A Toyota Prius V might be the perfect used car

“Perfection” is a hard word to sell in the automotive industry. But for the Toyota Prius wagon, that’s as good a word as any other. A used Toyota Prius V offers drivers and family members plenty of storage space without sacrificing fuel economy. And if you can find a 2016 or 2017 model, this used hybrid can last you for years to come.

Another great used hybrid from Toyota

The Toyota Prius V was discontinued in the United States after the 2017 model year, and is one of the best options to look for when shopping for a used car. Packed with technology and plenty of cabin space, even after six years, it’s a great choice as an affordable used hybrid.

Searching for a quality used car within a budget can be a headache-inducing nightmare. But if you’re in the market for a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle with plenty of room, we’ll make it easier for you: look no further than the Toyota Prius V.

Part of what makes it a great used car is that the Prius V is roomier and has much more cargo space than a regular Prius. At the same time, it can still manage up to 42 mpg. You usually have to sacrifice good fuel economy when you’re looking for larger cars, but not with the Prius V.

Although production ended in 2017, it’s new enough that you won’t miss many of the latest technology features. So, for at least a few more years, the Prius V is a great choice for a used car.

Why did Toyota stop manufacturing the Prius V?

The Prius V arrived in the US market in 2011 and remained in production here until 2017. However, it persisted in the global market, especially in Europe and Asia. The reason Toyota stopped producing the Prius V in the United States stems from the success of another hybrid: the RAV4.

When the RAV4 Hybrid debuted in 2016, sales of the Prius V saw a sharp decline. The two were essentially competing for the same customers. As a result, Toyota decided to discontinue the Prius V and instead focus solely on the RAV4 Hybrid.

The Toyota Prius V has received great reviews from its owners

Thanks to its reliability, functionality and versatility, the Toyota Prius V earns top marks for owner satisfaction. With 4.5 stars on Edmunds, owners reported few issues outside of the Prius’ typical weaknesses like acceleration and road noise.

Owners and reviewers alike noted that acceleration was loud and touchy at times, which is in keeping with other Prius models. Other areas rated lower — though still above average — include design, driving experience and braking. It was rated lower by Prius V owners, but in official road testing, there were no major concerns about any of these areas. In our opinion, the Toyota Prius V is as close to “perfect” as a used car can get.