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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.8L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 49 / 46 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 48 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,400 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 186 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Hybrid |
| Base Price | $17,688–$22,536 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hybrid ranking →
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.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.4/10 | $29,401 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.4/10 | $29,401 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $28,545 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.4/10 | $27,688 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.2/10 | $26,832 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.1/10 | $25,975 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.1/10 | $25,119 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $24,263 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.1/10 | $23,406 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 8.0/10 | $22,550 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $21,694 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $20,837 | Read review → |
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 by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| 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.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.