2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Still relatively new in the Prius lineup, the 3-year-old Toyota Prius Plug-In hybrid vehicle receives a number of new standard features for 2014, including heated cloth front seats and a Remote Climate system, which enables owners to activate the vehicle's air-conditioning system remotely. In addition, the Plug-In can now travel further in electric-only EV mode and includes 3 years of Roadside Assistance, up from 2 the previous year.
Available in Base and Advanced trims, the Prius Plug-In comes well-equipped with a wide range of standard features and delivers exceptional fuel economy of up to 50 mpg when running in hybrid mode and up to 95 mpge (miles per gallon equivalent) when operating on electric power alone. The Plug-in runs in EV mode at speeds of up to 62 mph, for up to 11 miles, and switches seamlessly between electric and hybrid operation. The Plug-In charges in 3 hours using the supplied charging cable and a standard household electrical outlet, or in 1.5 hours with an installed dedicated 240-volt Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) outlet. It's not necessary to charge the Plug-In daily, but electric operation greatly increases fuel economy.
Like other Prius hybrids, the Plug-In comes equipped with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive and a 4.4kW, 176-pound lithium-ion battery, which fits under the rear cargo floor. The hybrid powerplant combines a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder gas engine with a 60kW electric motor. The gas engine produces 98 hp, which increases to 134 hp when the electric motor kicks in. Combined torque tops out at 153 lb-ft. To maximize performance and fuel economy, the Prius can run on the gas engine alone, the electric motor alone or a combination of the two. The hybrid powerplant mates to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and powers the vehicle through the front wheels.
Outside, the Prius Plug-In retains the same exterior design as the base Prius, with an aerodynamic shape and a low coefficient of drag of just 0.25, which helps to maximize fuel efficiency. Exterior features include projector-beam halogen headlights with auto-off on the Base trim and auto-on/off on the Advanced, as well as heated power side mirrors, a rear spoiler and LED daytime running lights and taillights. The charge port is illuminated for easy operation at night and includes a charging indicator light. Foglights and LED headlights are available as part of an option package for the Advanced trim.
The Prius Plug-In's one weak spot remains its ride and handling. Due in part to its small 15-inch wheels and low-rolling-resistance tires, the Plug-In's ride can feel harsh at times, especially on rough roads. Testers would also like to see better responsiveness from the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Like other Prius hybrids, the Plug-In rides on an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar, and a torsion beam rear suspension. Disc brakes are standard on both trims, with integrated regenerative braking. However, some reviewers say the regenerative braking system can affect brake feedback and feel at times. The Plug-In has a fairly tight curb-to-curb turning diameter of 34.2 feet, making it maneuverable on tight streets and in parking lots.
Inside, the Plug-In comes equipped with a strong list of standard features. In addition to the new heated front seats and Remote Climate system, such features as automatic air conditioning, a Smart Key system with push-button start, a dual glovebox, cloth upholstery and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, cruise, Bluetooth and climate controls are included. A Multi-Information Display provides details about the charging system and the hybrid powerplant, while a 6.1-inch Display Audio touchscreen integrates with a navigation system and a 6-speaker audio system with HD radio, SiriusXM satellite radio and a rear-view camera, as well as a CD player, USB port and auxiliary input jack.
In addition, Toyota equips both trims with its Entune App Suite, which provides access to Internet services like Pandora. The Advanced trim also receives SofTex upholstery, an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat, a SofTex-trimmed steering wheel and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, as well as JBL speakers and additional Entune App Suite services.
The Prius Plug-In was named a Top Safety Pick for 2013 by the IIHS, which should carry forward to 2014. Similarly, the NHTSA awarded the Prius an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Toyota equips the Plug-In with 7 airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, as well as vehicle stability control, traction control and antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. Both trims also include Hill Start Assist, which aids the driver when starting from a full stop on a hill. The Advanced trim gets Toyota's Safety Connect service, which includes emergency assistance, roadside assistance and a stolen vehicle locator service. Optional safety features include dynamic cruise control and Toyota's Pre-Collision system.
User reviews for 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
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by Dave C
Sep 28, 2020
Time will tell. I had a 2010 Prius which I LOVED. It was a delight to drive and to own: From Virginia Beach it took me to places like Ohio and Atlanta. That car, however, lacked three important features: A backup camera, a navigation system and it was not a plug-in for everyday driving. This 2014 car has all the features the other lacked. I have just acquired this 2014 Plug-in Prius so I am still learning it. It is, after all, new to me. So far, I LOVE this car, but because I acquired it from a Used-Car dealer, I do have my reservations about the integrity of the dealership. That being said, the car, so far, is a dream. The back-up camera works and work very well. The navigation system works very well. The Plug-in feature is one that every person should have. I walk every day at the local Botanical Garden. At age 76, thats very important to me. The garden is 5.3 miles away from my house. The Garden provides FREE charging for my car and the car, fully charged, is good for about 13 miles. You do the math. So each and every day I can go, recharge my car, and not spend a lot of money (none) on gasoline. As a retired sailor on Social Security thats a very BIG deal. I drive this car on the highway; exceeding the 13 mile EV limit of a charged car, and came home registering 77 MPG. Thats a big deal. I would give this car a 5 star, except I am still reserving judging on the integrity of the dealer. After all, I did buy it used at 148,000 miles. Sep 28, 2020
What users have asked
2014 Toyota Prius Plug In
What's the best way to maximize hybrid battery charge in a 2014 Toyota Prius Plug In? I have been told there is an algorithm that determines how much to charge the battery. The only way I have found to revert back to the maximize charge is reset the entire system by disconnecting the battery. Neither the local Toyota Dealer or Toyota Corporate have been able to provide an answer
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2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Pricing
Original MSRP
$29,990 to $34,905Price range
$10,526 to $11,251Average price on CG
$10,791YoY price change
$11,241 to $10,791Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Engine
EV battery capacity: 4.5 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 80 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 60 · Electric Motor Torque: 153 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 1.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 11 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 98 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 105 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Entune · Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Steering wheel trim: leatherette
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Engine
EV battery capacity: 4.5 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 80 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 60 · Electric Motor Torque: 153 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 1.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 11 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 98 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 105 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Entune · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent