Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020) Review

Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Toyota Prius+ is the best seven-seat full hybrid vehicle you can buy. That’s because it’s the only seven-seat full hybrid vehicle you can buy.

+Spacious cabin with flexible seating for seven, even the entry-level version offers a generous level of kit, excellent reliability record.

-Dated architecture – it’s based on the old Prius, overpriced when new, modern hybrids are more efficient.

Insurance Groups are between 11–16
On average it achieves 87% of the official MPG figure

Fortunately, Toyota knows a thing or two about hybrids, so the Prius+ is pretty good at what it sets out to do. This means good economy, plenty of standard equipment and flexible seating for seven people. It’s based on the previous-generation Prius, so it’s certainly showing its age, but if you favour practicality over excitement, the Prius+ is worth a look. Because it’s expensive when new, we’d recommend buying a used example.

Even in this age of electrification, seven-seat hybrid vehicles are thin on the ground. We could point you in the direction of the Lexus RX L, but you probably don’t fancy spending the best part of £53,000 on a luxury SUV.

For now at least, the Toyota Prius+ is the best car in a class of one. The only seven-seat hybrid MPV you can buy. Given the dwindling popularity of the MPV, it’s likely to be the sole occupant of this niche for a little while longer.

Because it’s based on the previous-generation Toyota Prius, you need to ask yourself if you really need seven seats. If you don’t, the current Toyota Prius or Toyota Corolla Touring Sports would make more sense. They’re more efficient, nicer to live with and come with the latest tech.

Not that we’re about to declare the Toyota Prius+ null and void in 2020. Although it’s clearly on borrowed time, the 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain is smooth and relatively efficient, even if it can’t live up to the optimistic fuel economy claims of when it was new in 2012. Up to 48mpg is respectable, but we’d recommend a diesel car if you spend most of your time on the motorway.

It’s a good car for the city, where the excellent visibility, light steering and relaxed CVT transmission combine to make driving a stress-free experience. The CVT is frustrating and noisy once you’re beyond the city limits, but adopt a relaxed driving style and it’s perfectly adequate. It actually drives quite nicely – far better than you’d think.

Inside, the Prius+ offers seating for seven, although the third row is best reserved for children. Although it’s possible to slide the middle row of seats forward to provide more room for people in the very back, the Prius+ works best as a ‘5+2’ MPV. There’s a huge amount of boot space available with the third row of seats folded down, while the luggage capacity is positively van-like with all five rear seats folded down.

The cabin itself is a little sombre, with the dashboard, doors and centre console finished in hard-wearing materials. It feels built to last, but you won’t find any of the fancy materials you might see in a family car with a premium badge. A touchscreen infotainment system is standard across the range, but the display is small and dated.

Even the entry-level Icon model is well-equipped, but we’d recommend the more lavish Excel if you’re buying a used Toyota Prius+. In fact, we wouldn’t recommend buying a new Prius+. It’s too expensive and suffers from steep depreciation. Insist on a big discount if you decide to buy an unregistered example.

Is it worth the money? Based on the sombre cabin, the old powertrain, dull styling and cramped third row, probably not. But if you’re after a seven-seat hybrid MPV, this is your best and only option.

Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020) handling and engines

Driving Rating
Does the Toyota Prius+ look like a sports car? Precisely, so you wouldn’t expect it to drive like one. That said, it’s far nicer to drive than you might imagine.

Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020): Handling and ride quality

It corners well, with less body-roll than many of its MPV rivals. This is good news for your passengers, but don’t push it too far. If you want to buy a more exciting Toyota, we’d recommend the GT86. Just tell your passengers to take the bus.

The Prius+ is great in the city, where the good visibility, light steering and relaxed CVT transmission combine to make it easy to drive and park. Thanks to the 16-inch alloy wheels, the Icon model provides the best ride quality, although the Excel is far from uncomfortable on 17-inch rims.

The car starts in electric mode, so you’ll enjoy near-silent acceleration in the city. Overall, the Prius+ feels quiet and refined, but the experience is less polished on faster roads.

