The 2017 Toyota Prius lasts around 250,000 miles with only minor windshield and brake rotor issues. At $21,700 to $25,35, it’s expensive, but worth it for the low ownership costs paired with outstanding fuel economy.
Is the 2017 Toyota Prius a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2017 is a fantastic year for the Prius, it is a perfect combination of reliability mixed with efficiency, giving it a high overall rating. Owner reviews praise the low ownership costs, comfortable interior, and safety technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nicer than in older models, the seats are very comfortable for long drives, cargo space is also great with the hatchback.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no serious problems reported with the 2017 Prius. All models from 2012–2022 are dependable, long-lasting choices.
- Performance 4/10 – Performance is awful from the hybrid powertrain, although that’s not what the Prius is built for.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2017 Prius is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety features include a rear view camera, forward collision warning, automatic braking, as well as lane departure warning with intervention. Optional upgrades include automatic self-parking.
- Gas Mileage 10/10 – Fuel economy is outstanding at 52 MPG, giving 587 miles of range from the 11.3 gallon tank. Gas costs are $111 cheaper than average at $103 per month.
- Value 9/10 – Prices on the Prius are high, however, it holds its value very well with low ownership costs, making it a great long-term buy.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Prius?
- Consumer Reports says the Prius is the most efficient car they’ve ever tested that doesn’t plug in, with very high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Prius a 4.7/5 praising the very quiet cabin, but doesn’t like the central instrument panel.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Prius at 4.6/5, enjoying the excellent reliability, but owners don’t like the lack of power.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Toyota Prius Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Toyota Prius include cracked windshields, worn-out brake rotors, as well as rattles in the dash. Overall, these problems are minor compared to other hybrids, leading to low repair costs as well.
Cracked windshields are the most common complaint from Toyota Prius owners in the first 10,000 miles. The design of the windshield makes it more prone to cracking than other cars if it’s hit with a rock, especially at the top corners. Replacing the windshield costs $500 to $800, depending on labor rates.
Worn-out brake rotors have also shown up on some Toyota Prius models in the first 30,000 miles. Excessive hard braking can lead to the brake rotors wearing out quicker than in some other cars since they are not as large. Replacing the brake rotors costs around $600, and fixes the problem.
Rattles in the dash are another complaint from Toyota Prius owners at around 20,000 miles. The dash is held together primarily by plastic clips, and if any of them come loose or break there will be rattles. Diagnosing the source of the problem and replacing the clips costs roughly $100.
There are 3 recalls on the 2017 Toyota Prius, which is better than some competitors. The most serious recall is for the engine wiring harness, which may short out. Toyota will inspect the harness for any damage, and replace affected models for free. Other recalls cover a parking brake cable as well as the spare tire.
How Long Will the 2017 Toyota Prius Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Toyota Prius should be able to last over 250,000 miles, which is much longer than other hybrid cars like the BMW i3. Buyers should be aware of the lithium ion battery pack failures which cost over $5,000, yet usually don’t show up until around 200,000 miles. Regular annual maintenance costs are more affordable than other hybrid models as well, at $457 per year, according to Repair Pal.
As 2017 Toyota Prius models reach over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the A/C evaporator for $980, rear trailing arm for $325, as well as the throttle body, which costs around $600.
I have not had any problems with my Prius. I drive it a lot, and there has never been a problem with it in the three plus years I have owned it.
I have not had any issues thus far with my 2017 Toyota Prius. I consider it to be a reliable car. The only issues I have ever had are with the tires popping easily. I do wish it came with a spare!
There was a recall on the first year regarding a faulty engine wire. Seats are a bit uncomfortable after a long drive.
I have not had any problems with this vehicle. I take it in for routine maintenance and it drives fine. So yes I would say it is reliable.
It is very reliable. It has yet to leave me stranded anywhere and requires only basic vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes.
It is a very reliable car, the only issue I ever have with the car is the oil changing factor but that is with any car. Extremely reliable and surprisingly good at going up steep hills.
Toyota Prius is very reliable. This is my second Prius didn't have any issues with the one before or the current Prius
It had one issue with the Bluetooth, but it could have been with my phone. It sometimes doesn't connect with my phone to play music from it. To make sure that it will, ,I need to start the music from my phone before I get in the car.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great with a standard offering a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen display while a larger 7-inch touchscreen is available as an option. Safety technology is excellent offering a lot of driver assistance features. The 2017 Prius has a standard rear view camera, lane departure warning, frontal collision warning, automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, as well as steering assistance.
