2009 Toyota Prius Review: A Fantastic Year For The Popular Hybrid

Alex Showalter

Jun 4, 2022

The 2009 Prius lasts over 250,000 miles with only some headlight and oil consumption issues. At $6,169 – 7,038, it’s worth the premium for a reliable and efficient car.

The Good

Interior space is excellent for a small car, handling is responsive and the technology is great.

The Bad

Performance is very boring, there’s a lot of interior plastic and the driving position is awkward.

Is the 2009 Toyota Prius a Good Used Car?

Yes, 2009 is a good year. Owner reviews praise the efficiency, dependable powertrain, and cargo space.
Reliability ratings are very good. Models from 2009 and older are great, with a lot of engine problems for 2010.
Performance is boring from the single hybrid 4-cylinder.
The Prius is reasonably safe, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
Fuel economy is exceptional at up to 46 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

Dorothy L

Good on gas and use electric and does good on miles

Saves on gas Miles are good and runs great use both gas and electric

Ilene R

The Prius is spacious, gas efficient, but watch out for the battery!

I love the fact that it is gas efficient, however, I have encountered battery problems. To replace the battery cells or the entire battery it can be very expensive.

Betty W

Everyone should consider a Toyota Prius. It is the best car we have owned.

Our Toyota Prius has been one of the best purchases we made as a couple. Though it is my primary car, we use it as the family travel vehicle. Gas mileage aside, (and it is pretty great), we love how it drives. It is a smooth ride and a safe ride. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a new car. Have recommended it to family and friends.

Jolorie A

It's a Prius so I'm not going to be speeding on the freeway. Please pass me on your left.

I like saving on gas expenses specially on road trips. It's also a smooth and quiet drive every time. Maintenance on is fair.

Alan H

That it had great gas mileage and is a really dependable car.

The main thing that I love about my car is the gas mileage. It is great to be able to only fill up once a week. The built in Bluetooth is nice also.

Beth W

That the gas mileage/price you pay for gas can't be beat.

Love the gas mileage. Like the size and ability to get around. Very easy to drive, pretty low maintenance car. Only a handful of times I wish it were bigger to transport bigger items. Can be a pain to drive on windy days, as it gets blown around.

Rachel S

Great gas mileage and a great around town car, plus good for road trips

I love the gas mileage and that it's better for the environment. It cruises really nicely but doesn't have great pickup. And the cargo room is great.

Matthew W

It has more space than it looks. Family of three fits car seat just fine.

Prius hybrid was best choice I made. Not many used hybrid were optional here. Would love to get one of the larger plugin Prius.

Negative Owner Reviews

Lindsey S

Prius is a lame car to be stuck with.

I have had a lot of weird problems with my car and it costs a lot of money to repair every time. The touch screen died and the auxiliary battery died as well. Also, it is super hard to jump the car when the battery dies. Everyone thinks it is funny I drive a Prius.

Nadia L

We have always owned Fords. Love the way it drives.

I like that it does not cost much to fill up the tank and that it has great gas mileage... I do not like how the shape of the car does not let me see a lot of things behind and to the sides of the car... I also do not like how sometimes I cannot tell if the car is on or off..

cynthia p

Pretty reliable, no major issues with the car. It does not have a true trunk, so that is disappointing

I like it is god on gas. Do not like that the battery dies when stalled in traffic. If it is hot, can't use ac

Hayden L

It is large enough for a big family.

The vehicle is old but works well. Smooth driving and low maintenance. Good control as well. Oil change is needed frequently.

Nicole A

Great gas mileage hardly have to worry about filling up.

Great car for people who have a long commute. Gas mileage is unbeatable and I don't have to worry about getting gas all the time. Smooth quiet ride. In the time that I have owned this vehicle no major maintenance has been needs. I plan to drive this car for a least another 10 years. The seats are comfortable for times you have to just sit in traffic. Sound system is great and love the Bluetooth feature for hands free driving.

Cher P

2009 Prius Quick Summary. Purchased Use

The Prius does okay. It is good on gas and has decent acceleration. I am not a fan of a hatchback, but the rear seats fold down which is great. Do like that the battery will drain when car is not moving.

Ashley M

2009 Toyota Prius - The Good and Bad

Gas mileage is great! Wonderful commuter car. Sufficient interior space for passengers and storage. Even with an extended warranty, the costs of upkeep has been relatively high. Every 5 months when I go in for an oil change and tire rotation, there is always a list of items needed - some parts up to $900 each. The primary battery for the car is $2000.