There’s a fair amount of wind and road noise on the motorway, while the CVT gearbox is frustrating and annoying when you’re trying to make swift progress. If you intend to spend most of your time on a motorway, an MPV with a diesel engine would make more sense.

Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020): Engines

The Prius+ is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. It’s not possible to recharge the battery by plugging the car into the mains, but around a mile of electric range is available at low speeds.

Although it’s far from quick, the petrol engine delivers smooth acceleration, but the CVT is a source of constant frustration. It does its best to put a stranglehold on the engine, which, when combined with the weight of the battery pack, makes the Prius+ feel heavy and unwieldy.

There are three on-demand driving modes: EV, Eco and Power. Sticking the car in Power mode improves things a little, but it only serves to make the CVT even more whiny.

On the other hand, Eco mode creates a driving experience that’s akin to wading through treacle in a pair of wellies that are a size too big. Don’t ask us how we know this.

Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020): Safety

Although the Toyota Prius+ hasn’t been crash-tested by Euro NCAP, the previous-generation was given a five-star rating in 2009.

Standard features include hill-start assist, a tyre pressure warning system, seven airbags, whiplash injury lessening seats and Isofix points on the outer second row of seats. Rear parking sensors are an option.

All versions of the Prius+ benefit from Toyota’s Safety Sense system. This comprises road sign assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam and adaptive cruise control.

Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020): Towing

It’s not possible to tow anything with the Toyota Prius+. This was confirmed on the Toyota website: ‘We do not offer bike racks for the back of the Prius Plus as it has no towing capability, meaning that there is no tow hitch for this to attach to.’

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
Plug-In Hybrid 48–69 mpg 11.3–11.8 s 96–101 g/km

Real MPG average for the Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

87%

Real MPG

40–60 mpg

MPGs submitted

26

Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020) interior

Interior Rating
Although you won’t find any soft-touch plastics or plush materials in the Prius+, everything feels hard-wearing and built to last.
Dimensions
Length 4615 mm
Width 1775 mm
Height 1575 mm
Wheelbase 2780 mm

Full specifications

Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020): Practicality

The Prius+ suffers from the same problem as many MPVs: space is limited in the third row. The seats are fine for children, but adults won’t enjoy spending too much time back there. You can slide the middle seats forward to provide more legroom for the people in the cheap seats, but this simply reduces the space for anyone in the middle.

In fairness, the Prius+ offers a cavernous 768 litres of luggage capacity with the third row of seats folded down, while Toyota’s Easy Flat 7 system means you’re presented with a totally flat floor when the five rear seats aren’t in use. For such a relatively compact car, the amount of boot and cabin space is impressive, especially when you take into account the petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.

The Prius+ also scores well for its large door pockets, five cupholders, two gloveboxes and big centre storage bin.

Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020): Quality and finish

Materials designed to withstand countless Happy Meals, boiled sweets and skinny lattes are more important than fancy stuff that looks great in the showroom.

Crucially, all versions get a leather-trimmed steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, front and rear electric windows and cruise control, so the perceived quality is good.

The Excel model adds heated front seats, rear privacy glass, rear sunshades and synthetic leather seat bolsters. It’s all rather acceptable rather than impressive, but we can almost guarantee that the cabin will feel just as good after 150,000 miles as it did when it left the showroom.

Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020): Infotainment

All versions come with a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, reversing camera and a CD player. The Excel trim adds sat-nav, real-time traffic information and a range of connected services.

The system feels a generation or two behind rival infotainment units. The screen is too small, while the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto puts the Prius+ at odds with many of its competitors. Earlier versions could be equipped with one of five Entertainment packs, one of which included a twin DVD system. A CD player and a DVD player – a lot has changed in the eight years since the Prius+ launched in the UK.

Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020) value for money

Value for Money Rating
Used prices start from around £9000. Alternatively, you can find Japanese imports for a little less, but these will come without any UK service history.

Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020): Prices

The entry-level Prius+ Icon costs £27,835, while the Prius+ Excel costs £30,180. Options are few and far between, but the list includes metallic paint (£545), pearlescent paint (£795), Toyota Touch 2 with Go (£649, but standard on Excel), rear parking sensors (£299) and a couple of protection packs.