Is the 2017 Toyota Prius a Good Value?
Yes, the 2017 Toyota Prius is a great value for a reliable small car with outstanding fuel economy. Blue book prices range from $21,700 to $25,325, making it more expensive than a Chevy Volt or Honda Accord Hybrid. When new, the original MSRP was $23,475 to $30,015. Depreciation is better than other compact cars, only losing about 7% of its value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Prius?
There are seven models of the Toyota Prius offered in 2017, from the base One all the way up to the more luxurious Four Touring.
One is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatic LED Headlights
- Keyless Entry & Ignition
- 2-Inch Driver Screen
- 1-Inch Touchscreen Display
- Rear View Camera
- 6-Spekaer Stereo System
Two is a small step up with:
- Rear Window Wipers
- Upgraded Cloth Upholstery
- Minor Interior Trim Changes
Two Eco adds features such as:
- Low Rolling Resistance Tires
- Lighter Hybrid Battery Pack
- Additional Underbody Aerodynamic Panels
Three is next in the lineup with:
- Simulated Leather Steering Wheel
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Navigation System
- EnTune Apps
Three Touring adds:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Simulated Leather Upholstery
- Fog Lights
- Upgraded Rear Bumper
Four has more features including:
- Sunroof
- Heads-Up Display
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- White Contrast Stitching
- Heated Seats
Four Touring is the flagship model which has:
- Self-Parking System
- 10-Speaker JBL Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Toyota Prius?
The 2017 Prius comes with a weak 1.8L 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain which makes 121 horsepower with the gasoline engine and electric motor, while getting good gas mileage at up to 52 MPG. It’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Performance is slow, taking 9.8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Toyota Prius Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Prius?
The 2017 Toyota Prius is a very comfortable compact hybrid hatchback with seating for up to five people. The front seats are well-made, supportive, and hold up well over time, making them great for long drives.
Passenger room is great throughout the cabin with enough leg room in the back seats to easily fit adults.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Prius Have?
Cargo space is fantastic for a compact car since the 2017 Toyota Prius has a sloping hatchback design. There’s enough room for 5-7 suitcases in the trunk area, and around 8-10 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Toyota Prius was introduced in 2016, and is still being made in 2022.
2015: Standard rearview camera on all models.
2016: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation offering new exterior, interior, and engine.
2017: Toyota Safety Sense driver aids are standard on all models.
2018: No major changes.
2019: New all-wheel-drive model added, minor styling changes, models renamed.
2020: Standard 7-inch screen on all models with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
2021: Minor changes to the driver safety systems.
How Does the Toyota Prius Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Prius is the best hybrid car of 2017. The Prius may not be very fast or engaging to drive, although it’s an excellent choice for shoppers looking for efficiency.
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric competitor which costs around $10,000 more. Performance is more fun in the Tesla Model 3, while the Toyota Prius stands out with significantly better overall build quality. For 2017 we recommend the Toyota Prius, although if you want an all-electric car, the Model 3 is a good choice.
The BMW i3 is another hybrid which is available for $5,000 less. Interior materials are more luxurious in the BMW i3, while the Toyota Prius has much better reliability ratings as it ages. We recommend the Toyota Prius since they last longer with lower ownership costs.
Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Prius?
Yes. It has very advanced technology, it drives very smoothly, and it gets great gas mileage. It has some of the features of much more expensive cars.
Yes. I love my Prius. Not only does the interior and technology feel luxurious, but the gas mileage saves me tons of money yearly as I travel often for both work and pleasure in my Prius.
Yes, I love the features that come standard with the base model. Gas mileage is fantastic. Radio sounds great. Car looks really nice.
Yes! It gets great gas mileage, and has lots of safety features. Overall a very comfortable and roomy car. I upgraded from a 2013 Prius and could not be happier.
It is a great vehicle! I have been very pleased with all of it, but especially the gas mileage. I couldn't be happier.
Absolutely amazing with gas, been using mine for a little over a year and I still get 60 miles to the gallon.
Toyota Prius is an excellent vehicle. Its spacious, eco friendly and has great gas mileage. Backup camera,lane assist and navigation are a plus
Yes, I've had a regular Prius before, so I knew the quality would be good. But I really like driving it in EV mode, that is, all electric from the wall charge. Most of my driving is local since I work from my home office. Therefore I only need to fill up the tank once every 2 or 3 months.
