Used 2021 Toyota Prius Prime for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime cost?

Prices are up 1.46% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 302 listings available, which suggests a modest amount of inventory for shoppers to compare.

Is the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.5/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Form and function and Safety.

It stands out for packaging, standard equipment, and efficiency-focused practicality, especially if you want a plug-in hybrid that prioritizes range and features over driving excitement. The trade-offs are clear: acceleration is slow, the infotainment system is hard to use, and the cabin design can feel polarizing.

The Prius Prime’s standard equipment and electric range make it a strong fit if you value efficiency and everyday usefulness more than a lively drive. 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime reliable?

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

The Prius Prime is built around Toyota’s long-running hybrid approach, and its efficiency-first design is paired with standard advanced safety features. The expert evaluation also points to a car that delivers what plug-in hybrid shoppers want most: range, efficiency, and a practical ownership experience.

Its powertrain is described as a plug-in hybrid setup with a gasoline engine and electric motor, and the overall impression is that it is competent rather than exciting. Toyota also includes a hybrid battery warranty and hybrid-related components coverage, which helps reduce some ownership anxiety.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about mechanical drama and more about living with a car whose slow performance and awkward cabin layout may wear on you over time.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?

At 71.5% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the cabin and tech still function as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LE, XLE, and Limited trims share the same basic look, but the cabin changes mainly through technology add-ons. The base trim is the one to watch if you want to avoid paying extra for features you may not need.
• Powertrain: It uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, front-wheel drive, and an e-CVT. It delivers 133 MPGe in electric mode and 55 mpg city / 53 mpg highway / 54 mpg combined in hybrid mode.
• Safety package: Every version gets Toyota’s Star Safety System plus automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, road-sign assist, and Lane Tracing Assist automated lane centering.
• Infotainment: Standard tech includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a WiFi hot spot, and a head-up display. An 11.6-inch touchscreen is available, along with wireless charging and a JBL audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: It is rated at 133 MPGe in electric mode and 55 mpg city / 53 mpg highway / 54 mpg combined in hybrid mode.

Which 2021 Toyota Prius Prime trim should I buy?

The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime is offered in 3 trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited.

Here's the short version:

• LE: This is the trim to target if you want the Prius Prime’s core efficiency and standard safety features without paying for the more complicated cabin tech found higher up the range. It’s the best-value choice for shoppers who care most about practicality and price.
• XLE: This trim adds more technology, but it also brings the more frustrating touchscreen-heavy setup described in the test drive notes. Choose it only if the added equipment matters more to you than simplicity.
• Limited: This is the most feature-rich version, so it makes sense if you want the fullest equipment list and are willing to live with the same basic driving character and cabin layout.

Every trim comes with Toyota’s Star Safety System and the same standard driver-assistance suite.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without expecting a deep bargain on every listing.

• Deal availability: 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 302 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.46% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 71.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $20,931, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime's resale value?

The current average of $23,051 sits slightly above last year's $22,720.

That modest increase suggests the Prius Prime has held value reasonably well for a used hybrid. The price trend also points to steady demand rather than a sharp drop, which is helpful if you plan to sell later.

Because the model appeals to efficiency-focused shoppers, well-kept examples should continue to attract interest. 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 2021 Toyota Prius Prime safe?

The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime earns a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and all IIHS crashworthiness ratings are Good except for an Acceptable result in the small-overlap front-passenger side test.

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

Toyota equips every version with its Star Safety System, plus automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, road-sign assist, and Lane Tracing Assist automated lane centering. That gives you a broad standard safety package across the lineup.

The main caveat is the IIHS small-overlap front-passenger side result and the Acceptable headlight rating, so safety-conscious shoppers should pay attention to trim and lighting performance when comparing used examples.

Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Prius Prime or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.46% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines strong efficiency with standard advanced safety features and an impressive electric range.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $23,156, the 2020 costs more than the current year's $23,051 average.
• It is built around efficiency above all else.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the better all-around pick if you want the strongest mix of efficiency, safety, and standard equipment. If you’re mainly chasing value and can accept older tech and slower performance, the 2020 remains a reasonable alternative to compare against.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.