The 2012 Toyota Prius is a compact hybrid car with a price range of $9,581 to $14,166. Toyota has gained notoriety for the Prius, and the 2012 model year is a great one to get with fewer complaints than older versions.
2012 Toyota Prius: Quick Overview
- New features for the 2012 model year include a minor exterior refresh with new bumpers, and a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- Reliability ratings are great, according to J.D. Power, with fewer complaints than the older 2011 model.
- Only one engine is available and is a hybrid 4-cylinder gasoline engine with electric motors.
- Fuel economy is great, scoring 6th out of 22 hybrid and electric vehicles with a combined rating of up to 48 miles per gallon.
- Safety ratings are excellent for the size, with a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests and a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- The 2012 Toyota Prius ranks 9th out of 22 hybrid and electric cars based on owner reviews. The Prius is not as exciting as some of the competitors, but is a fantastic reliable choice.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2012 Toyota Prius Have?
The 2012 Toyota Prius has fewer problems than other hybrid and electric compact cars on the market from the same year. Even though there are fewer issues than other cars, there are more complaints, though, than the newer 2013 model.
Problems with the headlights are still the most common complaint, but are not as widespread as on the 2011 model. The only solution is to replace headlight bulbs when they burn out, costing about $40 per light.
Excessive oil consumption is another problem, which is common to many Toyota vehicles. Toyota tends to design engines to use extra oil to reduce wear and tear on the components, consuming more oil than other brands. Checking your oil regularly is important to make sure the levels are full.
Problems with the brakes, including failures, are a rare problem. The extra weight of the battery packs causes the brakes to wear out faster than other compact cars. There are several sources including worn pads and rotors, and ABS system problems. If you have brake issues, the best course of action is to let a mechanic check out the system.
There are 8 recalls, which is worse than some other cars from 2012. The recalls include occupant sensing system calibration, inaccurate load labels, tail lamps, inverter failure, seat heater wiring, airbags, and the hybrid system stalling. Most serious are inverter and hybrid system stalling since they can lead to accidents.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2012 Toyota Prius is average-priced for a compact hybrid, with a price range of $9,581 to $14,166, depending on the model and mileage. When new, the price range was $23,014 to $29,805. Depreciation is average, losing about 40% of the value over the first 5 years.
- Two is the entry-level model with 15-inch alloy wheels, cloth seating, keyless ignition, cruise control, a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 6-speaker stereo system, as well as Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
- Three is next in the lineup with improved fabric, a rearview camera, navigation, EnTune app integration, and a solar roof option to vent the cabin in hot weather.
- Four adds some features including automatic headlights, an 8-way power driver’s seat, heated seats, SofTex artificial leather seating, and a heads-up display.
- Five is the flagship model with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision alert, and lane departure warning systems.
How Long Will the 2012 Toyota Prius Last?
A properly maintained 2012 Toyota Prius will last over 300,000 miles, which is longer than other compact hybrid cars. Owners should prepare for battery replacements every 100,000 miles, costing $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the pack. Regular maintenance prices are affordable for the class. Repair Pal estimates the costs to be $391 per year.
Yes I can trust in it when I need to. Very good car and very reliable and trustable. This car is easy to drive park and turn.
This has been a really reliable car. The only problem I had is not fixing an oil leak I had in time which was more my fault. Other than that no issues.
There has been one required software update, but the dealer performed it for free. Any other mishaps have been entirely user error.
There have only been a few recalls on certain parts, but the dealership fixes them immediately. This car is extremely reliable, starts up in cold weather no matter the temp, and is always cheap to fill with fuel.
I have almost 240,000 miles on the car. I have maintained regular service on it and have taken the recommendations of the service dept. The fixes have been on general items that just wear out as an auto is used.
The Toyota Prius is pretty reliable. Since it is pretty new too, I haven't run into many problems at all
So far it’s been reliable. I haven't had any major problems with the car so far. So far I only had to change the battery.
I have not had any problems with it so far. It seems very reliable and it has not had any major problems.
What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?
Technology features in the 2012 Toyota Prius are better than a lot of other compact vehicles in the same price range.
- Standard technology includes a 6.1-inch touchscreen stereo system with AM/FM/CD playback, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as 6 speakers.
- Upgrades include navigation, and Toyota EnTune app connectivity to sync with smartphones.
- Standard safety features include anti lock brakes, air bags, as well as stability and traction control. Optional upgrades include a rear view camera, Toyota Safety Connect, adaptive cruise control, and a pre-collision system with lane departure warning.
What Engine Options are Available?
Only one engine is available in the 2012 Prius, and is a 1.8L 4-cylinder paired with an electric motor. The combined output from the gasoline engine and electric motor is 134 horsepower. Performance is weak for a compact car, taking 10.1 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Prius?
The 2012 Toyota Prius is a compact hybrid car, but has a hatchback instead of a regular trunk so there is more room for passengers and supplies. Passenger room is great in the front and back seats, with plenty of legroom for adults. Cargo space is excellent for a compact vehicle, and 5 suitcases will fit in the 21.6 cubic feet of room in the back.
How Does the 2012 Toyota Prius Compare to Other Cars?
Ranking 9th out of 22 hybrid and electric cars, based on owner reviews, the 2012 Toyota Prius is in the upper half of the class.
A close competitor is the more affordable Honda Civic Hybrid. The Civic offers less controversial exterior styling, and better interior materials. Longevity is better in the Prius, and there’s more standard technology. The two are very close, but the Prius sets the gold standard and is the one to go with.
Another rival is the more costly Lexus CT. The two cars are built on the same platform and offer similar performance and reliability figures. Where the Lexus comes out ahead is with a much nicer interior with luxurious materials, and a bit more cargo space with the larger 5-door hatchback. Overall, the choice comes down to if you want to spend the extra $4,000 for luxury or not, since the CT is just a luxurious Prius.
Final Verdict: Is the 2012 Toyota Prius a Good Car?
Yes, the 2012 Toyota Prius is a good car based on information from 445 verified owner reviews, and 12 government and automotive websites. The positives include a good amount of standard technology, and a long-lasting hybrid drivetrain. Downsides are the expensive batteries wear out, and the interior feels cheaper than other cars. Overall, the Prius is one of the most popular compact Hybrid cars, and is a great choice for shoppers.