These prices put the Prius+ roughly in line with the most expensive versions of the Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid, but it’s worth remembering that the Prius+ is based on the older Toyota Prius.

We wouldn’t recommend paying full price for a new Toyota Prius+. These cars suffer from heavy depreciation, so you’ll lose thousands of pounds within the first few months. Besides, Toyota dealers offer substantial discounts, even before you’ve started haggling. We found unregistered examples with discounts of up to £2000.

A post-facelift Prius+ will cost at least £13,500, but because the powertrain was upgraded in 2015 to comply with Euro6 emissions standards, these versions make more sense.

Finance deals start from less than £200 when buying on a hire purchase (HP) contract. Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) deals are available for between £300 and £350 a month. Because the Prius+ suffers from heavy depreciation, the monthly payments are a little on the high side. Buying a more popular MPV would save you money.

Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020): Running Costs

The Toyota Prius+ could return up to 48.7mpg on a combined cycle. Real MPG data suggests you should see around 49.9mpg, so the official figure is not only accurate, it’s possible to beat it. Don’t be fooled by the old claims of 64.2mpg to 68.9mpg. These figures were based on the NEDC test, which is less accurate than the current WLTP method.

Insurance is inexpensive, with the Icon model slotting into group 11. Even the Excel model is group 12, which is low for a seven-seat MPV. For context, the rates for the Renault Grand Scenic range from 12 to 21.

First-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is £140 for the Icon (106g/km CO2) and £160 for the Excel (112g/km CO2). The rate drops to £140 from year two. You’ll pay the same for Prius+ models registered on or after 1 April 2017 and before 31 March 2020.

How much you’ll pay for an earlier car depends on whether the Prius+ was registered during the NEDC or WLTP test cycles. For example, some early examples are listed with CO2 emissions as low as 96/gkm. As a result, these cars are exempt from VED.

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Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020) models and specs

The Toyota Prius+ would suit someone who spends the vast majority of their time ferrying two or three children to locations in the city. The hybrid powertrain feels at home in urban environments, while the extra seats in the back will come in handy if you’re asked to take your children’s friends home from school.

The Icon trim covers the essentials, but Excel is worth the added expense for the sat-nav, heated seats and park assist. Just don’t pay full price for a Prius+ – it makes more sense as a used MPV

Dimensions
Length 4615 mm
Width 1775 mm
Height 1575 mm
Wheelbase 2780 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1565–1575 kg
Boot Space 200–768 L
Warranty 5 years / 100000 miles
Servicing 10000 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Space-saving spare wheel
Costs
List Price £26,495–£31,930
Insurance Groups 11–16
Road Tax Bands A–Alternative fuel, B
Official MPG 48.0–68.9 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until April 2021

Medium MPV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Estate 1.8 VVTi Excel CVT 5dr £30,175 48.0 mpg 11.3 s
Estate 1.8 VVTi Excel Plus CVT 5dr £31,930 64.2 mpg 11.3 s
Estate 1.8 VVTi Icon CVT 5dr £27,830 51.1 mpg 11.3 s

On sale until September 2013

People Carrier
Version List Price MPG 0-62
T Spirit Hybrid 5dr Auto £29,795 64.2 mpg 11.8 s
T4 Hybrid 5dr Auto £26,495 68.9 mpg 11.8 s

Model History

March 2011

Toyota Prius+ makes debut

It is the first full hybrid model in Europe to offer seven seats, combining family friendly versatility with strong environmental performance and advanced technology.

As its name suggests, Prius+ provides a significant increase in space and passenger accommodation compared to its sister hatchback model. There are three independent, split-folding second row seats and a 50:50 split-folding third row. In spite of the increase in size, it retains the fundamental performance benefits associated with Prius, including the lowest fuel consumption of any seven-seater on the market.

Set to go on sale during the first half of 2012, Prius+ is a new vehicle, designed from the ground up. Its exterior represents an evolution of the established Prius design, rather than simply being an elongated version of the standard model.

