2012 Toyota Prius: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The most important change for the 2012 Toyota Prius is a mid-cycle update led by refreshed exterior styling and broader infotainment upgrades. Toyota also expanded the family with the first Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

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About the 2012 Toyota Prius

3rd-generation Prius liftback (2010-2015), mid-cycle update year; Prius Plug-in launches as a new plug-in variant on the same 3rd-generation Prius platform.

Toyota positions the Prius as the mainstream hybrid benchmark: a roomy five-passenger hatchback that delivers standout fuel economy without giving up everyday usefulness. The big draw is efficient, low-stress driving in a body with midsize-car interior room, a useful hatchback cargo area, and proven hybrid hardware. In 2012, that identity broadens further with the new Plug-in model for shoppers who want short EV driving around town but still want the flexibility of a regular hybrid on longer trips.

The regular liftback spans the simple, fleet-focused One through the better-equipped Five, with Three positioned around technology and Four around comfort. Three has navigation and a backup camera, while Five stands out with 17-inch wheels and LED headlights. The new Prius Plug-in adds short-trip electric driving, and its Advanced trim adds a head-up display, premium audio, and adaptive cruise control.

What changed, by category

Styling

The regular Prius liftback gets a revised front bumper and front-end details, plus updated headlights and taillights. Its grades also switch to spelled-out names such as Two, Three, Four, and Five.

Tech

Touchscreen and connected features spread through the regular liftback lineup. Bluetooth becomes standard on One and Two, while navigation, a touchscreen, and USB connectivity become standard on Three, Four, and Five. The new Prius Plug-in has standard navigation and a backup camera.

Powertrain

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid joins the family with a 4.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, external charging, and short-distance electric driving. The regular liftback keeps its 1.8-liter hybrid system, automatic transmission, and 50-mpg combined rating.

2012 Toyota Prius specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Toyota PriusOne3 in stock	2012 Toyota PriusTwo1 in stock	2012 Toyota PriusBase0 in stock	2012 Toyota PriusFive0 in stock	2012 Toyota PriusFour2 in stock	2012 Toyota PriusThree1 in stock	2012 Toyota PriusAdvanced0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, CVT	Automatic, CVT	Automatic, CVT	Automatic, CVT	Automatic, CVT	Automatic, CVT	Automatic, CVT
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Hybrid	Hybrid	Plug-In Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid	Plug-In Hybrid
MPG City	51 mpg	51 mpg		51 mpg	51 mpg	51 mpg
MPG Highway	48 mpg	48 mpg		48 mpg	48 mpg	48 mpg
Horsepower	134 hp	134 hp	134 hp	134 hp	134 hp	134 hp	134 hp
Torque	105 lb-ft	105 lb-ft	105 lb-ft	105 lb-ft	105 lb-ft	105 lb-ft	105 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	21.6 cu-ft	21.6 cu-ft	21.6 cu-ft	21.6 cu-ft	21.6 cu-ft	21.6 cu-ft	21.6 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	36 in	36 in	36 in	36 in	36 in	36 in	36 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
MPGe Combined			95				95
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Cruise Control
Hill Start Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
LED Headlights
LED Tail Lights
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
AM/FM Radio
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Heated Front Seats
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start

How the 2013 Toyota Prius compares

The main change for the 2013 Toyota Prius is the new Persona Series Special Edition, which adds a darker look and upgraded cabin trim. Otherwise, the Prius lineup carries over with no major mechanical, safety, or technology updates.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Toyota Prius a full redesign?

No. The 2012 Toyota Prius is a mid-cycle update of the third-generation liftback, not a full redesign. Its basic body, platform, and hatchback layout carry over, while the exterior and infotainment receive updates.

How does the 2012 Toyota Prius look different from the 2011 model?

The 2012 Toyota Prius has a revised front bumper and front-end detailing, along with updated headlights and taillights. The overall five-door liftback shape remains the same.

Did the Prius Plug-in Hybrid debut for 2012?

Yes. The 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid is a new addition with a 4.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, external charging, and electric driving for short trips while retaining a gasoline-hybrid system for longer travel.

Did the regular 2012 Prius get a new hybrid system?

No. The regular 2012 Prius liftback keeps its 1.8-liter hybrid system, automatic transmission, and 50-mpg combined rating. The major powertrain news is the separate Prius Plug-in Hybrid joining the family.

Which 2012 Prius trims have standard navigation?

The regular 2012 Prius Three, Four, and Five have standard navigation. The new Prius Plug-in and Prius Plug-in Advanced also have navigation as standard equipment.