Janet M

2010 Prius runs great but burns oil.

I have owned other Prius' that were great, but this one burns oil. I have to frequently check the oil and top it up between oil changes. I bought it pre-owned, so maybe something happened with the prior owner, but burning so much oil seems to negate the lower fuel consumption.

What Do Critics Say About the Prius?

Consumer Reports says the 2009 Prius handles and brakes better, with very high owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Prius a 4.5/5 liking the interior room, but disliking the weak engine.
Kelly Blue Book users rate the Prius 4.7/5 and enjoy the technology, but dislike the high battery pack prices.

What Common Problems Does the 2009 Toyota Prius Have?

Problems with the 2009 Prius include burnt-out headlights, worn-out information screens, and excessive oil consumption.

Premature headlight bulb failure is the most common complaint from owners, happening every 40,000 miles. The ballasts used for the headlight bulbs cause them to wear out quickly, and replacing a set of bulbs is about $250.

Information screen failures are another frequent issue at about 125,000 miles. Replacing the screen fixes the problem, costing about $450.

Excessive oil consumption is another issue reported by some owners at nearly 140,000 miles. Toyota engines tend to consume more oil than competitors, and most owners just top off the oil as needed.

There are 6 recalls, with the most serious one being for the water pump which can fail and cause the engine to stall.

How Long Will the 2009 Toyota Prius Last?

A well-maintained 2009 Prius can last over 250,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles longer than a Honda Civic Hybrid. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact cars according to Repair Pal, at $410 per year.

Most 2009 Prius models will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace items including the mass airflow sensor for $180, steering knuckles costing $650, and the VVT Solenoid, which costs $250.

Audrey R

I think it is reliable. It is a little fragile, not the kind of car you drive around in mud or anything. It has a smooth ride, it is super expensive to fix the battery if it breaks through.

Yendi B

Yes it is reliable. Because the power source is primarily the battery, there have been times when the battery died out and even needed to be replaced. Idling the car such as sitting in traffic kills the battery too.

Sara H

Yes it is very reliable. No problems to report. I have heard that the bladder when filling up gas can pose a problem.

Ann J

I haven't had any problems. I have had a reliable car so far!! It is great. I enjoy driving it around.

Faith S

Yes, it is very reliable. I bought it new and it has not been in the repair shop one time. No problems whatsoever.

Jennifer M

It is reliable. If you take care of your regular car maintenance (oil change, brake pads etc) then it runs really smoothly.

Sarah N

It is a bit outdated but it is reliable. You can drive it for a long periods of time and Toyota is a good brand.

J R

Yes it's very reliable & no has no problems. we've had the car since 2014 & other than tires no other repairs have been necessary

How Much Is the 2009 Toyota Prius Worth?

Blue book values range from $6,169 – 7,038, making the Prius around $1,000 more expensive than a Toyota Corolla or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $22,000 to $24,270. Depreciation is better than average, losing only about 7% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Prius?

There are three models of the Prius available. The infotainment technology was last updated in 2006, with a total redesign coming in 2010.

Standard is the entry-level model with:

15-Inch Alloy Wheels
Cloth Seating
Keyless Entry
Touchscreen Infotainment System
6-Speaker Stereo System With CD Player

Base is a step up adding features including:

Unique 15-Inch Wheels
Heated Exterior Mirrors
Cruise Control
Cargo Cover

Touring is the flagship model and has:

16-inch Alloy Wheels
Xenon Headlights
9-Speaker JBL Stereo System
Optional Leather Seating

STD

76 HP 47-47 MPG

View Details

Base

76 HP 47-47 MPG

View Details

Touring

76 HP 47-47 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Prius?

The only engine found in the Toyota Prius is a weak hybrid 1.5L 4-cylinder which makes 110 horsepower and gets up to 46 MPG combined. Performance is boring, taking about 10.5 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Prius Come In?

How Big Is the Prius?

The 2009 Toyota Prius is an average compact car similar in size to the Ford Focus or Nissan Sentra. Passenger space is excellent throughout the cabin, with plenty of legroom for adults in the backseats.

Cargo space is better than a normal compact sedan, offering 14.4 cubic feet of room in the hatchback storage area.

How Does the Prius Compare to the Competition?

The Honda Civic Hybrid is the closest competitor, which costs about $1,000 less. Performance is a bit better in the Civic, but the Prius is more reliable. We recommend the Prius since it will last longer and has lower ownership costs.

The Toyota Corolla is another rival, costing around $1,000 less. Styling and handling are both better in the Corolla, but the technology is more up to date in the Prius. For the 2009 model year, we recommend the Prius since it’s more reliable, but it’s closer in other years.

Ranks #3 Hybrid & Electric by Owners

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid

2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid

4.6

2009 Toyota Prius

4.54

Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Prius?