The look of the new car is characterised by its extended roofline with an integrated panoramic (fixed) sunroof. It retains the Prius triangular silhouette and achieves a Cd 0.29 drag coefficient. The trapezoidal front end incorporates sharp-edged headlamps, flat, vertical ‘aero’ corners that reduce air turbulence, and an enlarged lower grille to improve aerodynamics and engine cooling.

The rear of the car features a top-hinged tailgate, intricate lamp clusters and a roof spoiler that further manages smooth airflow.

Prius+ is equipped with the latest generation of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive and is the first Toyota non-plug-in hybrid to use a lithium-ion battery pack. The compact dimensions of this battery – first introduced in Prius Plug-in – allow it to be contained entirely beneath the second row seats, which means passenger and loadspace and the vehicle’s interior flexibility are unaffected.

As in the standard Prius, Prius+ features three ‘on-demand’ drive modes so that capabilities of the hybrid powertrain can be fully exploited. EV mode allows the car to be driven on electric motor power alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions; ECO mode maximises hybrid system efficiency and fuel economy, while POWER mode sharpens response and boosts performance.

April 2012

Toyota Prius+ available to order

Priced from £26,195, first UK deliveries of Toyota's new 7-seater Prius Plus take place in July 2012.

This is the first mainstream Toyota hybrid to use a lighter and more compact lithium-ion battery pack and in T4 trim emits just 96g/km CO2, making it the only seven-seat model on the UK market to come in below the 100g/km CO2 threshold for zero road tax. (CO2 from the T Spirit is 101g/km.) Official fuel economy figures are 68.9mpg for the T4 and 64.2mpg for the T Spirit.

Installing the slim lithium-ion battery neatly within the centre console avoids any intrusion on the space available for rear seat passengers and for load carrying. Five separate folding rear seats are provided and with all of these in place there is 200 litres of luggage space; with the third row stowed, this figure rises to 505 litres.

The range of equipment and styling options for Prius+ is awaiting confirmation, but leather upholstery and the Toyota Touch and Go Plus system will both be available for T4models. Seven exterior colours are available for Prius+: Pure White and Astral Black (solid); Decuma Grey, Tyrol Silver, Vermilion Red and Orion Blue (metallics); and White Pearl (pearlescent). The T4 grade comes with Hayama grey cloth upholstery, with Nagara black leather fitted to the T Spirit.

October 2014

Toyota Prius+ updated for 2015

The revised front-end features a new upper grille and a more prominent Toyota badge that extends the forward line of the bonnet. There are new LED headlights, which use a cylindrical projector for both high and low beam. Their slim profile and contrasting black and chrome plating give Prius+ a distinctive sharp-eyed appearance.

Two new body colours will be available: Dark Sherry metallic and Attitude Black mica (details of UK colours will be announced later).

Changes in the cabin include a dark silver metallic finish for the driver’s switchgear and the air conditioning dial control and a chrome finish for the door handles. There are two new chrome-trimmed, slim-line air vents in the centre console and a new 4.2-inch colour TFT information screen, controlled using switchgear on the steering wheel.

The 2015 Prius+ is fitted as standard with the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system, including touchscreen control, Bluetooth and reversing camera. This can be upgraded – Toyota Touch 2 with Go – to provide additional satellite navigation, live traffic information and, via Toyota’s online portal, an expanded range of connected services, text-to-speech function and 3D city modelling with landmark graphics.

The equipment upgrade extends to the availability of electric seat adjustment, a front centre armrest and Intelligent Park Assist. Safety features have also been improved with the introduction of an emergency brake signal, which triggers all side indicators in the event of sudden braking. Hill-start Assist Control is automatically activated when the car detects an uphill gradient.

Toyota has also improved Prius+ ride and handling, making adjustments to the suspension damping force. New sound absorption material has been introduced in the side of the rear compartment to reduce noise intrusion in the cabin. The hybrid powertrain has been upgraded to comply with Euro6 emissions standards.

December 2014

Toyota confirmed prices and specifications for 2015 Prius+

to UK buyers. A new three-grade line-up increases choice, with Excel Plus joins the established Icon and Excel models.

