Used Toyota Prius for sale nationwide

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 27.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 360
Average Price: Around £13,200

Toyota Prius (2009-2016) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Economical around town	Iffy ride quality
Very reliable	Noisy engine whilst accelerating hard
Spacious and comfortable cabin	Economy on the motorway is not so impressive

Quick Summary

The Toyota Prius (2009-2016), known as the third-generation model, combines an efficient hybrid powertrain with a practical five-door body and modern technology. This generation offers improved practicality over its predecessors, featuring a 445-litre boot (expandable to 1,120 litres with rear seats folded), navigation, air-conditioning, and cruise control as standard across all trim levels. The single powertrain option pairs a 1.8-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and CVT automatic gearbox, delivering 134bhp, a 0-62mph time of 10.4 seconds, and an impressive official fuel consumption figure of 72.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 89g/km.

Whilst the Prius may not excite driving enthusiasts due to its lifeless steering and so-so ride quality, it offers cost-effective family motoring, especially for town driving. Real-world fuel economy typically reaches around 60mpg, and zero road tax applies across the range thanks to low CO2 emissions. Maintenance costs are reasonable despite the complex hybrid system, with timing chains lasting the car's lifetime. Toyota's Essential Care scheme offers affordable servicing for vehicles five years or older. The Plug-In variant provides electric-only capability for around 15 miles, though these are considerably rarer. Overall, the Prius is dependable, spacious, and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers prioritising town-based driving.

Best for: Budget-conscious drivers, those prioritising town-based motoring, families seeking a spacious and reliable vehicle, and environmentally conscious buyers.

Not ideal for: Drivers spending most of their time on motorways (where diesel alternatives prove more economical), those seeking engaging driving dynamics, or buyers sensitive to engine noise during hard acceleration.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Prius if: You prioritise town-based motoring, seek a spacious and reliable family vehicle, value low running costs, or wish to reduce your environmental impact.

Consider alternatives if: You spend most of your time on motorways, desire engaging driving dynamics, or are sensitive to engine noise during acceleration.

Competitive Position: The Toyota Prius (2009-2016) is a strong contender in the hybrid and eco-conscious vehicle market, offering excellent reliability, practicality, and low running costs. Whilst it achieves a higher expert rating than rivals like the Lexus CT 200h, Fiat 500, and DS 3, the Prius excels specifically for town-based driving. The Lexus CT 200h offers a more premium alternative with better value deals available, whilst the Fiat 500 and DS 3 provide more stylish options for those prioritising aesthetics over hybrid efficiency. For budget-conscious buyers seeking dependable, economical family transport, the Prius remains an excellent choice.

Read our full Toyota Prius Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.