Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2013 Toyota Prius
The 2013 Toyota Prius is a hybrid that earns a Carivo score of 7.4/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Performance at 5.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional hybrid — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.6/10. The Prius nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 7.5/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 5.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $17,688–$22,536, 44 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Prius sits in the budget-friendly tier of the hybrid market. Its value score of 8.1/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2013 Toyota Prius sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Hybrids
The 2013 Toyota Prius ranks #135 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 1% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.8 points below the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $17,688 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $31,584 by about 44%.
$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Prius Year Should You Buy?
Across the Prius model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Exceptional fuel efficiency at 44 MPG — among the best in its class
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
✗ Where it falls short
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
NHTSA Recalls — 2013 Toyota Prius (3 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Hybrid propulsion system 04/10/2018 · 18V684000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down,…
Hybrid propulsion system / inverter 12/02/2014 · 14V053000
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high…
Hybrid propulsion system / inverter 24/06/2020 · 20V369000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2013 Toyota Prius that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2013 Toyota Prius
Is the 2013 Toyota Prius reliable?
We rate the 2013 Toyota Prius's reliability 8.6/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota Prius have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2013 Toyota Prius worth buying?
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #135 of 135 hybrids in our database (better than 1% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2013 Toyota Prius cost?
The 2013 Toyota Prius starts at $17,688 and ranges up to $22,536 across trims (MSRP when new). At 44 MPG, expect roughly $1,193/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Prius years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Prius years we've rated are 2016 (7.9/10), 2015 (7.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2013 Toyota Prius have?
The documented issues for the 2013 Toyota Prius are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Hybrid propulsion system (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Toyota Prius
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More Toyota Reviews
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