2012 Toyota Prius — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2012 Toyota Prius is a hatchback powered by a 1.8L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 60 mpg (UK) / 50 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 58–60 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Toyota Prius workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2012 listings: Toyota Prius c, Toyota Prius v.
Compared with the 2011 Toyota Prius: Fuel economy improves from 58 to 60 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.8L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Plug-in Hybrid |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 94 cu ft (2,662 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 22 cu ft (623 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 60 combined / 61 urban / 59 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 50 combined / 51 city / 49 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 83 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,350 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2012 Toyota Prius, all with the 1.8L 4-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 48 to 50 mpg (US), or 58 to 60 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 58 | 48 (49/46) | 115 | $1,400 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl (Plug-in Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 60 | 50 (51/49) | 83 | $1,350 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 22 cubic feet (about 623 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Toyota Prius
Running Costs: 2012 Toyota Prius
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Toyota Prius at 60 mpg combined, expect roughly 606 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,350 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Toyota Prius Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Toyota Prius (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Hybrid propulsion system (3), Air bags (2), Seats (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Hybrid propulsion system — campaign 18V684000, reported 4 October 2018. Risk: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 16V487000, reported 30 June 2016. Risk: If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
- Seats — campaign 16V396000, reported 2 June 2016. Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Hybrid propulsion system — campaign 15V449000, reported 15 July 2015. Risk: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 8 campaigns.
Owners have filed 726 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Toyota Prius. The most-reported areas are Service brakes (341), Electrical system (92), Engine (74). Complaints include 74 reported crashes, 6 reported fires, 53 reported injuries, 3 reported deaths. That is well above the median of 103 complaints across the 16 Toyota Prius model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Toyota Prius
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Brakes (341 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Electrical system (92 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (74 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Air bags (2 recall campaigns) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Toyota models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Toyota Prius's 60 mpg is 26 mpg above that make average. Its 83 g/km CO₂ figure is 133 g/km lower than the 216 g/km Toyota average.
Of the 17 Toyota Prius model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 12th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (60 mpg UK combined, against a high of 68 mpg). See every Toyota Prius year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Toyota Prius
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Toyota Prius have?
It's fitted with a 1.8L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Toyota Prius?
The most efficient configuration returns around 60 mpg (UK) combined, or 50 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 58 to 60 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Toyota Prius cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,350 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Toyota Prius have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Toyota Prius (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Hybrid propulsion system (3), Air bags (2), Seats (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Toyota Prius?
Among the 726 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Service brakes (341 complaints), Electrical system (92 complaints), Engine (74 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Toyota Prius have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 22 cubic feet (about 623 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.