Prius – everything you need to know

Read the comments below to see the full discussion about the Toyota Prius. If your question isn’t answered here, please feel free to take a look at toyota.co.uk, or ask us in the comments below.

Please note that this blog post was first published in 2009, so some references to specification, equipment, fuel economy, emissions and other features may not reflect the latest version of Prius – you can find out up-to-date information here.

If you want to find out how to maximise the fuel economy of your Prius, take a look at this blog post.

Read our other blogs about Prius here.

The following topics have already been discussed:

PRODUCT:
– Customisation: options, availability and costs (including audio; roof rack, cycle rack, towbar; leather)
– Difference between second-generation Prius and new third-generation Prius
– Wheel size
– Miles per gallon
– Satellite navigation
– Bluetooth and phone sync

TECHNOLOGY:
– How a full hybrid works
– Battery charging
– Battery lifespan and replacement

COMFORT:
– Heated seats
– Cold weather driving

MAINTENANCE:
– Servicing: frequency and costs

GENERAL:
– Delivery lead times
– Depreciation
– Warranty
– Road tax
– Insurance

Thanks for all the interest in the new Prius.

3,154 comments

  1. Just acquired a 2014 Toyota T Spirit which was supplied with a quick reference guide in the form of a DVD. Have been unable to run the DVD on any of 4 laptops, 2 desktops or 4 DVD players. Possibly because it is slightly warped. Can anyone tell me if there is anything significant on the disc and whether it’s worth trying to get another copy ?. Thanks. John w.

    1. Hello John
      Thanks for your post and good to hear about your recent purchase of a Prius. Sorry to learn about the DVD not working, this is essentially a quick reference to the materials which are contained in the vehicle handbook so if you have the handbook you will be covered as far as the vehicle operation goes. Hope this helps confirm but do let us know if you have any other questions.

  2. Okay I didn’t realise that the option to reply to comments here is no longer available so I am going follow-up on my previous comment on Prius brakes.

    I was beginning to believe that the brake issues were my own doing somehow but no, it is very clear that many others are in the same position. Read through this thread to see the level of dissatisfaction among owners

    http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/130373-new-disks-and-brake-pads-after-14k-miles/

    The is no point in getting a car fuel efficient car if (for whatever reason) we end up paying more for other things. I am especially unhappy because Toyota UK provides training to their sales force to highlight the fact that the Prius has regenerative braking and thus will result in reduced wear of the normal brakes – this is absolutely not so – quite the opposite, the brakes will actually wear out quicker a. because they will corrode earlier as they do not get used, b. Prius brakes are softer anyway.

    Why am I complaining about this – I have paid £500+ for the four years I owned my Prius and I am now told I will have to replace brakes again – This offsets all the road tax savings I thought I had to start with – what a ripoff.

    1. Hello Jayz
      Thanks for your post.
      Just so you are aware the option to reply to comment is available so sorry if you have had difficulty with this. We will check this further. We were sorry to read of your experience with the brakes on your Prius and we wanted to let you know that we do have a customer relations team who can help advise if you did want to contact us further about this. They can be contacted via this Blog in the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page.

  3. Anyone else had an issue with the sat nav on the 2009- Prius T Spirit ? Mine died a few weeks ago with ‘take it to a dealer’ on the screen. Did so. They have tested it briefly and said it needs a new unit at £3000 plus and cannot be fixed.

    1. I have similar issues with my Prius 2007, the sat nav, maintenance, telephone and calendar icons do not show on settings. I see 3 displays such as trip info, language and screen settings. Does anyone have an advice or know how to bring the missing icons on display.

  4. Hi Cheryl. Thanks for your question. It sounds like you’ve got all of the ‘points of interest’ turned on. Can you send us a picture of the sat nav screen? It’s not possible to attach a picture here but we’ll send you an email so you can send it to us that way. Thanks

  5. *I* have a question for you.
    Is Toyota going to create a map for my country?
    Or that 10″ thing in the middle of the car will be just to show me the radio and how the engine works? I find it ridiculous to have navigator system, that still takes CDs and NOT have the country you drive it in!!!
    Cyprus is the country and I would like to know if there is or ever will be a map for that!!
    .
    A disappointed customer!

    1. Hello Neophytos
      Thanks for your post.
      We have noted your comments and also picked up on the fact you are referring to a 2008 model Prius.
      Sorry about the coverage for Cyprus but as a vehicle manufacturer we are not responsible for which countries are mapped and why. We basically buy this data from other companies and from our perspective it would be good if Cyprus is covered as it means we can provide a better service to our customers. It may be worthwhile if you contact the Toyota distributor in Cyprus who may be able to provide more details about this and why satnav is not available. If it helps they can be reached via this link. http://www.toyota.com.cy/

  6. Just noticed that says any questions for the new model.
    .
    Should have said that the question was for the 2008 model (1500cc).
    .
    And the next question is, have we finished and sorted out the old models and you only want questions for the new model?

  7. Hello Ahmad
    Thanks for your post.
    To obtain any map updates for your car we would recommend that you contact your nearest Toyota dealer who can help advise you further depending on the system fitted in your car.
    Hope this helps.

    1. The guy asked you about Jordan, now if I am correct, Jordan is way too hotter then average temperature in UK. Is it possible that a UK variant Prius has heating up chances in hot middle eastern weather? As compared to Japanese variants?

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