Audrey R

Yes, I like my 2009 Toyota Prius base. It is small and compact with amazing gas mileage. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants an environmentally friendly vehicle.

Yendi B

Yes it is a good vehicle because of the gas mileage. It also depends on the battery as it is primary power source instead of fuel so I spend less on gas than most others.

Sara H

Very good/reliable vehicle, yes. It has great gas mileage and I have never had any problems with the battery or engine. Quiet and drives smoothly for a 10 year old car.

Ann J

It is a great vehicle! It is small on the inside. There haven't been too many issues. I love the car, but I do wish it were roomy.

Faith S

I believe it is. I bought it new and have no problems with it whatsoever. It has been reliable with excellent gas mileage.

Tyson J

I believe it to be the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have only had 2 other vehicles, both Hondas, but the Prius has been my favorite so far.

Annie G

Yes it is reliable and will hold out for a very long time. Toyota overall is. a very good brand to buy cars from.

Miranda R

Yes, has lots of storage spaces & great gas mileage. Pretty roomy for a small car but other than tires no other expensive repairs have been necessary

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

LolPo on October 16, 2023

2009 burns a ton of oil

Despite regular oil changes and other maintenance, my 2009 Prius burns a lot of oil. I drive a lot and constantly have to check the oil and top it off. Gets 40mpg on a good day. All in all, not worth it for the maintenance costs. I'm looking to sell and would not buy another.

Jerry s on April 3, 2021

The Toyota Prius is just a phenomenal car.

I love the reliability and design. I appreciate the intelligence that went into the engineering. Love the fuel efficiency. Nothing I dislike about it at all.

Cody L on March 20, 2021

A great car for a modern working family

Very reliable, great gas mileage and lots of extra space for when I need to bring musical equipment or take family members places.

Sam M on March 20, 2021

The most important thing other should know about the 2009 Toyota Prius is that is gets great gas mileage and is very inexpensive to fill up.

My vehicle is a 2009 Toyota Prius. I like that this is a hybrid vehicle, so it gets very good gas mileage compared to regular cars. I also like that it is very dependable and safe. The only thing I dislike about the Prius is that the styling is not necessarily my favorite.

Richard G on March 8, 2021

It gets great gas mileage.

It gets great mileage. It's been pretty durable. It's easy to park in tight urban environments, especially with the backup camera.

Gggg B on March 7, 2021

The gas mileage is excellent. I can drive about 350 miles per tankful.

It's blue. It gets super gas mileage! The field of vision isn't great. The paint is beginning to chip.

Ellen S on March 2, 2021

It's Hybrid! We get between 32-40 miles to the gallon

The cat is great. It runs well and is safe. We have over 225,000 miles on it, so it eats through oil.

Carrie B on February 19, 2021

Low maintenance, but repairs can be extremely pricey.

Great gas mileage. Better for long distance than stop-and-go traffic. Replacing a battery is VERY expensive.

Matthew W on February 12, 2021

It has more space than it looks. Family of three fits car seat just fine.

Prius hybrid was best choice I made. Not many used hybrid were optional here. Would love to get one of the larger plugin Prius.

Hayden L on February 6, 2021

It is large enough for a big family.

The vehicle is old but works well. Smooth driving and low maintenance. Good control as well. Oil change is needed frequently.

Janey T on February 6, 2021

Very reliable and great gas mileage

Great value, minimal environmental impact, reliable, but at 200000 miles need the batteries replaced

Elaine D on February 3, 2021

200k miles and still runs great!

I have over 200k miles on this car and it still runs really nicely! It is starting to burn oil a little more quickly now, since it is over 10 years old, but that is the only issue that I have had with it in the 3 years that I have owned it, and it is better now that I have switched back to synthetic.

Matthew S on February 1, 2021

White Prius from 2009, got it pre owned, never had trouble

The car drives well, but is light enough for there to be mild inconvenience in strong winds. Handles well, right turns, good brakes, has not needed any large repairs

Kimberly F on January 23, 2021

The most important thing is the good gas mileage.

My favorite thing about a Prius is the gas mileage. I end up paying roughly around $20 each time I fill up, and I only have to fill the tank about every week and a half. It runs on battery when the car is not in motion so you know you are never wasting gas.

Tini N on January 12, 2021

Fuel efficiency and environmentally friendly. Smooth ride

Needs bluetooth technology installed. Gps installation top

Marianne S on January 8, 2021

It has amazing gas mileage & doesn't cost much more than a Toyota Corolla.

Great gas mileage, never had to take it in the garage for anything apart from regular maintenance like oil change. Definitely recommend!

