Toyota Prius first generation
The Toyota Prius first generation (2001–2003): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 3 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: XW10 · Sold in: United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, and France
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,320 mm RDW | – | 4,275–4,308 mm |
| Width | 1,700 mm Traficom | – | 1,695 mm |
| Height | 1,480 mm Traficom | – | 1,463–1,491 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,550 mm RDW | – | 2,550 mm |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,225 kg RDW | – | 1,254 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,325 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,645 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 5 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 4 RDW | – | – |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 340 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,520 L EPA | – |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 160 km/h Traficom | – | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 175/65R14
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, Traficom type approvals (Finland), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 73.7% (70.5–76.7) | 69.2% | 776 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 43.4% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 41.5% | 36.4% |
| Lights and electrics | 40.6% | 28.8% |
| Tyres | 27.6% | 31.2% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 26.0% | 18.6% |
| Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers) | 12.5% | 11.8% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
431 complaints for model years 2001–2003. 30 crashes · 7 fires · 22 injuries · 5 deaths
- Steering 142
- Electrical system 49
- Tyres 42
- Speed control 39
- Brakes 36
- Engine 25
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 3 versions of the Toyota Prius first generation
United Kingdom 1 version
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–20031.5 VVT-I Hybrid · 1.5 VVT-i Hybrid | 1.5 L | Hybrid | 5.1 L/100 km NEDC | 120 g/km |
United States 1 version
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–2003 | 1.5 L | Hybrid | Continuously variable (CVT) | Front-wheel drive | 41 MPG (5.7 L/100 km) EPA | 135 g/km |
Canada 1 version
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–2003Compact | 1.5 L | Petrol | Continuously variable (CVT) | 5.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 129 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.