2018 Toyota Prius Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review

- Capable of returning 50-plus miles per gallon
- Quiet cabin, even with gas engine engaged
- Easy to see out of and maneuver around town
- Complete suite of active safety technology is available
- Offset instrument panel is out of driver's direct line of sight
- Must use Toyota's Entune app to make the most of a smartphone connection
- Acceleration can be laggardly
- There are no significant updates for 2018
- Part of the fourth Prius generation introduced for 2016
If you want pure efficiency and eco-friendly driving without the hassle of plugging in your car, the 2018 Toyota Prius remains at the top of the heap. Pretty much nothing short of a plug-in hybrid will return better real-world results.
We've had a 2016 Prius in our long-term test car fleet, and after more than a year we averaged about 50 mpg, even with thousands of miles spent in brutal Los Angeles traffic. We also appreciate the Prius' practicality and comfort, with its generous cargo area and smooth ride quality. Of course, the Prius compromises on acceleration and handling, proving less rewarding to drive than many traditionally powered vehicles. There's also the question of Toyota's infotainment system, which lacks some functionality, and the car's questionable styling.
If you're shopping for a hybrid, know that there's more competition than ever. The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid actually claims slightly higher EPA-rated fuel economy than the Prius and offers a longer warranty. It certainly has a more functional interior with better technology, too. However, the Ioniq is even less satisfying to drive than the Prius, and it's a less comfortable place to spend time. There's also the Kia Niro hybrid, which has the look of an SUV, and a slew of midsize hybrid sedans to consider.
Still, there's a reason the Prius remains the king of the hybrid cars. If you put a premium on efficiency and value, you won't be disappointed by the Prius.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Toyota Prius as one of Edmunds' Best Used Cars and Best Hybrid Cars for this year.
What's it like to live with?
To learn more about the Toyota Prius of this generation, read about our experiences from living with a 2016 Toyota Prius. After its debut, we went out and bought one, holding onto it for almost four years and racking up more than 30,000 miles. We cover everything from this hybrid's real-world fuel economy to seat comfort and cargo space. Please note that the 2018 Toyota Prius differs from our long-term 2016 model in that the newer model includes more standard safety features. It's the same generation, though, so most of our observations still apply.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.8 / 10Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Toyota Prius Three Hatchback (1.8L inline-4 hybrid | CVT automatic | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Prius has received some revisions, including adjustments to trim-level features and expanded availability of active safety features. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Toyota Prius.
Scorecard
Overall | 7.8 / 10 |
Driving | 7.5 |
Comfort | 8.0 |
Interior | 8.5 |
Utility | 8.0 |
Technology | 6.5 |
Driving
7.5Acceleration
6.0Braking
7.0Steering
7.0Handling
7.5Drivability
8.5Comfort
8.0Seat comfort
8.0Ride comfort
9.0Noise & vibration
7.0Climate control
7.0Interior
8.5Ease of use
8.0Getting in/getting out
9.0Roominess
8.5Visibility
8.5Quality
8.0Utility
8.0Small-item storage
8.0Cargo space
8.5Child safety seat accommodation
7.5Technology
6.5Audio & navigation
7.0Smartphone integration
6.0Driver aids
7.5Voice control
7.0Which Prius does Edmunds recommend?
2018 Toyota Prius models
The 2018 Toyota Prius is a four-door hatchback that seats five passengers. It's available in seven trim levels: One, Two, Two Eco, Three, Three Touring, Four and Four Touring. The compact Prius C and plug-in Prius Prime are different models covered in separate reviews.
Power for all Prius trims comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors/generators. Their combined 121 horsepower is sent through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to the front wheels.
The Prius One and Two are similarly equipped, with the One missing a few minor features, such as a rear window wiper. Otherwise, standard feature highlights for both include 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, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat.
Also standard is a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice recognition with Siri Eyes Free, and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port, an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player. Standard safety features include automatic high beams, a rearview camera, forward collision warning, forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, and lane departure warning and intervention.
The Prius Two also currently comes with the Safety Plus package as a no-cost add-on, which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors and automated parking assist.
The more efficient Prius Two Eco is equipped with ultra-low-rolling resistance tires, a lighter lithium-ion hybrid battery, an inflation kit instead of a spare tire, and illuminated keyless entry. The rear wiper that comes standard on the Two trims is not offered, nor is the Safety Plus package. It returns an impressive 56 mpg combined (58 city/53 highway).
Inside the Prius Three, you'll find simulated leather on the steering wheel and armrests, white interior accents, a wireless phone charging pad, and the Toyota Entune premium infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, navigation, satellite radio, HD radio, and access to apps such as Pandora, iHeartRadio, OpenTable and Yelp when paired with a smartphone running the Entune app.
The Prius Four comes with automatic wipers, simulated leather upholstery with contrasting white stitching, heated front seats, a power driver seat with adjustable lumbar, seatback storage pockets and a rear cargo cover.
Standard equipment on the Three Touring or Four Touring includes everything from the corresponding Three or Four, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, LED clearance lights, unique rear bumper styling, and imitation-leather upholstery with contrasting blue stitching.
Note that the aforementioned Safety Plus package is also a no-cost add-on for the Three and Four. The Prius Three and Four (but not the Touring versions) can also be upgraded with the Advanced Technology package, which consists of a sunroof and a head-up display. Finally, the Prius Four and Four Touring can be equipped with the Premium Convenience package, which includes a 10-speaker JBL audio system, a self-parking system and Safety Connect emergency services. The Safety Connect system that can be added to Prius Four and Four Touring is subscription-based (with a one-year free trial) and includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator, and one-touch access to roadside and emergency assistance.



Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Toyota Prius.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Safety
Our experts like the Prius models:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Detects cars or pedestrians and warns the driver of potential collisions, then automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not react.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Alerts the driver if the car drifts out of its lane and can apply steering input to correct course.
- Intelligent Clearance Sonar
- Alerts the driver to the presence of obstacles near the vehicle during low-speed maneuvers.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 stars- 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 Rollover10.7%
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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Used 2018 Toyota Prius Overview
The Used 2018 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), Three Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Four 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), One 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Four Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and Two Eco 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 121 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2018 Toyota Prius comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic. The Used 2018 Toyota Prius comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2018 Toyota Prius?
Price comparisons for Used 2018 Toyota Prius trim styles:
- The Used 2018 Toyota Prius Two is priced between $24,000 and$31,998 with odometer readings between 13772 and60814 miles.
- The Used 2018 Toyota Prius Four is priced between $21,491 and$28,590 with odometer readings between 43872 and104676 miles.
- The Used 2018 Toyota Prius Three Touring is priced between $28,990 and$33,998 with odometer readings between 9001 and30711 miles.
- The Used 2018 Toyota Prius Two Eco is priced between $22,590 and$28,998 with odometer readings between 29730 and100379 miles.
- The Used 2018 Toyota Prius Three is priced between $29,990 and$29,990 with odometer readings between 36585 and36585 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2018 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) 2018 Toyota Prius for sale near. There are currently 15 used and CPO 2018 Priuses listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $21,491 and mileage as low as 9001 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 2018 Toyota Prius.
Can't find a used 2018 Toyota Priuss you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Toyota Prius for sale.
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Should I lease or buy a 2018 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.
Check out Toyota lease specials
Check out Toyota Prius lease specials
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