2015 Toyota Prius Review
2015 Toyota Prius Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Superior fuel economy
- abundant backseat room
- spacious cargo area
- comfortable ride
- available high-tech options.
Cons
- Disappointing interior materials
- elevated amounts of road noise
- slow acceleration
- cluttered gauge cluster, awkward driving position for some.
What’s new
For 2015 the Toyota Prius gets the addition of a Persona Series trim level, which adds some cosmetic equipment to the Prius Three trim level. Also, a rearview camera is now standard across all five trim levels.
Edmunds says
The 2015 Toyota Prius remains the quintessential hybrid car and a solid all-around choice, though other, newer hybrids are more enjoyable to drive.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2015 Toyota Prius Two 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$84/mo
Prius Two
vs
$166/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
One of the most identifiable cars on the market, the Toyota Prius has pretty much become synonymous with the word "hybrid." And with good reason -- not only has it been a pioneer but also by far the most popular hybrid in terms of sales. But a lot of new hybrids have come out in recent years, so it's right to wonder how the 2015 Toyota Prius continues to hold up.
Well, if it's fuel economy you're looking for, the Prius will still be your huckleberry. With an EPA combined estimate of 50 miles per gallon, you won't find another competing hybrid that can match it. Also in the Prius' favor: it's reliable, easy to drive around town and spacious thanks to the hatchback design. The backseat is large enough for full-size adults and there's a lot of cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded flat. With five different trim levels, there's a wide variety of available features, too -- options range from touchscreen navigation to styling and suspension tweaks. From plain to flashy, you can equip a Prius any way you'd like, but it will remain frugal between visits to the pump.
The Prius definitely has an edge when it comes to mileage, but otherwise, it's a bit basic. The interior feels a little low buck, with lots of hard plastic on the dashboard and door panels. It is a bit noisy, too, with noticeable wind and tire noise making their way into the cabin. And although a fun driving experience probably isn't at the top of your list if you're interested in a Prius, know that acceleration is slow and even with the sport-tuned suspension the Prius isn't as entertaining to drive as some rivals.
Those rivals can offer nearly similar mileage along with some added panache. The 2015 Ford C-Max is a good example as it's more refined and enjoyable to drive. If you want something bigger, there are several midsize hybrid sedans available including the 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid and the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid. Each has their own virtues, but in general they all feel more substantial and more like a normal car than the Prius. Overall, though, the 2015 Toyota Prius deservedly remains a go-to choice for hybrid intenders.
Performance & mpg
The 2015 Toyota Prius is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine combined with a pair of electric motor/generators. Together they send a total output of 134 horsepower to the front wheels through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT).
In track testing, the Prius accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 10.2 seconds; that's about the same as the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, but a few seconds slower than the C-Max Hybrid and about three seconds slower than most hybrid midsize sedans. The EPA estimates that the 2015 Prius will return a very impressive 50 mpg combined (51 mpg city/48 highway). In real-world testing, we've found these estimates reasonably accurate.
Safety
Every 2015 Toyota Prius comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. A rearview camera is also standard.
Optional on the Prius Four and Five is Toyota's Safety Connect emergency communications system, which includes emergency and roadside assistance, collision notification and stolen vehicle location. The Prius Five is also eligible for the Advanced Technology package which includes a frontal-collision warning system and a lane-departure warning system.
In Edmunds brake testing, the Prius came to a stop from 60 mph in 124 feet, which is a few feet longer than average.
In government crash tests, the Prius received four stars (out of a possible five) for overall protection, with four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Prius the highest possible rating of "Good" in its moderate-overlap frontal-offset impact test and a second-best "Acceptable" rating for the small-overlap frontal-offset impact test. The Prius received a "Good" score for the remaining side impact, roof strength and whiplash protection (seats and head restraints) tests.
Driving
Acceleration in the Toyota Prius is far from sprightly, but it should be adequate for most buyers. Four driving modes -- Normal, Eco, Power and EV -- allow the driver to choose the optimum powertrain configuration depending on conditions. Eco is measured and sluggish, but returns the best fuel economy. Power is useful for entering freeways or driving on hills. EV mode locks out the gasoline engine, but allows only a maximum speed of 25 mph and requires at least a half-charged battery pack.
Around town, the Prius is an easy-to-drive runabout. The steering doesn't provide much feedback, but it makes the car effortless to maneuver in parking lots without feeling overly light at highway speeds. The ride is generally comfortable, but nastier bumps can upset the suspension and disturb the car's occupants. There is also an excessive amount of road noise that permeates the cabin regardless of speed. Moreover, the noises emitted by the Prius' small gasoline engine under hard acceleration are not what we'd describe as sonorous.
