The 2018 Toyota Prius lasts around 300,000 miles with some relatively minor stereo system and sunroof issues reported. At $20,450 to $29,998, it’s a great value for a very efficient hybrid car with low running costs as it ages.
Is the 2018 Toyota Prius a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2018 is a great year for the Toyota Prius since it offers an outstanding mix of reliability and efficiency. Owner reviews praise the low running costs, advanced safety technology, and very comfortable interior.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are better than older models, the seats are comfortable on longer trips, and cargo space is fantastic in the hatchback.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no widespread problems found on the 2018 Prius. Models from 2012–2022 are all very reliable, long-lasting hybrid cars.
- Performance 5/10 – Performance is poor from the hybrid powertrain which focuses entirely on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2018 Prius is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include active park assist along with a head-up display.
- Gas Mileage 10/10 – Fuel economy is fantastic at 52 MPG giving 587 miles of range out of the 11.3 gallon tank. Gas costs are $90 cheaper than average, at $90 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2018 Toyota Prius is similar in price to other cars on the market with extremely slow depreciation rates and low ownership costs, making it a great value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Prius?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Toyota Prius has everything Prius owners have come to love since it’s versatile and efficient, and it also gets great owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Prius 2018 at 4.7/5, enjoying the quiet cabin even with the gas engine on, but doesn’t like the offset instrument panel in the middle of the dash.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Prius a 4.5/5, praising the lowest ownership costs of any car, but owners don’t like the relatively weak engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Toyota Prius Have?
Common problems reported on the 2018 Toyota Prius include the stereo system freezing, excessive noise from the sunroof, along with dashboard damage. Overall, these problems are very minor compared to other hybrid cars on the market from the same year, leading to lower repair bills as a Prius ages.
The stereo system freezing is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Toyota Prius, showing up within the first 5,000 miles. Usually, the problem is simply caused by a software issue which causes the screen to become unresponsive, and have to be rebooted. There are software updates available which fix the problem. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while some charge around $50.
Excessive noise from the sunroof has also been reported on some 2018 Prius models at roughly 50,000 miles. The gasket around the sunroof wears out as the car ages, and has to be replaced. Changing out the gasket is a time consuming process, costing around $600, depending on local labor rates.
Dashboard damage is another problem mentioned by some Prius owners at around 100,000 miles. If you leave your Prius in direct sunlight without a dash cover or window cover, then the dash will eventually start to crack and melt. It’s much easier to prevent this damage from the beginning by using a sun shade, although if you need to replace the upper dash panels they are around $950.
There’s only one recall on the 2018 Toyota Prius, which is better than some other compact cars. The recall covers the engine wire harness, which may chafe and short out. Toyota will replace any damaged wire harnesses, and install a protective sleeve on all harnesses to prevent damage.
How Long Will the 2018 Toyota Prius Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Toyota Prius can last over 300,000 miles, which is much longer than other hybrids like the Chevy Spark. Owners should be prepared for hybrid battery replacements around every 100,000 miles, which cost $2,500 to $5,000. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than many competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $314 per year.
As a used 2018 Prius reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the fuel filter for $250, A/C expansion valve costing $450, along with the coolant reservoir which costs $500.
I have not had any problems with this car. Toyota is known for having long lasting cars. I would consider it very reliable.
Yes it is very reliable. I haven't had any issues with it at all. I have always driven Toyotas and they last forever.
Yes it is very reliable. I have not had any issues with the car. It also has reliable and easy maintenance program.
I have had no issues with my Prime. It works as described. The car is relatively new, but has had no short term reliability issues.
I got my car in December and I have had no issues with it. I get free maintenance for a year which is helpful and the car tells me when to schedule my appointments.
So far, it is extremely reliable. It has no problems that we have encountered so far. Of course, it is a relatively new vehicle.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good with a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 7-inch touchscreen and a stronger JBL audio system.
Standard safety features are excellent, offering:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitor
- Head-up display
- Park assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Is the 2018 Toyota Prius a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Toyota Prius is a great value since it’s very reliable while offering extremely low ownership costs as it ages. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $20,450 to $29,998, making it more than a Chevy Spark or BMW i3. When new, the price range was $23,475 to $30,565. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 3% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Prius?
There are seven main models of the 2018 Toyota Prius offered from the entry-level One to the more well-equipped Four Touring. The Prius comes standard with front-wheel drive across the lineup.
One is the entry-level model with:
- 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
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Cloth upholstery
- Height-adjustable driver seat
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
- 1-inch touchscreen display
- Rearview camera
- Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
- Voice recognition with Siri Eyes Free
- Six-speaker audio system with a USB port, auxiliary audio jack, and CD player
- Automatic high beams
- Forward collision warning
- Forward collision mitigation with automatic braking
- Lane departure warning and intervention
Two is a small step up adding:
- Includes all features of Prius One, plus:
- Rear window wiper
- Safety Plus package (includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and automated parking assist)
Two Eco has some changes such as:
- Ultra-low-rolling resistance tires
- Lighter lithium-ion hybrid battery
- Inflation kit instead of a spare tire
- Illuminated keyless entry
Three is next in the lineup with:
- Simulated leather on the steering wheel and armrests
- White interior accents
- Wireless phone charging pad
- Toyota Entune premium infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, navigation, satellite radio, HD radio
- Access to apps like Pandora, iHeartRadio, OpenTable, and Yelp with smartphone integration
- Safety Plus package available as a no-cost add-on
- Optional Advanced Technology package (sunroof and head-up display)
Three Touring offers more upgrades including:
- Includes all features of Prius Three, plus:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Fog Lights
- LED clearance lights
- Unique rear bumper styling
- Imitation-leather upholstery with contrasting blue stitching
Four is a popular model which has:
- Automatic wipers
- Simulated leather upholstery with contrasting white stitching
- Heated front seats
- Power driver seat with adjustable lumbar
- Seatback storage pockets
- Rear cargo cover
- Safety Plus package available as a no-cost add-on
- Optional Advanced Technology package (sunroof and head-up display)
Four Touring is the flagship model with:
- Includes all features of Prius Four, plus:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Fog Lights
- LED clearance lights
- Unique rear bumper styling
- Imitation-leather upholstery with contrasting blue stitching
- Premium Convenience package available (10-speaker JBL audio system, self-parking system, Safety Connect emergency services)
What Engines Come In the Toyota Prius?
The 2018 Toyota Prius is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, yielding a total of 121 horsepower with great gas mileage at 52 MPG. This hybrid system is mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (ECVT). Regarding performance, the Prius can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 10.5 seconds.
What Colors Does the Toyota Prius Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Prius?
The 2018 Toyota Prius is highly praised for its comfortable and quiet ride, making it an excellent choice for long drives. Its seats are supportive and well-cushioned, accommodating both short and long trips without causing discomfort. The Prius can comfortably seat up to five people, with plenty of legroom in both the front and rear seats, even for taller adults.
The car is equipped with an impressive suspension system that handles road imperfections adeptly, providing a smooth and controlled ride. In terms of noise insulation, the 2018 Prius performs commendably. The hybrid powertrain is quiet, and the car effectively minimizes wind and road noise, contributing to a serene driving environment.
Moreover, the climate control system works efficiently to keep the cabin at a comfortable temperature. The layout of the dashboard and controls is intuitive and user-friendly, adding to the overall comfort. For those particularly concerned about comfort, higher trims offer additional amenities such as heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Prius Have?
The 2018 Toyota Prius offers a good amount of cargo space for a hybrid car. The Prius has 24.6 cubic feet of space behind its rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo space expands to 27.4 cubic feet.
To put that into perspective, 24.6 cubic feet of space is large enough to hold an average-sized checked luggage bag and a few carry-on items. When you expand the cargo space to 27.4 cubic feet, you could fit in a bicycle (with the front wheel removed), a large flat screen TV (around 50-60 inches), or multiple large suitcases and several smaller bags.
However, keep in mind that the shape of your items will determine whether they fit. While these cubic feet measurements can give you a general idea, they cannot account for irregularly shaped items or items that need to remain upright.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Toyota Prius was launched for the 2016 model year.
2015: Rearview camera is now standard on all models.
2016: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new exterior, interior, technology, and an upgraded engine.
2017: Standard Toyota Safety Sense driver aids on all models.
2018: No major changes from earlier years.
2019: All-wheel drive models added to the lineup, some small styling changes, and the models have been renamed.
2020: New 7-inch screen is standard on all models, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2021: Small changes to the driver safety software.
How Does the Toyota Prius Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Toyota Prius is a fantastic small hybrid car, offering outstanding long-term reliability ratings paired with very low running costs, making it a great choice for shoppers looking for a daily driver.
The Tesla Model 3 is another small car available for around $5,500 more. Performance is better in the Tesla Model 3, while the Toyota Prius offers more cargo room with its hatchback design. We recommend the Toyota Prius since it can go farther and is quicker to refill with gas, unless you’re looking for a full electric car, then the Model 3 is a great choice.
The Hyundai Ioniq is another hybrid available for about $2,000 less. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Ioniq, while the Toyota Prius has better long-term reliability ratings. We recommend the Toyota Prius since it will last longer and is more affordable to own.
Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Prius?
Yes. It is a great vehicle with excellent gas mileage. It drives well and has a comfortable amount of space. The hatchback allows for luggage and other goods even bikes.
Yes. It drives well and uses a minimal amount of gas. It is small and easy to park. It lasts a long time as well.
Yes it is a great car. It saves a ton of energy and runs great. It has a lot of trunk space and I love that the seats fold down.
Yes. It has great gas mileage and luxury features at an affordable price. It also qualifies for tax credits which makes it more affordable. Toyota also has great reliability.
Yes. It gets great mileage. Every aspect of it is built to save gas. I don't feel guilty driving far. With just a 9 gallon tank I can go over 500 miles. It also has lots of trunk space and I have used it to move to college easily.
It is a fantastic vehicle. We love the fact that we usually get 60 miles per gallon. Also, love the breaking feature.
