Why This 5-Year-Old Japanese Hybrid Is the Perfect Budget Buy

Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular in the new car market, because they benefit from low fuel consumption returns and maintenance costs. Opting for a hybrid is also a great means of transitioning to full electric vehicle ownership at a later stage, as it gives you some EV experience without having to forgo the convenience of an ICE altogether. The issue that many potential buyers struggle with today is the high purchase prices. Thankfully, hybrids tend to be fairly sensible vehicle options, as they benefit from improved value retention and long-term reliability. For this exact reason, there’s a lot of value you can enjoy by browsing through the used car catalogs for an option with proven reliability.

If you want to maximize the level of long-term reliability of a hybrid car, the best decision you can make is to consider an option from Toyota. This Japanese brand enjoys a

long-standing reputation in the hybrid and reliability segments
thanks to decades of ingenious engineering that focuses on the best efficiency and structural integrity. One particular model stands out as the best option just based on the impressive reliability ratings it earns from several trusted reviewers and publications. This compact fastback sedan also benefits from a simple but effective powertrain with a proven track record and substantial warranty coverage. It’s a moniker that also pioneered the gasoline-electric hybrid industry, particularly in the U.S.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including source 1, source 2, and source 3.

What Makes The 2019 Toyota Prius The Perfect Used Budget Buy

While it may be a quirky used option, there’s no denying that the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid is a compelling option you can consider if you want to enjoy

impressive reliability and affordability
. Consumer Reports indicates that this model benefits from a highly preferable 84/100 reliability rating and 4/5 owner satisfaction grade. As per owner satisfaction surveys, 77 percent of owners insist that they would purchase this vehicle again.

J.D. Power doesn’t issue this model year with a quality and reliability score, but it does hand it a 79/100 driving experience mark. Where recalls are concerned, the 2019 model year is not subject to any noteworthy incidents that apply to the vehicle’s drivetrain system. At the heart of the Prius’s drivetrain is the brand’s previous-generation 1.8-liter four-cylinder 2ZR-FXE, which benefits from impressive longevity and dependability. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system is also famous for its ability to cover great distances without generating any noteworthy mechanical faults.

The 2019 Toyota Prius Churned Out 121 Horses

The 2019 Toyota Prius features a basic naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine connected to a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that drives the front wheels. The result is a rather lethargic 121 horsepower and 120 pound-feet combined output, which gets the hybrid sedan from 0-60 MPH in around 10.6 seconds with a 112 MPH top speed.

2019 Toyota Prius Performance Specifications

The 2019 Toyota Prius shines brightest when it comes to efficiency. The EPA estimates that you can expect to enjoy combined fuel efficiency ratings as high as

58/53/56 MPG on the city/highway/combined cycle
if you opt for the Eco trim, together with a 633-mile range from the 11.3-gallon tank and compact battery pack. The standard front-wheel drive derivative returns a marginally worse 54/50/51 MPG result, while the all-wheel drive model brings in a 52/50/48 MPG result. The range figures for these models come in at 588 miles and 530 miles, respectively.

How Much A 2019 Toyota Prius Costs In 2024

The 2019 Prius was available in L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited trims when introduced. The base derivative kicked pricing off at $24,725, followed by the LE’s $25,935 starting price. The XLE would have set you back by $28,775, while the flagship Limited started at $33,155. Today, Consumer Reports indicates that the range sells for anywhere between $16,675 and $21,325, depending on condition, usage, and the trim. J.D. Power uses the same metrics to indicate an $18,846 to $26,171 used value range.

According to Edmunds‘ True Cost To Own calculator, a 2019 Toyota Prius LE will cost $41,656 to own over five years, which includes a $11,578 depreciation value and $4,412 in financing. Maintenance only consists of $6,162, which is a very competitive estimate considering this is an HEV that will require a battery replacement

after around 15 years of regular use
. Thankfully, Toyota’s HSD technology benefits from a very streamlined and thoroughly developed chain, so you’ll find that you won’t be spending

as much as you’d think to have this replaced
. Beyond this, there are no noteworthy expenses that you’ll need to be aware of during your ownership experience.

2019 Toyota Prius Key Comfort And Entertainment Features

Toyota’s four trims for the 2019 Prius are what we would call well-balanced and spaced out, resulting in a diverse model line that caters to multiple potential consumer preferences. The base L Eco trim features LED headlights, 15-inch alloy wheels, single-zone climate control with pollen filtration, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, a 60/40-split rear folding bench, all-electric windows, and several cupholders scattered throughout the cabin.

In terms of entertainment, you get a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and a conventional six-speaker audio system. The LE only adds a rear windshield wiper, seatback pockets, and a tonneau cover for the trunk. Upgrading to the XLE introduces auto-on headlights and rain-sensing wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, SofTex upholstery, heating for the front seats and steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. You also get a wireless smartphone charger and access to a couple of optional packages for the interior and exterior.

The top-of-the-range Limited trim benefits from a heads-up display, adaptive front headlights, and the 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system connected to the premium JBL audio system. As for exterior colors, you may come across a 2019 Prius Hybrid painted in Super White if it was part of a fleet purchase. Otherwise, you can expect to find it in the following shades.

2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid Color Options

• Blizzard Pearl ($395 option)
• Classic Silver Metallic
• Magnetic Gray Metallic
• Midnight Black Metallic
• Supersonic Red ($395 option)
• Sea Glass Pearl
• Electric Storm Blue

The 2019 Toyota Prius’s Impressive Safety Standards

Despite being an older design, this generation of the Prius benefits from some of the

most impressive standard active, passive, and advanced safety systems
. All derivatives come standard with the brand’s Star Safety System, which includes the following functions.

Toyota Star Safety System Features

• Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control
• Traction Control
• Anti-lock Brake System
• Electronic Brake-Force Distribution
• Brake Assist
• Smart Stop Technology

All trims also include airbags covering the driver and front passenger, front knees, sides, and curtains. You also get to enjoy Toyota’s Safety Sense configuration, which consists of a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, auto high beams, and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control. Parking sensors are not available on the Eco trim, together with blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The IIHS gives the 2019 Toyota Prius its Top Safety Pick award, while the NHTSA awards it a five-star overall rating from its crash-test results.