Interior
The 2015 Toyota Prius features straightforward controls that jut out toward the driver in a "floating console" that provides a storage tray underneath. It's stylish and also helps maximize cabin space. The digital instrument panel features a floating layer that displays audio, temperature and trip computer information when the driver touches those controls on the steering wheel, minimizing eye movement. Some drivers might find the overall design a bit cluttered, however. Potentially more irksome though, is the lack of useful range provided by the telescoping steering wheel, which doesn't extend far enough to reach some drivers.
The standard touchscreen operates many of the Prius' high-tech features and is, for the most part, smartly designed. The optional Entune system can be a hassle, though, since you have to install an app on your phone and register for an account; plus, you always need an active data connection to use it.
Materials quality in the Prius is also disappointing, with harder and cheaper plastics than other cars in its price range. The corduroylike texturing on the climate and audio controls seems nice at first, but it collects oil from the skin and causes circular dark spots on most buttons.
However, the Prius remains highly versatile. The hatchback body style provides considerably more cargo capacity than a typical midsize sedan, and the backseat offers plenty of space for passengers.
2015 Toyota Prius models
The 2015 Toyota Prius is a five-passenger, four-door hatchback available in five trim levels: Two, Three, Persona Series, Four and Five. The larger Prius V and the compact Prius C are covered in separate reviews.
Standard equipment on the Prius Two includes 15-inch alloy wheels, heated power mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, cruise control, automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, an advanced trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 6.1-inch touchscreen display and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The Prius Three gains an enhanced keyless entry system, a navigation system, voice controls, satellite radio, HD radio and Toyota's Entune system, which includes real-time information (traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores) and the ability to use apps like Pandora, iHeart Radio and Open Table via a connection with your smartphone.
The Persona Series gets the Three's equipment plus 17-inch alloy wheels, additional chrome trim, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, footwell illumination and leatherette upholstery.
With the Prius Four you get the Three's equipment as well as automatic headlights, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an eight-speaker JBL sound system.
The Prius Five adds unique 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights and LED headlights.
An optional Solar Roof package for the Prius Three adds a sunroof and a solar-powered ventilation system that keeps the car cool while parked to limit the burden on the air-conditioning system. It's also offered for the Four, and then includes a head-up display, Safety Connect emergency communications and an upgraded navigation system with a 7-inch high-definition display and split-screen capability.
The Five can be equipped with an Advanced Technology package, which adds adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision alert system, a lane-departure warning system, Safety Connect, a head-up display and the aforementioned higher-quality navigation display.
Also available for the Prius are the Plus Appearance and Plus Performance packages. The former adds 17-inch wheels and an aerodynamic body kit while the latter package also features a sport-tuned suspension.

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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2015 Toyota Prius.
5 star(62%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(4%)
50 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
AMAZING little car!
Karlajustme, 09/12/2015
2015 Toyota Prius Five 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I have to say I'm a Chevy all power girl were mpg ment nothing to me (98 Suburban 7.6, 05 Suburban 350, 85 Corvette). I bought this little guy because I am a rideshare driver were mpg has a huge role. My mind was blown away with the 48-53+mpg I get, always on ECO/EV mode. Rear seats are very roomy and lots of leg room for my paxs, cargo area is huge, extremely easy to get in/out. … Acceleration is fantastic, breaking will put u on the windshield (very powerful), steering is beyond smooth, sound system is okay. My 250lbs teen, and 3 kids fit no problem. Now I use it every chance I have for my personal rides. The cons are driver seat after 6+hrs driving becomes very uncomfortable because it doesn't have lumbar support. Sun exposure is insane (u have 2 tint the windows for sure), AC is not as powerful as my Suburban. Other then that is beyond a great car I can't believe I'm saying this...
4.38 out of 5 stars
2015 Prius Three the Good and the Bad
techguy4, 11/07/2014
2015 Toyota Prius Three 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
The Prius sold me on reliability and comfort, I'm 5'6" and it fit me like a glove the controls work well.
I moved from the Camry to the Prius but after 25mpg and frequent stops the 50mpg is a welcome improvement.
