DecodedCars2015 Toyota Prius
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Liftback, Plug-In Hybrid 4dr Liftback
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 96 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid, Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 50 combined · 51 city / 49 hwy
- Length
- 175.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,042–3,164 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 50 MPG combined — 95% better than the average 2015 midsize car (25.7 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 96 hp, versus about 160 hp for similar 2015 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Toyota Prius is a midsize car offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 176 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,042 lb (4dr Liftback).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 50 MPG combined (51 city / 49 highway), 95% better than the 2015 midsize car average of 25.7 MPG, for an estimated $1,350 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 171 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Prius — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Prius →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi · Kariya, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2015 Prius configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Liftback | 175.6 in | 68.9 in | 58.3 in | 106.3 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 3,042 lb | 60/40 |
| Plug-In Hybrid 4dr Liftback | 175.6 in | 68.9 in | 58.3 in | 106.3 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 3,164 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 51 / 49 / 50 | +95% | $1,350 | 133 |
| Prius Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 50 / 46 / 48 | +87% | $1,400 | 185 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Toyota Prius 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 12.1% |
Similar 2015 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Toyota Prius (this car) | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2015 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2015 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2015 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Hyundai Elantra | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2015 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
| 2015 Subaru WRX | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter · Jun 24, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V369000 · 266,638 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
- Risk
- An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Nov 15, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V718000 · 39,915 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse that may fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.
- Risk
- The failed fuse may cause the hybrid system to shut down resulting in the loss of power. Loss of power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EV fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0R.
Not every 2015 Toyota Prius is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Toyota Prius buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 91 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 27 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 13 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 31,070 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Toyota Prius. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Prius years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Prius | 55 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 10 |
| 2025 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 18 |
| 2024 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 27 |
| 2023 Prius | 57 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 21 |
| 2022 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 24 |
| 2021 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 6 |
| 2020 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 14 |
| 2019 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 30 |
| 2018 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 37 |
| 2017 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 91 |
| 2016 Prius | 56 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 155 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →