Whether you are thinking about buying a Prius or you already own one, there might be one question plaguing you: how long do Prius last? It is highly crucial to know about your car’s lifespan. It could save you so much! Think about it, if you do not know how long your car is supposed to last, and you overuse it to the point where it breaks down in the middle of the road, you will be in big trouble.
Luckily, Toyota Prius has a long life span. In most cases, owners of a Prius can drive their cars for over a decade. And, with the appropriate mods, these cars can easily last longer. After all, they did not become the best-selling hybrid car in America for nothing.
But, before we get into the answer of how long does Prius last, let’s discuss a few other things. The topics we will be discussing in the following article can be helpful to anyone who is thinking about getting a Prius or just wondering about its longevity. So, stick around till the end to find out how long do Prius last.
- About Prius
- Generations Of Prius
- BenefitsÂ
- The Prius Battery
- Signs Of A Dying Battery
- How Long Does It Last
- How To Increase Its Lifespan
- A Very Short Cons List
What Is A Prius?
A Toyota Prius is a full hybrid car that uses its gasoline engine and battery pack to make traveling efficient and comfortable. It has an excellent gas mileage estimate for a reasonable price range. Its dependable qualities are why it has remained everyone’s go-to car since 1997.
Although initially only released in Japan, it quickly came to the United States in 2000, where its reliability caught everyone’s eye. Its sales skyrocketed in 2005, and since then, over 4.3 million have been sold. Its resourcefulness and sustainability have made it so that people all over the globe rely on it.
Here is a fun fact for you: the word “Prius” is a Latin word that means “prior” or “to go before.” Its name shows Toyota’s plan to create a car that comes superior to any of its competitors. And, let me tell you, it does not disappoint.
Generations Of Prius
At first, let’s dive into the history of Prius cars based on their generations.
1997-2003
Prius cars have evolved a lot since they were first unveiled in 1997. The 1st generation Prius, 1997-2003, was launched with the primary objective of engine efficiency. This vehicle, promoted with the tagline “Just in time for the 21st century”, immediately won people’s hearts with fuel efficiency like no other. Seriously, the Japanese 10-15 test cycle had a fuel efficiency rating of 28.0 km/l.
In the year 2000, when it was introduced to America, its reliability and minimal fuel consumption rose the car’s popularity, especially due to America’s economic state.
2003-2009
Following the surge in popularity, Prius went through its first significant change in terms of design. Its aerodynamics improved with its unique design called the “triangle silhouette.” The “triangle silhouette” referred to how its highest point was over the driver’s seat, and it gently sloped downwards in both directions.
Additionally, as opposed to the 1st generation, which had the Toyota Hybrid System (THS), the 2nd generation came equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System II. This increased its fuel efficiency rating to 35.5 km/l in its 10-15 test cycle.
2009-2015
For the 3rd generation, the Prius continued to sport its “triangle silhouette” look, but with a larger body. Its THS engine features an increased size from 1.5 liters to 1.8 liters. And, the 3rd generation also had the 10-15 test cycle fuel efficiency rating of 38.0 km/l.
2015-Present
The ongoing 4th generation Prius, which also features the “triangle silhouette,” has a lower center of gravity. This means that it has a smoother ride quality. With the center of gravity lowered, you will be able to maintain both stability and balance better even during sharper turns.
Moreover, it also has a fuel efficiency rating of 40.8 km/l in the Japanese JC08 test cycle, meaning it is more efficient than ever! To find out more details about the evolution of the Toyota Prius, head over to here.
The Benefits Of A Prius
Before buying the Prius, you have to consider how it will benefit you. So, allow me to tell you about its numerous pros!
1. Reliability
The Prius’ selling point is its reliability and sustainability. Not only can Prius’ drive long distances without the need for frequent refuels, but they also do not take much maintenance either. The newer models are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense and responsive steering and handling systems. The roadside assistance programs it provides mean you are less likely to get into car accidents.
2. Excellent EPA
The Prius has an outstanding fuel economy rating. With the help of this car, you can finally stop worrying a little less about global warming. It emits less carbon into the atmosphere than other cars that have combustion engines.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2021 Prius Eco has 56 mpg- 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway. This means that it is extremely environmentally friendly. Yes, you read that right! The EPA of the Prius is that good! And, if you want more details on the EPA, feel free to go through the linked article.
3. Comfortable Ride
As I have mentioned previously, the 4th generation of Prius has a lower center of gravity. This accounts for a smoother ride than any other vehicle can provide. With the latest Prius models, you will not even have to worry about losing your balance during sharp curves.
Although its exterior looks compact, the car has a spacious interior and comfortable seats. The hatchback style of the Prius also allows enough space for cargo. The car itself has easy access to entry and exit, and the controls are fairly easy to get accustomed to. So, no more fumbling to figure out how the car works while you are in the middle of the road.
