The 1.8L engine and 60kW electric motor provide just enough muscle for daily commutes while earning 48 mpg combined. Very few problems make the 2011 Toyota Prius a reliable and efficient ride.
Key Points
- The 2011 Toyota Prius rolled out with a single engine and powertrain configuration. The 1.8L gas engine, 60kW electric motor, and CVT with front-wheel drive produce a combined 134 hp.
- When the Ni-MH2 battery is in good health, the hybrid earns 49 mpg city and 46 mpg highway. Its selectable EV mode travels up to 11 miles on a full charge.
- While acceleration off the line is good, it will struggle to make a power pass on the freeway.
- The battery pack featured a warranty good for up to 10 years. After that, it can cost nearly $4,000 to replace.
- A recall replaced a burnt-out inverter and updated the ECM software. The engine may rattle during cold starts, and as it ages, it may require work on its piston rings to reduce oil consumption.
The Only Engine Found in the 2011 Toyota Prius Delivers Great Fuel Economy but Struggles with Lethargic Acceleration
The 2011 Toyota Prius came with a single-engine package, no matter what trim level you selected for the popular hybrid machine. It features a 1.8L four-cylinder DOHC VVT-i gas engine built with an aluminum block that produces 98 horsepower and 105 lb.-ft. of torque. By itself, this is an anemic power plant.
However, a 60kW electric AC synchronous motor fueled by a sealed nickel-metal hydride traction battery adds 36 hp for a combined 134 horsepower. The result is not athletic but serviceable as a reliable commuter car.
The engine delivers on the promise of excellent fuel economy, earning 49 city/46 highway miles per gallon with a 48 combined mpg rating, according to the EPA. Considered an advanced-technology, partial zero-emission vehicle, the mid-size car saves the average driver up to $4,250 a year in gas costs.
An electronically controlled variable transmission and throttle provide dependable but uninspiring performance. While the Prius’ hybrid design gets you up and moving at the lights, it struggles in the higher power bands.
Auto Blog took the 2011 Toyota Prius out for an extended test drive upon its release and found the “acceleration lethargic.” The hybrid vehicle takes nearly 10 seconds to reach 60 mph from a dead stop. Overall, they determined, “Handling is easy if not nimble at slow speeds.”
Hybrid Battery Pack is the Secret to Great Fuel Economy, but it’s a Pricey Replacement After its Warranty Expires
If your gas mileage is trending down in your 2011 Toyota Prius, it may be time for a new hybrid battery pack. Toyota warrantied the original battery pack for eight years/100,000 miles, or for 10 years/150,000 miles in states that use the California emissions standards. Most batteries last beyond warranty, but how long?
According to J.D. Power, it depends on how the battery has been abused over its lifetime. If your 2011 Toyota Prius has not had its hybrid battery replaced yet, you should budget for it to happen soon.
Expect to spend around $2,600 for an OEM battery pack replacement from the dealer. A remanufactured battery from a reputable parts dealer will run around $1,000 and includes a 12-month warranty. Unlike changing your standard battery, switching the hybrid pack is time-consuming. Plan to spend up to $1,000 for labor depending on your region and the technician that you hire.
Two of the 2011 Prius’ Six Recalls Apply to a Hybrid System that may Shut Down Unexpectedly, Causing a Stall and Risk of a Crash
The 2011 Toyota Prius gathered six recalls, one investigation, and over 370 complaints at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, only two of the recalls apply to the engine or hybrid system.
In February 2014, a campaign was launched to have the electronic control module software updated and the inverter inspected on all vehicles. Poor power management caused inverters to short out, resulting in the hybrid system shutting down and stalling the vehicle. The original campaign included a replacement inverter. A follow-up campaign in 2018 simply called for the software update. If your inverter failed after that point, the cost to replace it landed on the owner.
Some of the most commonly reported problems include an issue with excessive oil consumption on vehicles with around 80,000 miles or more. No recalls or technical bulletins are associated with the issue. More than one owner logged a complaint that their mechanic determined the piston rings are at fault, resulting in a pricey engine repair.
Cold starts and a rattling engine combine for another chronic complaint. Toyota did find that in some instances the cause was traced back to a sticky exhaust recirculation (EGR) valve. The problem was so pervasive that Toyota expanded warranty coverage for the EGR valve to 10 years and 150,000 miles.
2011 Toyota Prius Engine may Disappoint in Power, but it is Dependable and will Last for Years with Proper Maintenance
If you are hunting for a greener option for your commute, the engine for the 2011 Toyota Prius will get you there but without inspiring your inner race car driver. When it receives recommended routine maintenance, it should continue to help you save on gas up to the 200,000-mile mark. However, if its battery pack fails, you will be stuck with a pricey repair bill.
Photos: Toyota
