2017 Toyota Prius Review

Detailed Review

Prius is a Latin term that means “first”, “original”, “superior”, or “to go before”. The first generation Toyota Prius, designated XW10, was produced from 1997 to 2002. This generation was divided into two distinct stages, the NHW10, which was manufactured from 1997 to 2000, and the NHW11, which was manufactured from 2000 to 2003.

The Toyota Prius XW20, the second generation, debuted in 2003 and was manufactured until 2009. From 2009 until 2015, the third generation of the Prius named XW30 was produced. The fourth generation of the Prius, known as the XW50, began production in 2015 and continued until 2022. The Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) modular platform, which delivers a lower center of gravity and enhanced structural rigidity, was used for the first time in the Prius.

The Toyota Prius is now in its fifth generation, codenamed XW60.

The 2017 Toyota Prius is available with one engine option, a 1.8 L 2ZR-FXE (Hybrid) linked to CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Click here to purchase the 2017 Toyota Prius Buyer’s Guide. 

2017 Toyota Prius Grades

1. Toyota Prius One- This grade comes with a rear defrost, power windows, a rear spoiler, a backup camera, and cruise control
2. Toyota Prius Two- This grade boasts Auto-off headlights, keyless start, a trip computer, intermittent wipers, and a power door lock.
3. Toyota Prius Two Eco- This grade has power mirrors, a driver-illuminated vanity mirror, power steering, and Auxiliary audio input.
4. Toyota Prius Three- This grade is fitted with a CD player, MP3 player, climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a wireless cell phone hook-up.
5. Toyota Prius Three Touring- This grade comes with brake assist, electronic stability control, daytime running lights, and child safety locks.
6. Toyota Prius Four- This grade boasts traction control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, climate control, and rear defrost windows.
7. Toyota Prius Four Touring- This grade has a keyless start, driver-illuminated vanity mirror, CD player, cruise control, and power steering.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The interior of the 2017 Toyota Prius is sleek and elegant. The front row is excellent and comfortable, with plenty of leg and headroom even for taller people. The second row offers quite comfortable seats with enough room for the knees, although taller passengers may find it cramped due to the limited headroom owing to the modest slanting roof.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Toyota Prius encompasses several compartment storages that enhance comfort for occupants in the cabin. The first row has two cupholders, a glovebox, a center console, and door pockets. The second row features two cupholders and door pockets.

Boot Space

The 2017 Toyota Prius boasts one of the greatest load capacities in the class. Depending on the model, the cargo capacity behind the rear seats is either 27.4 cubic feet or 24.6 cubic feet. When the rear seats are folded, it holds 65.5 cubic feet.

Exterior

The 2017 Toyota Prius boasts a distinctive and imposing design. The front end is distinguished by a small grille, twin LED headlights, and daytime running lights. The Toyota insignia helps to establish its presence. The lower fascia has fog lights and air vents, giving the automobile an aerodynamic appearance. Sweeping lines are also visible on the hood. The side profile is very conservative and features a low ground clearance which limits it from exploiting off-road terrains. The rear end has a sloping roofline, LED tail lamps, and turn signals.

2017 Toyota Prius Safety Features

The 2017 Toyota Prius has SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, an antilock Brake System(ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control(S-VSC), collision avoidance system, and Traction Control (TRC).

2017 Toyota Prius Fuel Consumption

2017 Toyota Prius 1.8 L hybrid engine consumption- 29.4 km/l on average

2017 Toyota Prius Acceleration

2017 Toyota Prius 1.8 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.6 secs

The 2017 Toyota Prius Fuel Tank Capacity: 43 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2017 Toyota Prius has a ground clearance of 5.5 inches which is below the required standard on Kenyan roads.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are fairly affordable and easily available in Kenya, as is customary with Toyotas. Body parts are now pricey and difficult to obtain, but this will change as the automobile becomes more popular. Components for the hybrid system, including batteries and motors, are very expensive and difficult to come by in Kenya.

Stability And Handling

The 2017 Toyota Prius provides a comfortable and smooth ride. The Prius boasts swift steering and handles turns with precision and steadiness. It also has a reasonably soft suspension, so it rides comfortably on uneven roads. Unlike many hybrid vehicles, the Prius’ brakes are silky and strong.

Because of the thin windscreen pillars and practically clear 180-degree forward viewing, visibility is superb. The car’s typical bisected rear hatch still covers a section of the rearward vision.

Toyota Safety Sense is standard on all Prius models in terms of driver assistance and collision avoidance technology.

Reliability

The 2017 Toyota Prius is regarded as a reliable car especially because of its outstanding fuel economy. Because of its low ground clearance, it is advisable not to drive in off-road terrain for you risk damaging the body components. Regular service and maintenance are required to keep the car in good condition.

Click here to purchase a copy of the 2017 Toyota Prius Buyer’s Guide. 

Resale Value: Good

Toyota Prius Competitors: Honda Insight, Nissan Note Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt, and Honda Fit Hybrid

What we like about the 2017 Toyota Prius

Outstanding fuel economy

Excellent cargo room

Comfortable and composed ride

What we don’t

Complicated smartphone infotainment integration

Low ground clearance

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that the hybrid technology in the 2017 Toyota Prius is extremely efficient. Indeed, Toyota has upgraded the onboard technology to match, resulting in a advanced family-sized hybrid with exceptional fuel economy and ultra-low emissions, albeit at the price of performance and driver engagement. Click here to download a copy of the 2017 Toyota Prius Owner’s Manual.