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2017 Toyota Prius review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
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Toyota Prius highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Standard driver-assistance technologies
  • Ample choice of trims
  • Hybrid powertrain is extremely thrifty

Cons

  • Lethargic acceleration
  • Poor instrument panel visibility
  • No Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ connectivity

Mileage (EPA estimate)

54 city, 50 highway, 52 combined

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Hybrid technology, hatchback style

Striking the perfect balance between style and efficiency, the Toyota Prius can be considered a hybrid powertrain legend (and rightly so). The 2017 Prius is graceful, handling city streets and highways equally well. Passengers are indulged, with extensive legroom, plenty of drink holders, and an abundance of connectivity tech. Seven different trims offer choice and value for your shopping budget, while a full suite of driver assistance aids becomes standard for the 2017 model year. In addition to its fuel-sipping stats, therefore, the Prius is a smart and sassy hatch that you and your crew will appreciate. Read on to discover more about the 2017 Toyota Prius.

All Toyota Prius years

What is new for the 2017 Toyota Prius?

  • The Prius is available in a new trim called the One.
  • The Four trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
  • The Three trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
  • The Two trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor, Automated Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
  • The Two Eco trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

2017 Toyota Prius trims

Curious how Toyota Prius trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

One: 

  • Features 15-inch wheels, LED running lights and taillights, heated mirrors, driver-door keyless entry, automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, cloth upholstery, 60/40-split folding rear seat, 6.1-inch touchscreen display, rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, six-speaker audio system, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more.

Two: 

  • Adds spare tire, rear-window wiper, front-row seatback pockets.

Two Eco: 

  • Adds illuminated keyless entry, power-adjustable front seats. Deletes rear-window wiper.

Three: 

  • Adds navigation, simulated leather accent finishing, wireless phone charging pad, seven-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and more. Unlocks the optional Advanced Technology package.

Three Touring: 

  • Adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, unique rear bumper styling, and simulated leather upholstery with contrasting blue stitching.

Four:

  •  Includes the Three trim features, and adds a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, power driver seat with adjustable lumbar, and more. Unlocks the optional Premium Convenience package. Deletes Three Touring features.

Four Touring:

  •  Includes all Four trim features, and adds Three Touring equipment.

View all Toyota Prius' in stock

Toyota Prius photos

5 reasons to buy the 2017 Toyota Prius

1. Wide-ranging trim options

2017 Toyota Prius Review: Exterior | CarMax

The 2017 Toyota Prius has seven trims for your consideration. When it comes to actually choosing the right vehicle for you and your loved ones, those minor equipment differences between trims allow you to focus on what you actually want (and need). New for 2017 is the Prius One, this base trim is packed with features. Constantly visiting new places? You'll want to pick the Three trim or above for built-in navigation. And for sports-tuned suspension, you'll need one of the Touring trims.

2. Fantastic fuel-economy figures

2017 Toyota Prius Review: Engine | CarMax

If you're shopping for a vehicle with the feel-good factor, the fuel economy figures of this hybrid hatch will certainly put a smile on your face. Toyota has been hitting the mark with the Prius for years now, and the 2017 version is no exception. The Prius Two Eco trim is the best performer in the 2017 trim lineup. Powered by the model's standard hybrid powertrain (1.8L engine, two electric motors) it's tuned to achieve an EPA-estimated 56 mpg combined.

 All other 2017 Prius trims have the same powertrain setup and achieve an EPA-estimated 52 mpg combined.

3. Athletic aerodynamics

2017 Toyota Prius Review: Fender | CarMax

If you're shopping for brains and beauty, you've come to the right place. The slick exterior of the 2017 Prius has actually been planned to precision; an aerodynamic design is at the heart of this good-looking hatchback. Aero-stabilizing fins and underbody panels help to minimize wind resistance. The brutal (and beautiful) front grille shutters open and close automatically for better airflow. What does this mean for you? Smooth handling and responsive fuel economy.

4. The Entune™ audio system

2017 Toyota Prius Review: Entertainment display screen | CarMax

Thanks to the 2017 Prius Entune audio system, it's easier than ever to hit the road, while still enjoying your favorite playlists and calls with friends. The Base, Two, and Two Eco trims all benefit from an easy-to-read 6.1-inch touchscreen display, voice command recognition, and Bluetooth® streaming technology. How about making that family road trips simpler than ever? Upgrade to the Three trim or above for navigation, weather reports, local fuel prices, sports scores, restaurant bookings, and more, with the subscription-free Entune® App Suite.

