“The vehicle is easy to drive, comfortable, has lots of nice features, and is environmentally friendly.”
Toyota Prius v: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Toyota Prius v is a five-passenger, front-wheel-drive hybrid wagon known for combining Prius fuel economy with the passenger room and cargo flexibility of a small SUV.
The Prius v was the larger, family-focused member of the Prius lineup throughout its 2012–2017 U.S. run. Its formula stayed consistent: an efficient hybrid system, crossover-like seating height, a roomy cabin, and a sliding rear seat that helps balance passenger and cargo needs. A 2015 refresh updated the styling and cabin technology without changing that practical mission.
Strengths
- Its roomy cabin and sliding, reclining rear seat make it easier to carry people, luggage, or a mix of both.
- Fuel economy is a central strength; the 2012 model was rated at 42 mpg combined, unusually efficient for such a roomy wagon.
- Cargo space is genuinely useful, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat at launch.
- Its crossover-like seating height gives families some of the easy entry and everyday usefulness they often seek in a small SUV.
- The basic hybrid system and practical cabin layout remained consistent across its six-year U.S. run, making the lineup relatively easy to understand.
Who it's for
The Prius v fits families, commuters, and practical shoppers who want better fuel economy than many small SUVs without giving up a useful back seat or flexible cargo room. It also makes sense for someone who values an easy-to-use, proven formula more than strong acceleration or rugged SUV capability.
Toyota Prius v lineup
Pick the Two for the straightforward Prius v experience and its core roomy-hybrid formula. The Three is the more technology-focused step up. For 2015 and newer models, the Four adds a comfort-oriented middle ground between the Three and Five. The Five sits at the top of the range, and refreshed models distinguish it further with upgraded LED headlight hardware.
Toyota Prius v generations
From 2012 to 2017, the Prius v spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2012.
1st Generation (2012–2017)
The Prius v debuted as a larger, wagon-style Prius with more rear-seat room and cargo space. It used a 1.8-liter hybrid system throughout its run, with a styling and multimedia refresh for 2015.
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2017
Siri Eyes Free became standard across the lineup, and the touchscreen system gained improved voice controls. This was the final U.S. model year.
2016
The touchscreen app suite received small updates, but styling, hardware, safety equipment, and the four-trim lineup carried over.
2015Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, updated multimedia, and revised wheel finishes arrived. The new Four trim joined the lineup.
2014
Daytime running lights became standard. The hybrid system, cabin layout, and overall design carried over.
2013
The Five trim gained a SofTex-trimmed steering wheel. The rest of the lineup was largely unchanged.
2012New generation
The Prius v launched as a roomy hybrid wagon with sliding and reclining rear seats, a 1.8-liter hybrid system, and a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Toyota Prius v.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota Prius v a hybrid?
Yes. Every Prius v uses a 1.8-liter gasoline-electric hybrid system with 134 total horsepower. The focus is fuel economy and practical family space rather than strong acceleration.
Is the Toyota Prius v a wagon or an SUV?
It is a five-passenger wagon. Its taller seating position and flexible cargo area give it some of the everyday usefulness of a small SUV, but the Prius v is not an SUV.
Does the Toyota Prius v have all-wheel drive?
No. The Prius v is front-wheel drive, so it does not provide the extra traction of an AWD vehicle. Its main priorities are fuel economy, passenger room, and cargo flexibility.
How many people does the Toyota Prius v seat?
The Prius v seats five. Its rear seat slides, reclines, and folds in a 60/40 split, letting you trade passenger room for cargo space as needed.
Is the Toyota Prius v good for carrying cargo?
Yes. The wagon body, folding rear seat, and fold-flat front passenger seat make the Prius v useful for bulky or long items. The latest lineup provides up to 67.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
What kind of fuel economy does the Toyota Prius v get?
The Prius v returns roughly 41 to 42 mpg combined, depending on model year. That efficiency is a central reason to consider it over a conventional small wagon or crossover.
How many generations of the Toyota Prius v are there?
There is one U.S. generation, covering 2012 through 2017. Toyota refreshed its styling and multimedia for 2015, and 2017 was the final U.S. model year.
Toyota Prius v Reviews
What owners are saying about the Toyota Prius v.
4.3
Toyota Prius v
(453 reviews)
“Navigation system is very complex to use. And remember where or how to set and change things. Too much sub-burials of things. Would be nice to have a topic index where you go directly there. Great MPG. Navigation system & audio very complex.”
“Toyota 2017 Prius V three hybrid is a 5 passenger, station wagon with great gas mileage and carrying capacity. Sadly, 2017 was the last year this model was made. The three trim has a back-up camera, gps, bluetooth phone synch, and cloth seats (which I prefer). I especially love the spot for a purse that is above the floor between the front seats! I love this model!”
“The fuel economy is excellent, it is stylish and comfortable. It has more room than the standard Prius and is wonderful on a long drive. I love it!”
“I like the way it drives and handles. The gas mileage is outstanding. My wife would like softer seats. She does appreciate the seats can be raised and lowered. The steering wheel is the best I have ever used. All vehicles should have a Prius v steering wheel.”
“i underestimated my need for cargo space, i will enjoy this vehicle until something better comes along”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota Prius V Takes Whole Family To Green Pastures
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2016 Toyota Prius V Debut
- pressroom.toyota.com
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota 2015 Prius V Pricing
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota 2015 Prius V Restyled
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota Pricing Fj Land Cruiser Prius V Sequoia
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2014 Toyota Prius V Family Hybrid Vehicle
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota Announces Pricing 2012 Prius V Prius Plugin Hybrid Vehicles
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2013 Toyota Prius Price Plugin Oct15
- pressroom.toyota.com — Prius V Expands Toyota Hybrid Family