a six-speaker sound system. Optional upgrades include a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen along with a premium 10-speaker JBL sound system.
The standard safety technology is better than many other cars, and includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane departure warning
- Pre-collision warning and braking system
- Lane keep assist
Optional driver assistance features are available, such as:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive headlights
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Head-up display
Is the 2019 Toyota Prius a Good Value?
Yes, the 2019 Toyota Prius is a very good value since it offers outstanding reliability paired with a very efficient engine. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $20,850 to $31,998, making it more expensive than other hybrids like the BMW i3 or Chevy Volt. When new, the price range was $25,770 to $32,200. Depreciation is better than other cars, only losing around 3% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Prius?
There are four main models of the 2019 Toyota Prius offered from the entry-level L Eco through to the more luxurious Limited. The Prius comes standard with front-wheel drive while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade on the LE and XLE models.
L Eco is the entry-level model which has:
- Equipped with ultra-low-rolling resistance tires.
- Features a lighter hybrid battery.
- Comes with an inflation kit instead of a spare tire.
- Impressive fuel economy with a combined rating of 56 mpg.
- 15-inch wheels.
- Automatic LED headlights, LED running lights, and taillights.
- Heated mirrors.
- Keyless entry (driver door only) and ignition.
- Automatic climate control.
- Dual 4.2-inch driver information screens.
- Adaptive cruise control.
- Cloth upholstery and a 60/40-split folding rear seat.
- 1-inch touchscreen display.
- Rearview camera, Bluetooth, front USB port, and two rear charge ports.
- Six-speaker audio system.
- Safety: automatic high beams, forward collision warning, automatic braking, lane departure warning and intervention.
LE is a step up, adding:
- Rear window wiper.
- Front seatback pockets.
- Comes with a spare tire.
- Parking sensors.
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
- Automated parallel parking system.
XLE is a popular choice with:
- 17-inch wheels.
- Automatic wipers.
- Keyless entry for the front passenger door and rear hatch.
- SofTex simulated leather upholstery and wrapped steering wheel.
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror.
- Semi-gloss black center console.
- Wireless charging pad.
- Returns to the tire inflation kit instead of a spare tire.
Limited is the flagship model which has:
- Adaptive headlights.
- Head-up display.
- Toyota’s Safety Connect emergency communications.
- Navigation system.
- 6-inch touchscreen.
- 10-speaker premium JBL audio system with satellite radio.
What Engines Come In the Toyota Prius?
The 2019 Toyota Prius primarily comes with a hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor.
- 8-liter Four-Cylinder with Electric Motor: This hybrid powertrain generates a combined output of 121 horsepower at up to 52 MPG. It employs a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). As for acceleration, the 2019 Prius takes about 10.5 seconds to reach 0-60 mph with this engine.
What Colors Does the Toyota Prius Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Prius?
The 2019 Toyota Prius is renowned for its practicality and efficiency, and regarding comfort, it doesn’t disappoint either. The interior of the Prius boasts a modern design, incorporating soft-touch materials and ergonomic layouts that cater to both the driver and passengers. The front seats are supportive and adjustable, accommodating a variety of body types and providing comfort even on longer journeys. In the back, there’s enough legroom and headroom for adults, a feature not always found in compact hybrid vehicles.
The car’s ride quality is smooth, with the suspension adeptly absorbing most road imperfections, providing a serene driving experience. Furthermore, the cabin is well-insulated, minimizing external noises and offering a quiet atmosphere conducive to conversations or simply enjoying the audio system. The climate control system is efficient, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the cabin. Overall, the 2019 Prius provides a pleasant and comfortable environment for both short commutes and extended road trips.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Prius Have?
The 2019 Toyota Prius offers a commendable amount of storage space for a hybrid vehicle. Specifically, the Prius provides 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. This space is ample enough to fit multiple suitcases, a stroller, or even a medium-sized bike with the front wheel removed. When the rear seats are folded flat, this space expands considerably, accommodating larger items like furniture pieces or a set of golf clubs.
Beyond the main cargo area, the Prius is also equipped with smaller storage compartments and pockets throughout the cabin. The center console, door pockets, and glovebox are ideal for storing smaller items like cell phones, wallets, or documents, guaranteeing they’re within easy reach yet out of the way. Additionally, the available underfloor storage in some models provides an additional concealed area perfect for keeping valuables or emergency tools. All these storage features, combined with the car’s efficient hybrid system, make the 2019 Prius an attractive choice for those who value both space and efficiency.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Toyota Prius came out for the 2016 model year.
2015: Standard rearview camera now offered on all models.
2016: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new styling, an upgraded engine, and more technology.
2017: Toyota Safety Sense driver aids are standard on all models.
2018: No major changes from earlier years.
2019: New all-wheel drive models added to the lineup, minor styling changes, and the models have been renamed.
2020: Upgraded 7-inch touchscreen standard on all models with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2021: Minor changes to the driver safety software.
How Does the Toyota Prius Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 Toyota Prius is a fantastic car that combines efficiency, low ownership costs, practicality, and advanced technology, making it a great choice for shoppers looking for a daily driver.
The Toyota Corolla is another small car from Toyota which is available for about $2,000 less. Both the Toyota Prius and Toyota Corolla are very similar, but the Prius is the more fuel efficient option. We recommend the Toyota Prius for most shoppers, unless you just prefer the styling on the Corolla, since both are long-lasting small cars.
The Honda Insight is another hybrid available for about $3,000 less. Performance is a bit better on the Honda Insight, while the Toyota Prius offers more standard safety technology. We recommend the Toyota Prius since it’s a longer-lasting hybrid car with lower ownership costs reported.
Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Prius?
It is a good vehicle. It has good performance and gas saving vehicle that I would recommend to everyone.
It's an amazing vehicle. it's very saving on gas. The way it handles the drive is also very smooth and not very laggy. It's well worth the money.