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2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Base

The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Base is a 134-hp 1.8-liter with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. It starts at $32,000 MSRP and is rated at 50 mpg combined.

It makes 134 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque, spinning to a 5,800 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 51 mpg city and 49 mpg highway (50 mpg combined).

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid measures 176.4 inches long on a 106.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,165 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeLiftback
PowertrainPlug-in Hybrid
Price
MSRP$32,000 ($45,296 *)
MSRP with Destination$32,760 ($46,372 *)
Destination Charge$760
Engine
Engine Type1.8-Liter Aluminum 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve VVT-i Atkinson-cycle gas engine (2ZR-FXE) + Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous electric motor + Lithium-ion battery, Hybrid Synergy Drive (Plug-in)
Displacement1.8 L
Horsepower134 hp
Torque105 lb-ft
Redline5,800 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 16-Valve VVT-i
Bore and Stroke3.17 in. x 3.48 in.
Compression Ratio13.0:1
Injection TypeSequential multi-point EFI with Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
TransmissionElectronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
Fuel Economy
City51 MPG
Highway49 MPG
Combined50 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) + electricity
Tank Capacity10.6 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar
Rear SuspensionTorsion beam rear suspension
Turning Diameter34.2 ft
Brakes
Front Brake DiscPower-assisted ventilated front disc brakes
Rear Brake DiscSolid rear disc brakes with integrated regenerative braking and Star Safety System
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front15-in.
Wheels Rear15-in.
Tires FrontP195/65R15
Tires RearP195/65R15
Dimensions & Weight
Length176.4 in
Width68.7 in
Height58.7 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Front Track60 in
Rear Track59.8 in
Ground Clearance5.3 in
Cargo Volume21.6 ft³
Curb Weight3,165 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front38.6 in
Headroom Rear37.6 in
Legroom Front42.5 in
Legroom Rear36 in
Shoulder Room Front54.9 in
Shoulder Room Rear53.1 in
Hip Room Front52.7 in
Hip Room Rear51.2 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Similar cars

Rivals to the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Base with similar size, power and price from around the same years.

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (12.4 % risk)
Tested variant: 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In 5 HB FWD

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Nov 15, 2017 · HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 17V718000

Jun 30, 2016 · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.

NHTSA campaign 16V487000

422 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2012 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN

Owner Complaints

422 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN (44 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 26 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Service Brakes191
Electrical System52
Exterior Lighting37
Unknown Or Other33
Engine32
Visibility/Wiper28
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Nov 6, 2025 · Electrical System
“The hybrid system fails to enter “Ready” mode with no SMR engagement audible from the junction box. Dashboard displays ABS, brake, engine, and master warning lights. OBD codes include U0142, U0155…”
Oct 31, 2025 · Service Brakes
“While driving 60 mph in highway, ABS, traction control and brake lights lit up and vehicle lost its effective braking power. There were no prior warnings prior to this failure. It was a sudden…”
Jul 25, 2025 · Electrical System, Service Brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance
“Brake getting stuck on the floor would have to press on brake really hard just to get a response, this will happen out of the blue! Driving in highway or just driving off the driveway. I almost hit a…”
Jul 21, 2025 · Service Brakes
“While driving on the freeway I applied the brakes and the brakes suddenly felt soft and not very responsive. At that moment 3 dashboard lights turned on: ABS, BRAKE, and the slip indicator lights. I…”
Jun 22, 2025 · Service Brakes
“C1391 - Abnormal Leak in Accumulator”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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