The Toyota Prius is largely considered one of the most reliable cars on the market today. But when shopping for a used Prius, there are some years that are better than others. Here we take a look at what real owners have to say about owning these most reliable Toyota Prius models

2017 Toyota Prius is the most reliable at 85/100

While the 2016 Toyota Prius was the first model of this generation, that first year came with some kinks to work out. However, by 2017 the Prius was as reliable as ever, with several models exceeding the 200,000-mile mark. Blending the improved reliability with an updated cabin and advanced safety technology make the 2017 Prius a hit. Today, used 2017 Prius models go for about $18,000, making them affordable as well as reliable.

2018 Toyota Prius: 83/100

While the weird styling remained, so did the reliability as the Prius continued into 2018. However, the newer Prius model did offer an upgraded infotainment display on higher-tier models. This helped to futureproof the Prius for the upcoming onslaught of large in-car displays, and makes purchasing a 2018 a more intriguing proposition than its predecessor.

2015 Toyota Prius: 82/100

There is a touch of irony in the fact that the 2015 and 2017 Prius models sandwich one of the more problematic Prius generations. That said, the 2015 version was the last of the third-gen models, and the formula was pretty solid at this stage. It was the first to offer a rearview camera as standard, but otherwise, it’s a pretty unremarkable vehicle. That said, it’s cheap to buy these days, sitting around $12,000 for models with 100,000 miles or less. For that money, the third most reliable Prius should make it another 100k miles without much issue. Just make sure that oil changes are done on time.

2019 Toyota Prius: 79/100

The 2019 Toyota Prius was a mid-cycle refresh of the generation introduced in 2016. The introduction of all-wheel drive did bring some teething problems, but those issues were minor. Overall, the 2019 version of Toyota’s original hybrid did well enough for owners to give it an above-average reliability score, according to J.D. Power. As the fourth most reliable Prius of the past 15 years, it will still make for a safe buy, and those in northern climates will especially appreciate the added all-wheel drive capability. Today, the 2019 hybrid hatchback sells for around $20,000.

Finding the most reliable Toyota Prius means looking at more recent model years

While the Prius has a generally good reputation for reliability, earlier models were struck with some common problems. Models from 2004 to 2007 saw high oil consumption that led to reliability problems and engine issues. Other issues with early Prius models included peeling paint and wonky headlights. Overall, the generation of Prius models that kicked off in 2017 is the most reliable. None since then have fallen below an Average score for J.D. Power rankings, with most reaching above-average status.