Is the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid a Good Car?

Looking for an affordable plug-in vehicle? The 2013 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid offers high fuel efficiency at a lower price.
Written by Meaghan Branham
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The 2013
Toyota Prius Plug-in
Hybrid offers an affordable, efficient, and comfortable ride.
The 2013 Prius Plug In originally started at $32,000, but its Kelly Blue Book fair market price  sits between $13,000 and $16,000 these days. That makes the technology-packed, fuel-efficient car an absolute steal. With all the space and grace of the original model of the renowned Prius, the plug-in version doesn’t compromise. 
Thinking about snagging a Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid for yourself?
Jerry
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2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

You might think that because the 2013 Prius Plug-in Hybrid debuted nearly a decade ago, it won’t keep up with some of today’s electric options. While it may not be topping every list, this model still has a lot to offer, especially when you consider its affordability. 
From pricing to performance, from technology to trim options, here’s all you need to know about the plug-in. 

Pricing

The MSRP of the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid started at $32,000 for the base model, nearly $10,000 more than the base Prius model. The only other trim available for the plug-in was the Toyota Prius Plug-In Advanced, which started at $39,525
Used 2013 Prius Plug Ins now go for between $13,000 and $16,000.
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Performance and fuel economy

The 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine supported by two electric motors. Paired with its continuously variable automatic transmission, which ensures the engine is always performing at peak efficiency, the plug-in’s fuel economy is impressive: In electric mode, the car gets 95 mpg-equivalent, and in gas/electric mode can get 51 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway
The Prius Plug-in can also travel 11 miles in all-electric mode. That’s solid, but not as impressive as some of its competitors like, say, the 2013
Ford C-Max Energi
Plug-in Hybrid, which can get you 21 miles on just electric power
When it comes to charging time, the Prius powers up quicker than much of the competition. The car charges in about three hours on a standard 120-volt outlet, or just an hour and a half if you have a 240-volt outlet
And if you’re looking for quality performance, look no further than the tried-and-true Prius. The plug-in keeps all the likability the model has come to be known for: a smooth and quiet ride whether you’re hitting higher speeds on the highway or taking it easy around town. While the acceleration is nothing to write home about, most hybrid owners are fine with prioritizing fuel economy over mind-blowing speed.  

Exterior styling

Much like its non-electric counterpart, the Prius Plug-in’s exterior tows the line between unassuming and sporty. It won’t turn many heads, but if you like a low-profile practical ride, it’s perfect for you. 
If you’re looking to jazz it up a little, choose from the 6 available colors: Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Clearwater Blue Metallic, Sea Glass Pearl, Super White, and Winter Gray Metallic. 

Interior and comfort

Just as with the exterior styling, the interior styling of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is very similar to that of the original model. 
The design has a futuristic edge that lends to the fun of an electric car, like the digital instrument panel featuring a floating layer to display some info, and features plenty of room for driver and passengers alike. However,  the low-quality materials — like the hard plastics used on the dashboard and door panels — may put off some drivers who are looking for luxury. 

Technology

The digital instrument panel is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the technology available with the 2013 Plug-in. While the floating display shows the driver information like temperature and trip info, the Entune suite of services connects to your smartphone to enable internet search, Pandora streaming, traffic news, and more.  
The safety features are no exception to the high-tech approach of the Prius, which includes: 
  • Antilock disc brakes
  • Stability and traction control
  • Back-up camera
  • Hill start assist
Those who opt for the Advanced trim will find a helpful pre-collision warning system built in. 

Warranty coverage

The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid’s
warranties
might not be the longest ones you’ll find available, but they are still pretty impressive. The one drawback to buying a slightly less expensive older model? In many cases, the warranties will have expired before you ever get behind the wheel. That’s true of any 2013 model, whose warranties are listed below.   
  • Limited warranty: three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first)
  • Powertrain warranty: five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first)
  • Battery warranty: eight years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first)

Trim levels and options

The 2013 Prius Plug-in was available in two trim options: the base and the Advanced trim
The base trim started at $32,000 and came with plenty of standard features for an impressive value. It included the 1.8L I-4 engine, front-wheel drive, driveline traction control, 15" wheels, heated front-row seats and mirrors, and cloth seats
The Advanced trim started at $39,525 and included all the features of the base trim plus a pre-collision warning system, front fog/driving lights, SofTex leatherette seat trim, and driver lumbar support.
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The bottom line

The 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in hit the sweet spot for many buyers looking for something between an entirely electric car and a traditional hybrid. For an affordable price, buyers can have a sensible, spacious, and fuel-sipping futuristic sedan that checks nearly every box.

2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid vs. 2013 Ford C-Max Energi Plug-in Hybrid

How does the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid compare to its competition? The 2013 Ford C-Max Energi Plug-in Hybrid stacks up strongly.
The Toyota Prius beats the C-Max out when it comes to fuel economy, getting 50 mpg to the C-Max’s 38. However, the C-Max has nearly double the electric range of the Prius at 20 miles, and with an MSRP of about $2,000 less, it’s likely that a 2013 Ford will be more affordable. It’s a close call and will depend on if you’re looking to save in the short term with a lower price point, or in the long term with better fuel economy.
Model
Starting price
Fuel economy (gas only)
Fuel economy (gas + electric)
Driving range
Charging time (Level 2)
Hybrid battery warranty
2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
$32,000
50 mpg
95 MPGe
11 miles
1.5 hours
8 years or 100,000 miles
2013 Ford C-Max Energi Plug-in Hybrid
$29,995
38 mpg
88 MPGe
20 miles
2.5 hours
8 years or 100,000 miles

2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid vs. 2013 Chevrolet Volt Plug-in Hybrid

One of the other main competitors for the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is the
Chevrolet Volt
Plug-in Hybrid, with an MSRP of $39,145.
That’s a steep increase in price — nearly $9,000 more than the Prius. For that extra dough drivers enjoy just a slight increase in fuel economy: the Prius sits at 95 MPGe, while the Volt comes in at 98 MPGe. While the Volt has a much higher electric-only driving range at 38 miles, it may not be worth the extra cost for those looking for an affordable and environmentally- conscious car.
Model
Starting price
Fuel economy (gas only)
Fuel economy (gas + electric)
Driving range
Charging time (Level 2)
Hybrid battery warranty
2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
$32,000
50 mpg
95 MPGe
11 miles
1.5 hours
8 years or 100,000 miles
2013 Chevrolet Volt Plug-in Hybrid
$39,145
37 mpg
98 MPGe
38 miles
4 hours
3 years and unlimited mileage

How to save money on car insurance

Drivers of plug-in hybrid cars get to enjoy reduced fuel costs thanks to electric driving ranges and high electric/gas mileage. If those drivers take advantage of super app
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