How much does the 2016 Toyota Prius cost?

Prices are up 1.79% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 641 listings available, which suggests you have a workable amount of inventory to compare. If you find a listing below $14,195.38, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Toyota Prius a good car?

Yes — 5/5 from owners, and the expert rating is 7.67/10. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

The 2016 Prius is framed as the heart and soul of the hybrid segment, and it stays true to that role with strong fuel-saving capability and a clear focus on everyday efficiency. It also aims to push the formula forward with a fresh generation, while still leaning on the qualities that made the nameplate a benchmark. For you, that means a car that makes the most sense if you want a recognizable hybrid with a practical mission rather than a flashy personality.

30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Toyota Prius reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Prius is presented as a proven hybrid nameplate with a long-running reputation for fuel-saving capability, and the expert summary reinforces that it remains a benchmark in the segment. The powertrain is described as a 1.8-liter gas engine paired with two electric motor-generators, and the write-up says it drives surprisingly well once underway, with decent pickup and good cornering. It also notes that the regenerative braking system helps save gas, even if brake feel is less conventional than you may expect.

If you want a used Prius, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the hybrid system and overall condition have been maintained well enough to preserve its efficiency advantage.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Toyota Prius?

At 51.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been in any prior collision. Focus on overall condition, because the market includes a mix of clean and incident-history examples, and you want to separate a well-kept commuter from one that has been repaired cheaply. Pay extra attention to how the car drives, how the hybrid system behaves, and whether the equipment level matches the trim you expect.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base setup is less equipped than higher trims, since the head-up display is only available on uprated trims and the more advanced safety technology is reserved for the Four.
• Powertrain: You get a 1.8-liter gas engine with two electric motor-generators and 121 horsepower; fuel economy is estimated at 54 mpg city/50 highway/52 combined, while the Two Eco reaches 58/53/56.
• Safety package: Every Prius comes with Toyota’s Star Safety System, including enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, and Smart Stop Technology.
• Infotainment: The Two and Two Eco use a 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth voice activation, USB input, an aux jack, a reversing camera, and Siri Eyes Free; higher trims get a 7-inch touchscreen, navigation, and the Entune app suite.
• Fuel efficiency: The standard model is rated at 54 mpg city/50 highway/52 combined, and the Two Eco improves that to 58/53/56.

Which 2016 Toyota Prius trim should I buy?

The 2016 Toyota Prius is offered in 6 trim levels: Two, Two Eco, Three, Three Touring, Four, Four Touring.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The Two gives you the essentials, but it misses the more advanced driver-assistance tech and the larger touchscreen found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Three is the best value if you want a stronger feature set, since it adds the larger 7-inch touchscreen, navigation, and the Entune app suite.
• Premium/top trim: The Four and Four Touring add the most advanced safety equipment, including Pre-Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, automatic high-beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
• Off-road trim: Not applicable here.

The Four and Four Touring are the trims with the most complete safety package, while the Two and Two Eco are the most basic on tech.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Toyota Prius?

The market looks moderately favorable if you are a selective buyer.

• Deal availability: 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 641 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.79% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 51.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,195.38, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Toyota Prius's resale value?

The current average of $15,252 sits slightly above last year's $14,984.

That upward move suggests the market has held up reasonably well for this model year, which can help support resale value if you buy carefully and keep the car in strong condition. Because pricing is still close to last year’s level, you are not looking at a dramatic swing, but rather a steady market that rewards clean, well-maintained examples. If you plan to sell later, a Prius with strong efficiency, good condition, and a clean history should remain easier to move than a rougher example.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Toyota Prius safe?

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Every Prius comes with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, and Smart Stop Technology. It also includes advanced front- and side-impact airbags as part of the standard safety suite. The Prius Four adds Pre-Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, automatic high-beams, and dynamic radar cruise control, while the Four and Four Touring also add a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

Should I buy a 2016 Toyota Prius or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 51.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.79% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 model year brings a fourth-generation update with a fresh design, stronger hybrid identity, and a more ambitious push to “shatter expectations.”

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $12,421, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $15,252 average.
• It blends utility, comfort, and fuel economy in a way that makes it especially practical for daily driving.

The bottom line: If you want the newer fourth-generation Prius with updated design and strong efficiency, the 2016 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the smarter value play, especially if you mainly want a dependable hybrid commuter and can live with the older generation.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.