Janice S on December 26, 2020

It has low gas mileage but does not like ethanol gas.

I love the gas mileage. It is a comfortable car to drive or ride in as a passenger. I do not like it being so small because of accidents, but that is the only thing i do not like. It is a great car with over 200,000 miles and still runs like it is new.

Luba K on December 6, 2020

Economical, but not strong engine.

I like my car Toyota Prius 2009. It is very economical, about 38 mile per gallon. I like that car is hatchback. I can put long items in the car. Also, two people can sleep in the car, if put down back seats. What I do not like is that it not very powerful. It is very slow and hard to drive in mountains.

Meredith F on December 4, 2020

It has great gas mileage - around 45 mpg.

I love my 2009 Prius. I average around 43-47 mpg, depending on whether or not I am cranking the a/c or heat. I have had some trouble with keeping the mass air flow sensor cleaner which makes my check engine light randomly come on.

Christopher T on December 3, 2020

Toyota Prius: the ins and outs of being a tree hugger.

My car is very reliable, comfortable and relatively easy to drive. The low gas mileage and it being ecologically friendly is a definite plus. Now in California you have to buy a newer model hybrid to be permitted to drive in the hov lane on the freeway. This is a potential reason to not get a hybrid. Also my only other problem with my car is that the wheelbase is low. I am disabled so it is not easy for me to get in or out of.

Nadia L on November 23, 2020

We have always owned Fords. Love the way it drives.

Ilene R on November 18, 2020

The Prius is spacious, gas efficient, but watch out for the battery!

I love the fact that it is gas efficient, however, I have encountered battery problems. To replace the battery cells or the entire battery it can be very expensive.

Sharon A on November 11, 2020

Prius costs be sure to always get warranty.

Repairs can be costly. Has 2 batteries which also can be very costly to replace. Be sure to purchase extended warranties if purchasing one. But overall great reliable car and saves on gas costs tremendously! We were hesitant at first, but I recommend repairs be done at the Toyota dealership as you want them done correctly and warrantied to avoid further expenses in the future.

Annette S on October 31, 2020

It is very reliable and dependable.

It has been problem free and reliable since I bought it. It has good gas mileage. It is not that attractive a car.

Rafael Y on October 27, 2020

Great interior and very spacious inside. Cruise control. Leather interior.

Reliable, has cruise control, great ac, drives well, comfortable, hybrid so great mpg. Has leather interior. I love it. Has keyless ignition. Low maintenance costs. It has a high safety rating and that was really important to me. I just change oil every 4, 000 miles and that is it.

Jill L on October 18, 2020

This is a very very reliable car. It's got a bit of a rough ride.

Excellent car saves money through less gas being used. Bad side: battery can only be replaced with a Toyota battery.

Sherry B on October 12, 2020

It has amazing cargo room.

I love my car. It gets great gas mileage and doesn't pollute the air as much as regular cars. The only thing I would change are the seats, they are uncomfortable.

Rose O on October 9, 2020

This is a great car if you're looking for a reliable mode of transportation with good gas mileage.

My vehicle has very good gas mileage, which I love. It is a little difficult to work on. However, it has had very few problems. Overall, it runs very smoothly and is a good car.

gary F on October 8, 2020

Great on gas picks up speed very quickly easy maintenance

Great gas mileage.rides very rough .it is roomy seats four easily.

Ricardo R on October 6, 2020

If your commute is over an hour.

Very reliably, great on gas, exceptional as a far distance commuter vehicle. It is not fancy and updated with all the new features, but it does the job.

Tracy B on September 14, 2020

Great gas mileage! Super comfortable! Great in inclimate weather.

I love the great gas mileage. There's surprisingly more room inside than you would think--we can travel with four adults in the car rather comfortably. The only issue I've had is with the CD player--i got a disc "jammed" in the player and no one has been able to fix it, because the whole dash would have to come off.

JERK E on September 6, 2020

Toyota Prius - pretty awesome, reliable hybrid.

The Prius has great fuel economy, so fill ups are infrequent. It is relatively quiet and has great safety features such as side-impact airbags. There are two adjustable front seats and three in back, all are comfortable and easy to clean. It is a hatchback, so carrying large/unusually shaped objects is manageable, especially with the fold down seat ability. The trunk is bigger than one would expect. The car opens remotely with key fob, which is so convenient. There are power locks and power windows. Overall, very reliable.

Tracy O on September 5, 2020

Toyota Priuses are very well made and we have avoided many of the problems we've had with previous cars.

I like that it has been reliable. We've had very few problems with it. It also gets excellent gas mileage.