4. Reasonable Price
Compared to other cars that provide the same features, the Prius is reasonably priced. In the early 2000s, the price of a Prius was around $20,000, while today, it has gone up to a little over $25,000. Not a very dramatic change, am I right? Rely on Toyota to make a hybrid car that most people can afford.
For the amount of space, it provides and considering it has a great EPA, the price point of the Prius is perfect. However, if it’s still a car that is a bit over your budget, you could consider looking into buying a used Prius.
5. Perfect For Families
Remember how I mentioned that the disadvantages of a Prius can be overlooked based on what you are looking for in a car? Well, let me explain what I meant. The Prius might be a little slow as it is not a sports car, but it is excellent if you have children. With children on board, you do not want to drive too fast. It is better to take things nice and slow with them.
The spacious seating can provide enough legroom for everyone in the family, and the cargo is the perfect size for family outings. In addition, by reducing carbon emissions, you are saving your children’s health and creating a better world for them.
6. Longevity
The longevity of the Prius is sure to impress anyone. If you take good care of it and perform maintenance from time to time, it could easily last you for 12-15 years. It has a great battery lifespan, and you will not have to spend a lot of time and money taking care of it. Overall, it is a low-maintenance car that can easily fit into your lifestyle, and you will not have to worry too much about how long do Prius last.
The Prius Battery
When considering how long do Prius last, the first thing that needs to be discussed is the Prius’ battery. The Prius is a full hybrid car, meaning that they can run on just a combustion engine, or just an electric engine, or even a combination of both. So, a good portion of a Prius’ power is drawn through its battery pack.
The battery is located in the trunk, where it stays ventilated. But, what kind of battery does the Prius use? According to Green Car Reports, a Prius battery contains the energy of 1.6 kilowatt-hours, and its power output is 27 kilowatts, the same as 36 horsepower. These cells are connected in a series and can produce 201.6 volts.
Sounds extremely powerful, doesn’t it? But, unfortunately, it has a lifespan too. Once used for long enough, say a decade or two, it slowly stops working.
Signs Of A Dying Battery
Many things can affect the lifespan of a Prius’ battery, but first, let’s talk about what a dying battery looks like. After all, you need to recognize the illness to treat it.
1. Quick Battery Consumption
A tell-tale sign of a dying battery is quick battery consumption. There has to be something wrong with the battery losing its charge too quickly. And, chances are, it is at the end of its lifespan.
2. Battery Not Starting
Another obvious sign is that your battery will not turn on. If you have been using the same battery for a while now, and it does not start at all or takes a very long time to start, it could be dying.
3. Jerky Car Ride
If you are driving a car that keeps stopping in the middle of the road or jerking every time you step on the accelerator, your battery needs a checkup. Since Prius cars are known for having a smooth ride, you might need to change the battery if your driving conditions are shaky.
4. Poor Fuel Economy
Poor fuel economy means your vehicle has bad gas mileage and is not running as efficiently as it should.
If you notice you are filling up your car with gas more often than usual, it is high time you get it checked.
What Affects A Prius Battery Lifespan
As time passes, wear and tear on a car’s battery is inevitable. But there are a few causes that could be affecting your battery’s lifespan that you should still be wary of. And if these things involve your car, it might need a battery replacement.
Accident Or Damage
If your car was recently involved in an accident, and you have been noticing the signs of a dying battery, try to get it checked out. The longer you run on a damaged battery, the more longevity it reduces.
Age And Usage
The condition of your battery depends on how much you use it and how long you use it. If you do not use your car for long road trips, the battery will age slower. With little usage, your battery would last for about ten years. However, if you frequently use the car, you might need to change it every five years or so.
Mileage
Keeping track of mileage is very important if you want a healthy battery. If your car covers a lot of mileage within a short amount of time, the battery could overheat and break down faster.
Overheating
Overheating affects the battery more than you think. If your battery overheats frequently, it can catch on fire or burst! You must stay wary of this and overwork your car. Also, regularly check the ventilation to ensure it is not blocked by anything and take every safety measure.
Infrequent Maintenance
Just like humans need full body checkups at least once a year, cars need regular maintenance as well. Infrequent maintenance will result in you not knowing something is wrong with your car until the very last moment.
Full Completion/Depletion Of Charge
If you frequently drive your car until the battery’s charge is completely depleted, your battery will start to give out faster. Similarly, your battery could get affected negatively if you constantly charge it to the full 100%.
How Long Do Prius Last
So, now that you know all the ways your battery could affect your car’s longevity, it is time to answer your question- how long do Prius last. As established already, Prius is a very durable car, and its sustainability is like no other. Considering that, your Toyota Prius should last for about 10-15 years.
