2013 Toyota Prius Overview

2013 Toyota Prius Overview

Overall User Score

4⁄5

Based on 1 review

Like the commercials currently running on TV and the Internet say, Toyota has a Prius for everyone. Whether you're looking for a sedan, hatchback, wagon or want to go even greener with a plug-in version, there's a Prius model to fit nearly every taste and lifestyle. Those who want to lower their carbon footprint and still have the viability of a 4-door sedan can choose the 2013 Prius, which is virtually the same as the 2012 model and the longest lived of Toyota's green offerings.

The 2013 Toyota Prius is available in 5 front-wheel-drive trims: One, Two, Three, Four and Five. (The Prius One is available as a fleet vehicle only.) All Prius trims roll off the assembly line with a 1.8-liter aluminum DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-I) mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). On its own, the gas-powered engine is capable of reaching 98 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. Being a hybrid, the Prius also has a permanent-magnet AC synchronous motor powered by a 650-volt sealed nickel-metal hybride battery capable of achieving 80 hp on its own, giving the Prius combined numbers of 134 hp and 153 lb-ft of torque.

Those looking for a hybrid vehicle are likely concerned about fuel economy, and the 2013 Toyota Prius offers the best mileage of any hybrid sedan. According to the EPA, when running on regular gas, the Prius is estimated to get 51 mpg city/48 highway, which is higher than the Ford C-Max Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Insight and even its stablemate, the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Prius offers 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Prius Two trim comes equipped with automatic climate control, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power locks, power windows, a rear window defogger, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, cloth seating surfaces, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, 60/40-split fold-down rear seats, a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio, CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability,  6.1-inch touchscreen display, intermittent front and rear windshield wipers, projector-beam halogen headlights, LED taillights, a rear spoiler with LED stop light and 15-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with full wheel covers.

The Prius Three is similarly packaged, but adds a SofTex-trimmed tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Entune audio system, and hard-drive navigation with integrated backup camera. A power-tilt-and-slide moonroof is an available option. The Prius Four adds SofTex-trimmed seating surfaces, an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and 8-speaker JBL audio system with hard-drive navigation with integrated backup camera. A moonroof is an option here as well.

Upgrading to the Prius Five gets buyers LED headlights with headlight cleaners, integrated fog lights and 17-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. An 8-speaker JBL audio system with navigation and 7-inch high definition touchscreen display with integrated backup camera is an option available for both the Four and Five trims. The Prius One fleet trim is equipped similar to the Prius Two, minus cruise control.

The 2013 Toyota Prius is equipped with 9 airbags, including a driver and front passenger advanced airbag system, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger seat cushion airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag. The Prius also has the Star Safety System, which has antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution with brake assist, smart-stop technology, vehicle stability control, traction control system, LED daytime running lights, hill start assist control and a tire pressure monitor system. All Prius trims also have a vehicle proximity notification system and engine immobilizer as security measures.

Most buyers are concerned about fuel economy and a comfortable ride when it comes to the 2013 Toyota Prius. As many buyers note, the Prius won’t blow anybody away on the road, but you’ll have more in the tank when you get there. Its handling is passable for a car in this class, but acceleration is lacking, and the sound baffling appears to be non-existent.

The 2013 Toyota Prius offers a lot of choices for those looking to save on fuel and keep their carbon footprint to a minimum. Price-wise, the Prius is a little cheaper than some of its competition, like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and it's somewhat more fuel efficient, but not quite as much fun to drive. All in all, it comes down to deciding what your purpose is when choosing a gas/electric vehicle. If saving money is the key, then the Prius is the way to go.