The 2021 Toyota Prius lasts around 300,000 miles, with some minor windshield and wheel bearing issues reported. At $21,430 to $32,000, it’s a great value for a compact hybrid car with a practical interior.
Is the 2021 Toyota Prius a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Toyota Prius since it has low ownership costs and excellent practicality. Owner reviews praise the efficient engine, safety features, along with the smooth suspension.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are relatively nice for a small car, the seats are extremely comfortable, and cargo space is great in the hatchback.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no major problems on the 2021 Prius. All models from 2012–2022 are extremely reliable small cars.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is okay from the standard hybrid powertrain, but it’s designed to be efficient rather than fun to drive.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Prius is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include park assist, along with a head-up display.
- Gas Mileage 10/10 – Fuel economy is fantastic at 52 MPG, offering 587 miles of range out of the 11.3 gallon tank. Gas costs are $100 cheaper than average, at $75 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2021 Toyota Prius is reasonably priced for a hybrid car with slow depreciation rates, making it a great value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Prius?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Toyota Prius is a great hybrid offering phenomenal efficiency while also getting very high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Toyota Prius at 4.3/5, enjoying the optional all-wheel drive system for snowy conditions, but doesn’t like the outdated standard stereo system.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Prius a 4.5/5, praising the outstanding reliability for a hybrid, but owners don’t like the difficult gear selector.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Toyota Prius Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Toyota Prius include broken windshields, excessive wheel noise, along with some chipping paint. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other small cars on the market, leading to lower repair costs as it ages.
Broken windshields are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Prius owners, showing up within the first 5,000 miles. There are some production runs of glass which are more prone to cracking when chipped. Replacing the windshield costs around $500, depending on local labor rates.
Excessive wheel noise is another problem found on some Prius models at around 20,000 miles. The front wheel bearings tend to wear out quickly compared to other cars. Changing out the bearings is fairly labor intensive, costing around $400.
Chipping paint is another complaint mentioned by Prius owners at around 10,000 miles. The paint on the edges of the front bumper is prone to chipping when hit with stones. Some people touch up the bumper for under $100, while others repaint the entire bumper for around $1,000.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Toyota Prius, which is better than many other small cars on the market. Since there are no recalls, it simply means that none of the problems have been widespread or affected safety.
How Long Will the 2021 Toyota Prius Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Toyota Prius can last around 300,000 miles, which is longer than some competitors like the Nissan Leaf. At roughly 200,000 miles, though, owners should be prepared to replace the battery pack, which can cost up to $7,000. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $398 per year.
As a used 2021 Prius reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the brake hose for $200, coolant temperature sensor for $350, along with the A/C expansion valve, which costs $425.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is good for a small car and has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen and premium audio system.
Standard safety technology is excellent and includes:
- Rearview camera
- Lane-departure warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian and bicyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Traffic-sign recognition
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Active park assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Head-up display
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Is the 2021 Toyota Prius a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Toyota Prius is a great value since it offers a combination of excellent efficiency and great safety technology. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,430 to $32,000, making it less than a Tesla Model 3 or Audi e-Tron. When new, the price range was $24,525 to $32,650. Depreciation is better than average, only losing around 3% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Prius?
There are five main models of the 2021 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.
Toyota Prius L Eco is the entry-level model with
- 7-inch touch screen
- Amazon Alexa integration
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Six-speaker audio system
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Three USB ports
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Rearview camera
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-departure warning
- Forward collision warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Pedestrian and bicyclist detection
- Traffic-sign recognition
Toyota Prius LE is a step up, adding:
- Includes all features of L Eco
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Active park assist
Toyota Prius XLE is more luxurious with:
- Includes all features of LE
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Wireless device charging
- Heated steering wheel
Toyota Prius 2020 Edition has other options such as:
- Limited production of 2,020 models
- Includes features of XLE
- Black-painted wheels
- Exclusive color options: Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red
Toyota Prius Limited is the flagship model with:
- Includes features of the 2020 Edition (except Android Auto)
- Navigation system
- Head-up display
- 10-speaker JBL premium stereo
- Satellite radio
- HD Radio
- 6-inch touch screen
- Does not include Android Auto
What Engines Come In the Toyota Prius?