Typically, Prius owners can get around 200,000-250,000 miles from these cars without problems. And, if you are someone who takes extra good care of your car, then you can expect it to last for over 300,000 miles and about two decades. As I said, they are durable!
With a car like this, you don’t have to worry about how long do Prius last. Its great mileage is like no other, and you do not even have to worry too much about the battery dying. As long as you maintain it and do not overuse it, you are good to go!
How Long Do Prius Last: How To Increase Prius’ Lifespan
Maintaining a Prius is not tricky. You shouldn’t have to spend too much time or money on it if you use it appropriately. You have to keep a few things in mind:
- Do not overuse your Prius’ battery. Turn it off as soon as you can if it starts overheating.
- Do not keep the headlights on and the air conditioner running. They both consume too much power, so unnecessarily leaving them on will do your battery more harm than good.
- Cover it during extreme weather conditions. Do not let the battery cook under the sun, and do not let it freeze in a snow blizzard either.
- Keep track of its age and the mileage it has covered. Unless you want your car to break down mid-travel, make sure you keep tabs on the battery and engine.
- Recondition your battery. If you notice that the battery is getting weak, take it to the servicing shop and recondition it to save thousands of dollars on a new battery.
- Keep the car well ventilated. Make sure there isn’t any debris inside the vents or engine. Installing an auxiliary fan can help you keep your battery cool too.
- Get good parts. If something in the car breaks or gets damaged, replace it with good parts. They might cost a bit more money, but they will be worth every penny. Especially since they will not break down as often.
How Long Do Prius Last: Lifespan Of A Prius Vs Other Toyota Hybrid Cars
The lifespan of a Prius, compared to its price, is significantly better than any of its competitors. Usually, hybrid cars with similar specs and features cost a lot more than the Prius.
For instance, other Toyota hybrid cars that have similar specs for a higher price would be:
How Long Do Prius Last: Toyota Camry
Toyota Camrys have an average mileage of 200,000-300,000 miles. However, they cost more. Their base price starts at $25,000, and their latest models can go up to 36,000, which isn’t the most affordable.
How Long Do Prius Last: Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corollas, too, have a 300,000-mile limit, but their prices can vary depending on size. The starting price of a Toyota Corolla similar to a Prius can be over $26,000.
How Long Do Prius Last: Toyota Highlander
Owners of Toyota Highlanders have said to go over the 300,000-mile mark quickly. However, if you look at the price range, you will know why. The latest Highlander models can start at a price range between $35,000 – $47,000!
How Long Do Prius Last: Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 has been said to have a mileage of 200,000-250,000 miles at the starting price point of over $26,000. Compared to Prius, not only is it more expensive, but it also provides less mileage.
How Long Do Prius Last: Lifespan Of A Prius Vs Other Hybrid Cars
Other than Toyota, some other hybrid cars that can be compared to the Prius are:
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Ford Fusion Hybrids are known to have the mile mark of 150,000-200,000, and their pricing starts at $28,000.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Hyundai Sonata Hybrids have a life expectancy of 6-10 years (for more insight, check out our guide on the Hyundai Sonata life expectancy) and provide the mileage of 150,000 for the base price of 35,300.
Honda Accord Hybrid
Honda Accord Hybrids have a mileage of up to 100,000 miles, which is significantly lower than the Prius, but it sits at a base price of $26,000.
How Long Do Prius Last: A Very Short Cons List
What’s interesting about the cons of this car is that they can be overlooked depending on what you are looking for in a car or which model you are looking at.
No Need For Speed
One of the two main disadvantages of this car is that, from a standstill, it takes the Prius nine seconds to accelerate to the speed of 100kmph. But it is not marketed as a sports car, and it’s not too bad considering all its other sustainable features.
Not Enough Tech-Advanced
The other disadvantage people seem to face is that its 2017 model does not have all the newest technological features that people want today. It does not have the Toyota Safety Sense, Android Auto Connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and GPS navigation.
However, the newer 2020 models and the upcoming 2022 Prius solves most of these problems! It comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, Android Auto Connectivity, Apple CarPlay, so rest assured, the GPS navigation is on its way.
Conclusion
How long does Prius last? Well, it depends. Typically, Toyota Prius last for 10-15 years and have a mileage of 200,000-250,000. However, they can last for about 20 years and serve 300,000 miles with proper maintenance! Prius’ pros outweigh their cons, and although there are factors that can affect their battery lives, they do reliable and sustainable rides.
Also, compared to other Toyota hybrid cars and hybrid cars from other companies, Prius has the best mileage and life expectancy for an affordable price. So, do not worry too much about the life expectancy of a Prius, and make your purchase as soon as possible!