Bev F on September 1, 2020

It is a hybrid and is good for the environment and the world.

I like that it is a hybrid. I like that it does not use much gas. I do not like the bumpy ride it gives.

Amy S on August 30, 2020

It is very comfortable for a small car. The gas mileage is amazing

I love the gas mileage. It is also very roomy for a small car!

Lorraine L on August 17, 2020

It's a car that gets great mileage so it's good for commuting.

I like that my vehicle get good mileage. However, in the last few years, the MPG has gone down, presumably because the car is older. My car is also not as powerful but I'm willing to sacrifice that for the better MPG.

Betty A on August 12, 2020

The keyless entry can drain the battery quickly, and then it is a major hassle to open the car to get at the battery to recharge it.

Love the great gas mileage, but it is relatively small, road noise is annoying and the small battery does not last very long.

Jonathan F on August 6, 2020

The Toyota Prius is reliable and is very accessible for the average driver.

The gas mileage and safety features of the Toyota Prius ensure a smooth driving experience. Most models have backup cameras and great trimming in the inside to ensure no wind noise while driving. The car does have a slow pickup rate to get to freeway speed but generally the Prius is an amazing ride and very reliable.

Carolyn M on July 7, 2020

Prius Fan od High Mileage and High MPG

I love the gas mileage. It has been reliable except for changing the hybrid water pump twice; that affects the car and keeps it from running when it's time to replace. I have had the car for 218,000 miles now. I like how quiet it is, except when it transitions from electric to gas; sounds clunky. Otherwise, my next car may be a Prius again.

Cynthia C on June 28, 2020

Hybrid didn't disappoint.

Love how my car handles and for a hybrid it has a lot of go power. I purchased a hybrid for better gas mileage and am not disappointed with my decision, gets great gas mileage. Has just enough extra features to make it almost like driving a luxury car but with nowhere near the cost.

Megan B on June 23, 2020

You cannot beat hybrid/electric cars for mileage!.

I love the mileage, first and foremost. It is roomier than we ever imagined it would be. I feel safe and like my family is safe.

Eric W on June 20, 2020

My Prius is the best, and I love the gas mileage so much.

My Prius has always been very reliable, and has not had many problems over the years. The only problem I have really experienced is a problem with the battery. The battery would stop working temporarily at random, during which time I could not start the car with the push button Start.

Taylor L on June 18, 2020

It handles incredibly well and has great speed for a gas sipping car.

I love the gas mileage, on average of 49 mpg. It rides fantastically on any road. Control is great, size is great, storage is nice. I can't complain about much besides price of maintenance on occasion which isn't its fault.

Elaine K on June 17, 2020

Review of 2009 Prius. Great car that gets good mileage. Easy and fun to drive.

I get great mileage. Save money on gas. It is easy to drive. Responds well to the road, has good pick up even though only 4 cylinders. No major problem except for maintenance, brakes and tires. I have over 105,000 miles. Hatch back is great for moving objects. Lots of room for packages. Even though the car is a 2009, it has a backup camera for safety while backing up.

Megan B on June 11, 2020

It is a hybrid and it helps me save money on gas.

When the vehicle is overheated or not parked in a shady and cool area, the a/c will delay. Sometimes the delay lasts for a couple of minutes, sometimes almost an hour. The length of time varies, but it will eventually turn on. It only blows cold or cool air. It does not seem to blow hot air.

Rhonda W on June 11, 2020

I love the gas mileage and the dramatically lower amount I spend on gas.

I love the gas milage, the size of the car, and the storage space.

Jennifer A on May 27, 2020

It is a hybrid car, and that there are 2 batteries-a regular battery and a hybrid battery.

I like the Toyota Prius because it is fuel efficient and good for the environment. Because of this, i don't spend much money on fuel. The car is also generally pretty quiet, which is nice. Because it is a hybrid, it takes a lot of work to accelerate. Additionally, the gas tank is small. Also, not everyone knows how to service the car.

Rachel L on May 22, 2020

Low gas mileage, and easy to drive.

Like everything, gas mileage and quiet comfort. . Dislike there is no all wheel drive. And the computer screen does not work to the touch and is ridiculously expensive to fix.

Shawn C on May 20, 2020

They should know that it's a Toyota and it'll last for a very long time. It has a 3 cylinder engine and gets amazing MPG.

I love my car because it get awesome gas mileage. It's a small car so it'll fit just about anywhere and it has a ton of leg room inside.

Olga N on May 15, 2020

Reliable small car that saves a lot of gas and money for you!

Gas economy Reliability Has a lot of room for a compact car

Beth W on May 13, 2020

That the gas mileage/price you pay for gas can't be beat.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.