3/4 Front Glamour 2012 Toyota Prius
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Expert's Rating

4.9Excellent

MPG 51 City / 48 Highway
Pros
  • Class-leading fuel economy
  • Many standard safety features
  • Spacious backseat
  • Excellent reliability history
Cons
  • Limited rear visibility
  • Expensive options
, Automotive Editor -
If managing daily operating costs are your top priority, the 2012 Toyota Prius is the car for you. Its outstanding 51 city/48 highway/50 combined mpg EPA rating is the best among all hybrids on the market. At around $24,000 to start and bringing excellent reliability and resale value, the Prius is a money-saving dynamo on all fronts.

Introduction

This is the true modern everyman's car, a fine choice for students, mothers in smaller families, daily-commuting single professionals or nearly anyone else for that matter. While its 9.8-second 0-60 time and isolated handling won't appeal to sports car lovers, the Prius's efficiency and technologically advanced interior may just win them over.

Looking for the perfect hybrid? Check out our list of the best hybrids of 2012

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Which Style To Buy?

2012 Toyota Prius
Starting price
$23,166
Shopper Popularity
16%

2012 Toyota Prius Two

Most Popular
Recommended for: Those who are buying a hybrid because saving money is their top priority. At under $25,000 the Prius represents an excellent value buy, but at higher trim levels it can get pricey, and you very well just might not want or need those features.

If you're on a strict budget but still want to take advantage of the Prius' 50 mpg, this is the package for you. It features the same Hybrid Synergy Drive found in all the other Prius packages, and also comes with Toyota's comprehensive Star Safety System with traction control. The Prius Two comes with cloth seating, an AM/FM/CD/iPod touchscreen stereo unit and Bluetooth, but you may find yourself pining for some of the advanced features from higher trim levels.

2012 Toyota Prius
Starting price
$24,430
Shopper Popularity
12%

2012 Toyota Prius Three

Recommended for: Drivers who want to stay constantly connected. The Toyota Entune system alone is worth the price of admission here, and the navigation system does its job admirably.

For just $1,565 more than the Prius Two, package Three makes a great hybrid a whole lot more interesting on the inside. Upgrading to the Prius Three brings navigation and Toyota's Entune infotainment system with its advanced smartphone pairing capabilities, large collection of audio sourcing options and slick voice-controlled interface. You'll also get convenience features like keyless entry and push-button start. There's a big jump in price before the next trim level, so the Prius Three is really the sweet spot in the lineup for a large number of buyers.

2012 Toyota Prius
Starting price
$30,383
Shopper Popularity
5%

2012 Toyota Prius Four

Recommended for: Buyers who don't mind spending a little more for a car with industry-leading connectivity and convenience features. The SofTex leatherette interior is a nice nod to the car's green-friendly clientele.

The Prius Four is a stepping stone up in the lineup, bringing more standard equipment than the Three while opening up the more- advanced options if desired. Toyota spices up the car's interior with SofTex seating and trim, which has a leather-like feel while being easy to clean and completely earth- friendly, and a sweet-sounding JBL Greenedge audio system. You'll get the standard navigation and Entune and projector-beam halogen HID headlamps, but top features are grouped into the additional-charge Deluxe Solar Roof package ($3,820).

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Is It a Good Time to Buy?

Good Deals AvailableGood Deals
Available
  • Good deals can be found on the 2013 Toyota Prius
  • Prius Two and Three models are by far most common
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