5. Newly standard driver-assistance features

2017 Toyota Prius Review: Dashboard | CarMax

For the 2017 model year, Toyota has made its previously optional suite of driver-assistance features standard on all Prius trims. From highway commuting to downtown streets full of pedestrian traffic, features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning are nice to have when you're navigating the modern world. Add in the standard rearview camera, and you are all set for the mall parking lot, too.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2017 Toyota Prius, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Kia Niro Hybrid

Making its debut in 2017, the Kia Niro is a five-seat compact crossover that delivers impressive fuel economy thanks to its 139-hp hybrid powertrain. Combining an FWD 1.6L gas engine with an electric motor and 1.56 kWh onboard battery pack, the 2017–2021 Kia Niro FE base trim makes an EPA-estimated 50 mpg combined.

 From 2019, a Niro Plug-in Hybrid and Niro Electric join the party too.

The 2017–2021 Kia Niro Hybrid base trim offers as standard:

  • Infotainment touchscreen

  • Six-speaker audio system

  • Cloth upholstery

  • Rearview camera

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2017 Toyota Prius is a car that customers love for its great gas mileage and comfortable ride. Based on customer reviews, the third generation (2017-present) of the Prius drives much better than previous generations. The cabin space has increased significantly as well as features such as heated seats and lane assist with adaptive cruise control functionality.
4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Toyota Prius an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Prius 6th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius features and specs

Four Touring 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Entune
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Automated Parking
  • JBL Sound System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.8L

Horsepower

121

Torque (ft-lbs)

105

Engine type

Hybrid

Fuel capacity

11.3

Wheelbase

106.3"

Overall length

178.7"

Width

69.3"

Height

58.1"

Leg room

F 43.2"/R 33.4"

Head room

F 39.4"/R 37.4"

Front tires

P215/45VR17

Rear tires

P215/45VR17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2017 Toyota Prius FAQ

More about the 2017 Toyota Prius

Color options

2017 Toyota Prius Review: Color options | CarMax

Exterior colors:

  • Blizzard Pearl

  • Blue Crush Metallic

  • Classic Silver Metallic

  • Hypersonic Red

  • Magnetic Gray Metallic

  • Midnight Black Metallic

  • Sea Glass Pearl

Interior colors:

  • Black

  • Harvest Beige (not available on Touring trims)

  • Moonstone

Interior details

The 2017 Toyota Prius hatch seats five passengers. Cloth upholstery is standard with the option to move up to SofTex® simulated leather upholstery from the Three Touring trim and above. The cabin is comfortable and the seats are supportive, with 42.3-inches of legroom up front and 33.4-inches for the rear row.

Smart-flow climate control system with pollen filtration is a standard feature. Comfort touches are plentiful, including two front- and two rear-row cup holders, and bottle holders for both rows too. The front row has a center armrest with a storage bin, while the 60/40-split rear seat has a fold-down center armrest as well.

Cargo capacity is impressive, from 24.6 cu-ft for the One, Two, Three, and Three Touring trims, up to 27.4 cu-ft for the Two Eco, Four, and Four Touring trims. Total cargo capacity for all trims increases to 65.5 cu-ft when the rear seats are folded down.

Child seat details

The 2017 Prius has two sets of LATCH connectors (two lower anchors and an upper tether) in the second row's outboard seats, while the second-row middle seat has an upper tether only. Should you wish, you can use a lower LATCH anchor from either side (along with the upper tether) to assist in securing a child seat in the middle.

All seat types are accommodated, including convertible, front- and rear-facing, infant and booster seats. Some seats fit better with the rear-row head restraints removed.

Performance

All 2017 Prius models are motivated by a 1.8L four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and an onboard battery for a combined 121-horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) sends power to the front wheels. When new, the top speed of the 2017 Prius is 112 mph according to the manufacturer.

The 2017 Prius Two Eco (with the 1.8L gas engine and dual electric motors) gets an EPA-estimated 56 mpg combined.

 All other 2017 trims (with the same hybrid powertrain) deliver an EPA-estimated 52 mpg combined.

Year comparisons

2009–2015 Toyota Prius (Third Generation)

The Prius entered its third generation in 2009. A Persona Series Special Edition Prius was introduced as a 2013 exclusive. Following a no-change year in 2014 (and the success of the 2013 special edition), the Prius gained a new trim in 2015, the Persona Series. A rearview camera became standard this year, too.

2016–2022 Toyota Prius (Fourth Generation)

A ground-up redesign heralded the arrival of the fourth-generation Prius in 2016. In 2017, Toyota's suite of driver assistance features became standard. In 2019 the Prius gained available all-wheel drive, some refreshed styling, and new trim names. More standard connective technology was introduced in 2020, including Apple CarPlay® and Amazon Alexa functionality, with Android Auto following in 2021.

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