4 out of 5 stars
A Gas Saver
Ru Chu, 04/05/2016
2015 Toyota Prius One Fleet 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I did some research before purchasing this 2015 Prius II, and after driving it for a while here's a few thoughts:
== Pro ==
It saves me on gas. In the city driving you can easily get 40+ MPG if you don't use it for racing. My previous Altima 2013 sedan can get about 20+ or even lower in heavy traffic, so thumb up on Prius. On the highway I can only get around 40 at cruising speed of 75 … mph, that still beats Altima of 38 MPG, but not by a greater margin. Now I pay about 30 dollars each month for two tanks of gas, which is even cheaper than the car insurance.
The car is pretty quiet running at low or mid speed, thanks to its battery technology. On pure battery mode you can barely hear the noise under the hood, just a little electric hissing sound.
The space of the trunk is acceptable. Moreover if you fold down the rear seats you can probably fit in a bicycle (thought I haven't tried that).
== cons ==
The handling of the vehicle at high speed is below average. On the highway, at high wind you can feel it blowing your vehicle sideways, so hold on tight to the steering wheel. The wind noise is there, and engine noise are very noticeable given its tiny 1.8 L engine. Try to pass a slow car in front of you? Switch to power mode so you can get more acceleration.
The suspension is stiff - on the highway you can feel the bumpy pavement from your hip. The pillow material is awkwardly hard, so I cannot rest my head on it while driving on highway - it's giving me vibration from the bumpy road! So it's an underpowered car not designed for a road trip.
== Other thoughts ==
I owned the vehicle for less than three months so can't say much about its reliability, thought I heard it's good. Toyota gives you free first three years service, and the vehicle doesn't need oil change of braking pad replacement very often, due to its hybrid design. So the cost of actual owning it should (partially) compensate the extra dollar you pay for a hybrid. It is a decent choice for daily commuter, but not a car fun to drive on the highway.
4 out of 5 stars
First Prius - Did Not Disappointed
Patrick, 05/15/2016
2015 Toyota Prius Two 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
***Update 76k miles, Dec 2020***
Cumulative consumption now at 49MPG due to driving 3,000 mules with a large cargo carrier driving across the country, and using winter tires now in the northeast. Still 100% reliable, zero unscheduled service. Just oil change and tire rotations. Interior materials holding up really well, exterior has a few rock chips, but holding up really well.
***Update … 61k miles, Dec 2019***
Cumulative average is 50.1 MPG, and car is reliable, nothing wrong. Changed the transmission fluid for $190 as the only added preventive maintenance that wasn't required by the manufacturer. Mechanically solid, all electronics work, occasional dash rattle (especially in cold weather) but nothing out of the norm. Front seats are comfortable but new cars have improved seats. Ride is good, but like the seats new cars have improved ride/suspension quality.
***Update 54k miles, May 2019***
Cumulative average is 50.3 MPG, and car is reliable as brand new even as we near warranty end. Replaced the OEM tires with Michelin X-Tour A/S T+H (80k mile warranty) at Costco for $400. This was at 50k miles but probably could have stretched OEM tires to 55k or 60k miles if you don't care about safety or performance (I recommend replacing at 50k miles). No issues whatsoever: mechanically solid, electronics always well-behaved, fit and finish/quality is good as new. I would love a Model 3 but the Prius is too damn reliable for me to let go.
***Update 49k miles, Nov 2018***
Awesome car, awesome fuel economy, inexpensive to insure, reliable as a tank.
***Update 45k miles, May 2017***
Great car, even better fuel economy now that it has broken in, everything still works perfectly. Had to do a wheel realignment at 40k miles.
***Update 36k miles, Nov 2017***
Great car, great fuel economy, everything still works perfectly.
**Update 28k miles, May 2017***
Still an awesome car. Everything is working as perfectly as day one, and nothing has broken or malfunctioned, powertrain or otherwise. Fuel economy has improved - on one tank of gas I averaged 56+MPG. The only "modification" to the car has been the addition of a small neck pillow (wraps around headrest) for the front passenger. With the mesh lumbar insert and neck pillow for the passenger, comfort for passenger has drastically improved. In my particular driving position it doesn't do anything, so the driver seat does not require one (in my opinion).
Original Review:
I had been interested in the idea of a Prius for over a decade now, and finally decided to pull the trigger when deciding to sell my 2011 WRX last year. I've owned the car for 13 months now and I love it. Acceleration is slower than WRX, but more than enough power to out-accelerate every other car on the road. Fuel economy is 52 MPG if I'm driving normally, 54 MPG if I attempt to hyper mile. Front seats needed more lumbar support (completely personal opinion - everyone's different on this one) so I went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond to pick up a $9 "Kiss My Back" mesh lumbar cushion. Rear seat offer lots of room. Interior is well thought out, controls make sense. Bluetooth audio/phone is flawless, and I can actually hold a conversation using Bluetooth phone now (WRX was way too loud). I can easily get about 550 miles per tank, and that's when I fuel up with about another gallon left.