The 2021 Toyota Prius is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. This setup is coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), contributing to an impressive combined fuel economy of 52 MPG, with the Eco variant achieving around 56 MPG. The Prius completes the 0-60 MPH sprint in about 10 seconds, emphasizing efficiency over acceleration.
What Colors Does the Toyota Prius Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Prius?
The 2021 Toyota Prius is well-regarded for its blend of efficiency and technology, but it also scores points in the comfort department, particularly for a vehicle in the compact hybrid category. Inside, the Prius offers a cabin that is surprisingly roomy and well-appointed, considering its exterior dimensions. Front-seat passengers are treated to seats that are supportive and comfortable, even on longer journeys, with enough adjustability to accommodate a variety of body types. The rear seats, while slightly less spacious than the front, still provide adequate room for adults, making it a practical option for small families or those requiring additional passenger space.
In terms of ride quality, the Prius excels in providing a smooth and composed driving experience. The suspension is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride even on rougher surfaces. This makes it an ideal car for daily commutes and extended drives alike. Additionally, the cabin’s sound insulation is commendable, effectively minimizing road and wind noise, which contributes to a serene driving environment. This aspect is particularly noticeable at highway speeds, where the Prius maintains its quiet interior, a feature often appreciated in this segment.
The car’s interior design also plays a role in its overall comfort. The layout is user-friendly, with controls and infotainment features within easy reach and intuitively arranged. The use of quality materials throughout the cabin adds a sense of refinement and comfort. While it might not rival luxury brands, the Prius’ interior is pleasantly upmarket for its class. The climate control system is efficient, maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature without excessive noise. Overall, the 2021 Toyota Prius stands out as a comfortable, practical choice for those prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Prius Have?
The 2021 Toyota Prius, a hallmark of hybrid efficiency and design, offers a commendable balance of storage space and functionality. The vehicle’s cargo area provides about 27.4 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats, a capacity suitable for daily needs and moderate travel requirements. For those needing additional space, the Prius features a 60/40 split rear seat design, which, when folded down, expands the cargo area substantially, offering nearly 50.7 cubic feet of space. This flexible storage capacity makes the Prius a versatile choice, adept at handling a range of transportation needs.
In practical terms, the 27.4 cubic feet of space available with the rear seats up can easily accommodate everyday items such as grocery bags, several carry-on bags, or outdoor equipment like a compact stroller or a set of golf clubs. When the rear seats are folded, the expanded space becomes large enough to transport bulkier items. This includes larger suitcases for extended trips, a bicycle, or even medium-sized pieces of furniture, demonstrating the Prius’ suitability for various hauling tasks beyond its compact car appearance.
The 2021 Prius also incorporates numerous small storage solutions within its interior, enhancing its practicality for daily use. These include a glove compartment, door pockets, a center console compartment, and multiple cup holders. There’s an additional hidden storage area beneath the cargo floor, perfect for keeping valuable items secure or storing essential tools and safety equipment. These features underscore the Prius’ design philosophy, which blends environmental consciousness with everyday utility, making it a popular choice for those seeking an eco-friendly yet practical vehicle.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Toyota Prius was launched for the 2016 model year.
2015: Standard rearview camera across all models.
2016: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new styling, upgraded engine, and more technology features.
2017: Standard Toyota Safety Sense driver aids on all models.
2018: No major changes from earlier years.
2019: Small exterior styling changes, models have been renamed, and all-wheel drive is now offered.
2020: Updated 7-inch touchscreen is now 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 2021 Toyota Prius is a fantastic small car since it offers excellent reliability, a practical cabin, and very low running costs due to its hybrid engine.
The Toyota Corolla is another small car offered by Toyota, which costs about $1,500 less. Steering is more responsive in the Toyota Corolla, while the Toyota Prius is more fuel-efficient. We recommend the Toyota Prius since it’s more practical and has lower ownership costs as it ages.
The Hyundai Elantra is a popular compact car, which is about $2,500 less. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Elantra, while the Toyota Prius is more luxurious. We recommend the Toyota Prius since it lasts longer, but both are decent small cars.