All 2015 Prius come with LED headlamps, new LED rear light clusters and a sharper front-end treatment. Entry level Icon gains latest Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with touchscreen, Bluetooth, DAB digital radio and reversing camera, plus TPMS. Inside gets redesigned centre console, dark trim finish and improved seat fabrics. A colour TFT screen has been added to the upper instrument panel.

On Excel and Excel Plus models, Toyota Touch 2 with Go system adds navigation and connectivity, including access to live traffic information and, via Toyota’s online portal, an expanded range of connected services, text-to-speech function and 3D city modelling with landmark graphics.

Excel and Excel Plus Prius+ also feature Toyota’s Pre-Crash Safety system, which is designed to help the driver avoid a collision, or to reduce the consequences should an impact happen. PCS uses a millimetre-wave radar to scan the road ahead and determine the risk of an impact.

Adaptive Cruise Control uses the same radar to monitor the distance from the vehicle ahead when driving in traffic, slowing the Prius+ down safely when required and returning to the pre-set cruising speed when the road is clear.

Parking is easier with Toyota’s Intelligent Parking Assist. This will scan a viable parking space and provide automatic steering to guide the Prius+ into place (with the driver maintaining control of the brakes and throttle). The system can also help you exit from a tight parking space.

Additional features on the Excel Plus model include full leather seat upholstery and, reinforcing Prius+ status as an excellent family vehicle, a twin DVD rear seat entertainment package.

The arrival of the new 2015 Prius+ is also marked by the addition of two new metallic paint options: Sienna Bronze and Galaxy Black.

Prius+ retains its smooth, refined and efficient hybrid powertrain, delivering official combined cycle performance figures of 68.9mpg and (road tax-exempt) 96g/km when fitted with 16-inch wheels and 64.2mpg and 101g/km with 17-inch wheels.

Key equipment features

ICON

EXCEL adds

EXCEL PLUS adds

16in alloy wheels

17in alloy wheels

Full leather seat upholstery

Dusk-sensing headlights

Pre-Crash Safety system

DVD rear seat entertainment package (x2 independent monitors)

Rain-sensing wipers

Adaptive Cruise Control

Toyota Touch 2 with DAB, Bluetooth and 6 speakers

Intelligent Park Assist

Reversing camera
LED headlights
Colour TFT screen
Smart Entry and Start
Front fog lamps
Rear privacy glass
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Heated front seats
Automatic air conditioning
Cruise Control
Tyre pressure warning system

Prices and options

On-the-road prices for the 2015 Prius+: -

MODEL

OTR PRICE

Icon

£26,995

Excel

£29,245

Excel Plus

£31,245

Option availability and prices are as follows: -

OPTION

GRADES

PRICE

Toyota 2 with Go

Icon

£750

Rear seat DVD entertainment package

Icon, Excel

£1,250

Leather seat upholstery

Icon, Excel

£1,700

Parking Pack

All grades

£550

Protection Pack

All grades

£325

Metallic paint

All grades

£495

Pearlescent paint

All grades

£650

The 2015 Prius+ is available to order now, with first customer deliveries from January 2015.

May 2016

Toyota introduced improvements to the Prius+

Include changes to make it respond more naturally to the accelerator pedal.

This follows adoption of the same changes in the 2016 Prius, the Auris hybrid and Auris Touring Sport hybrid. These use more electric power to support the performance of the 1.8-litre VVT-i Atkinson cycle petrol engine and maintain acceleration performance while reducing engine revs by around 1000rpm. The result is a more relaxed, smoother and quieter drive, reinforcing the hallmark quiet, responsive and intuitive drive quality of Toyota’s full hybrid technology.

The cabin has been improved through a series of additional sound insulation and absorption measures introduced in the door frames, the lower sections of the side and rear doors, the dashboard and the vehicle platform. A tunnel silencer has also been added.

What to watch out for

05-08-2015:

All 'current' Toyota sat-navs use the same software. There is a manufacturer's advisory that if customers complain about nonsense directions in UK, France or Spain and their sat-nav has Software Version: 2.8.4al it requires upgrading free of charge, takes about one hour.

What does the Toyota Prius+ (2012 – 2020) cost?