This has been a great car. Many people have false preconceptions about the Prius while others have an irrational hatred. If you're a logical, frugal, and practical person, the choice is pretty clearcut.
2015 Toyota Prius video
[MUSIC PLAYING] JAMES RISWICK: 50 Miles per gallon. There's nothing on the market that can match that figure without being plugged in. And it's clearly the main appeal of the Toyota Prius. But is that the only reason to buy one? [MUSIC PLAYING] The answer is no. Beyond it's commendable fuel economy that we've confirmed in several tests, the Prius boasts a highly functional cabin. The hatchback trunk is more spacious and versatile than the typical family sedans, while the back seat easily accommodates adults or child seats. It also has strong crash scores with four out of five stars from the government and a top safety pick plus rating from the IIHS. The standard rear-view camera and available forward collision and lane departure warning systems can help you avoid accidents and damaged bumpers. The cabin can also be equipped with a competitive amount of equipment. And its standard touchscreen interface is easy to use. However, that is where the accolades stop. The Prius does many of those basics right, but then it also is just a little too basic. The cabin is very noisy with lots of road noise. And its engine loudly drones when you merge onto the highway. The ride can be pillow soft on smooth pavement, but big bumps that would be soaked up by other cars sent jarring impacts into the Prius. In both cases, it feels like a less substantial and occasionally brittle car. And brittle isn't a bad word to describe the cabin's plastics. Everything is hard, cheap, kind of scratchy. And it gets even worse when it's in this drab gray. It feels like a $13,000 interior in a car that can cost $30,000. Plus the telescoping steering wheel also doesn't come out far enough and can make for an awkward and uncomfortable driving position. Then there's the dreary driving experience. We don't expect a Prius to be necessarily enjoyable to drive, but the Ford C-MAX, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, and even a Toyota Camry prove that hybrids can provide at least some engagement to the driver, not to mention much better acceleration and overall refinement. Now, you may point out that those competitors can't match the Prius' 50 miles per gallon combined. That's true. But you'll find that the difference in actual fuel consumption between them is not as big as it seems. There may be a 10 miles per gallon difference between the Prius and C-MAX, for instance, but that equates to an estimated annual fuel cost difference of only $250. The Accord and Fusion are even less. Now, $250 is still $250, but given all the ways the Prius comes up short, it may be money well-spent. But what do you think, is 50 miles per gallon worth it? Let us know and explore edmunds.com for more information.
2015 Toyota Prius Review
The 2015 Toyota Prius video review includes information about fuel economy, safety, price, comfort, available features and competitors hybrids.
2015 Prius Highlights
One
Combined MPG | 50 MPG |
---|---|
Cost to Drive | $84/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover12.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestAcceptable
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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More about the 2015 Toyota Prius
Used 2015 Toyota Prius Overview
The Used 2015 Toyota Prius is offered in the following submodels: Prius Hatchback. Available styles include Two 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Three 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Four 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Persona Series Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Five 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and One Fleet 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Pre-owned Toyota Prius models are available with a 1.8 L-liter hybrid engine, with output up to 134 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2015 Toyota Prius comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2015 Toyota Prius?
Price comparisons for Used 2015 Toyota Prius trim styles:
- The Used 2015 Toyota Prius Two is priced between $15,899 and$23,990 with odometer readings between 33233 and126782 miles.
- The Used 2015 Toyota Prius Three is priced between $15,900 and$24,590 with odometer readings between 32199 and118435 miles.
- The Used 2015 Toyota Prius Four is priced between $14,500 and$22,590 with odometer readings between 38276 and125325 miles.
- The Used 2015 Toyota Prius Persona Series Special Edition is priced between $20,990 and$24,990 with odometer readings between 19389 and67111 miles.
- The Used 2015 Toyota Prius Five is priced between $17,998 and$18,990 with odometer readings between 75504 and96145 miles.
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Which used 2015 Toyota Priuses are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2015 Toyota Prius for sale near. There are currently 41 used and CPO 2015 Priuses listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $14,500 and mileage as low as 19389 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2015 Toyota Prius.
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Should I lease or buy a 2015 Toyota Prius?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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