2016 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 2016 Toyota Prius is a hatchback powered by a 1.8L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. It returns around 62 mpg (UK) / 52 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Toyota Prius workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2016 listings: Toyota Prius c, Toyota Prius v.
Compared with the 2015 Toyota Prius: Fuel economy improves from 60 to 62 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. The overall NHTSA rating moves from 4★ to 5★. EPA passenger volume changes from 94 to 91 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.8L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Hybrid |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 91 cu ft (2,577 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 27 cu ft (765 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 62 combined / 65 urban / 60 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 52 combined / 54 city / 50 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 106 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 10 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2016 Toyota Prius, all with the 1.8L 4-cyl engine. 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 | 62 | 52 (54/50) | 106 | $1,300 |
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 91 cubic feet (about 2,577 litres) and luggage volume at 27 cubic feet (about 765 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 Toyota Prius
Running Costs: 2016 Toyota Prius
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Toyota Prius at 62 mpg combined, expect roughly 587 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,300 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.
2016 Toyota Prius Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Toyota Prius (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Hybrid propulsion system (2), Air bags (2), Electrical system (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 20V369000, reported 24 June 2020. Risk: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 18V579000, reported 5 September 2018. Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
- Air bags — campaign 18V085000, reported 31 January 2018. Risk: If the air bags fail to deploy in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Hybrid propulsion system — campaign 17V658000, reported 18 October 2017. Risk: If the capacitor was not properly secured, vibrations from driving the vehicle may damage the capacitor, shutting down the hybrid system, causing a loss of motive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 6 campaigns.
Owners have filed 182 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Toyota Prius. The most-reported areas are Visibility/wiper (42), Unspecified (37), Electrical system (26). Complaints include 14 reported crashes, 8 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 103 complaints across the 16 Toyota Prius model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 Toyota Prius
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Visibility (42 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 26 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign · 24 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- 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 2016 Toyota Prius's 62 mpg is 28 mpg above that make average. Its 106 g/km CO₂ figure is 110 g/km lower than the 216 g/km Toyota average.
Of the 17 Toyota Prius model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 5th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (62 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 2016 Toyota Prius
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 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 2016 Toyota Prius?
The most efficient configuration returns around 62 mpg (UK) combined, or 52 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2016 Toyota Prius cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,300 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 2016 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 2016 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Toyota Prius (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Hybrid propulsion system (2), Air bags (2), Electrical system (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 2016 Toyota Prius?
Among the 182 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Visibility/wiper (42 complaints), Unspecified (37 complaints), Electrical system (26 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 2016 Toyota Prius have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 91 cubic feet (about 2,577 litres) and luggage volume at 27 cubic feet (about 765 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.