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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 | 54 / 50 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 52 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,300 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 171 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Hybrid |
| Base Price | $22,550–$26,772 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.0/10, the 2017 Toyota Prius earns a Recommended rating among the hybrids we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.2/10, while Performance at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Toyota Prius's reliability at 9.2/10 — among the strongest in our hybrid database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.1/10 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 comes in at 7.5/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $22,550–$26,772, 50 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Prius sits in the budget-friendly tier of the hybrid market. The 8.7/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this hybrid delivers more than most of the class. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2017 Toyota Prius as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 2017 Toyota Prius ranks #94 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 31% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $22,550 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $31,584 by about 29%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hybrid ranking →
Across the Prius model years we've scored, the 2017 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 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $22,550 | |
| 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.
| Electrical system / Wiring 05/09/2018 · 18V579000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU), could contact the cover at this connection and wear, causing an… |
|---|---|
| Tires / Temporary/emergency spare tire 02/05/2017 · 17V295000 | Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was… |
| Parking brake 14/10/2016 · 16V741000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2015, to October 3, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with a foot-operated parking brake system that has a parking… |
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.