The Toyota Prius was one of the first hybrid cars on the road and one of few compact or mid-sized cars that garnered a massive amount of attention. Nowadays, things aren’t that simple. Many other models are similar from brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Honda, which gives buyers a chance to do more comparison shopping. That said, the Prius still offers plenty for the money, especially as a used car.
Changes in 2014
The 2014 model Prius is very similar to the 2013 model. The exterior appearance of the wagon trim is nearly identical, and the hatchback models look the same, as well. The Special Edition Persona series was retired and is no longer available for 2014. The transmission and engine remain the same, as does the battery pack, so if you appreciated the 2013 model, you’d likely enjoy the 2014, as well.
Advantages of Buying a Used 2014 Toyota Prius
There are several reasons to consider this fuel-efficient vehicle, along with a few disadvantages. We’ll go over some of the reasons that the 2014 Prius is a favorite used car to purchase, first.
- Safety Features. The Prius has quite a few safety features that will be appreciated by many, especially those considering the car as a family vehicle. Some of the special features on the special packages include things like emergency response, roadside assistance, lane departure warning, and pre-collision alerts.
- Standard Features. The base Prius Two offers automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, cruise control, 60/40 split-folding seats, and a six-inch touchscreen display. The Prius Three also has voice controls, the Toyota Entune information centers, and a rearview camera. For the Prius Four, you’ll also receive a JBL sound system, 8-way power driver’s seat, and leatherette upholstery. The Prius Five has 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, and fog lights. The larger Prius V comes with most of the Prius Three features.
- Excellent Fuel Efficiency. The Prius offers amazing fuel efficiency with an average of 51 mpg on the highway and 48 on the street. This beats out all gasoline vehicles and most other hybrid vehicles, as well. If you want to save money and avoid hurting the environment, this car is the ultimate choice.
- The hatchback and wagon both have reasonable storage space, with the hatchback having a tad more than a midsize sedan would have. As far as seating goes, the Prius offers oversized rear seating with plenty of legroom. Three individuals can sit comfortably in the back seats. It is a bit hard to get into, but once you’re situated, it’s not a bad ride at all.
- The ride is pretty comfortable in the Prius. It’s easy to steer, and the suspension is better than average, as well. Small bumps barely register to passengers and parking is straightforward for the driver.
Disadvantages of Purchasing a Used 2014 Prius
With the good comes the not-so-good, but we want you to have all the facts. Here are some of the places where the Prius doesn’t excel and may not live up to expectations.
- Initial Investment. Even as a used car, the Prius is more expensive than a gasoline vehicle will be. Hybrids are just more expensive. So, if the price is the limiting option, you might be better served with another vehicle.
- Noisy Driving. The engine on this hybrid is pretty loud, even when going at slow speeds. It can be irritating to passengers who regularly hear whines and humming as the car moves along the road.
- Slow Acceleration. The Toyota Prius is not the most powerful hybrid out there, and acceleration can be lacking. The car can go from zero to sixty in just over 10 seconds. This is due to the 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine with only 134 horsepower and the electric generators.
Toyota has done a good job with the Prius, overall, and there are many reasons to consider it for your next used car purchase. They’ve done well adding in high-tech gadgets that consumers enjoy, spurred by the competition that was heating up in 2014 among hybrids. The fuel economy is nothing less than amazing. However, some will want to consider whether that’s worth the tradeoff when it comes to the higher price of buying a Prius, even a pre-owned version.
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