2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in
Changes for the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in:
Following a late introduction for the 2012 model year, the Prius Plug-in is unchanged for 2013.
Model Lineup:
Toyota sells the 2013 Prius Plug-in as a standard model or an Advanced model, both equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that can power the car purely on electricity for up to 15 miles at speeds up to 62 mph. The Prius Plug-in can be told apart from a standard Prius by its illuminated charging port, blue-tinted headlights and badges, and unique 15-inch aluminum wheel design. The Advanced model adds LED headlights and fog lights.
Additional standard features for the Prius Plug-in Advanced include leatherette seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat, expanded Toyota Entune services, a navigation system, and an upgraded audio system. This model is also equipped with a heads-up display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a Pre-Collision System, and Safety Connect telematics with an Automatic Collision Notification system.
Engines and Transmissions:
The 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in has the same hybrid powertrain as the standard Prius, except that the nickel-metal hydride battery is swapped out for a lithium-ion battery that is able to power the car purely on electricity for up to 15 miles and at speeds up to 62 mph. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline-fired 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine activates and the Prius Plug-in works just like a regular Prius until the car can be recharged or it needs to visit a gas station for a tank of unleaded.
According to Toyota, the Prius Plug-in can be recharged in three hours using a standard household electrical outlet. Plug the car into a 240-volt outlet, and the battery is replenished in 1.5 hours.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
When operated in electric vehicle (EV) mode, the 2013 Prius Plug-in is rated to return 95 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Used as a conventional hybrid, this model gets 51 mpg in the city, 49 mpg on the highway, and 50 mpg in combined driving.
Safety Ratings:
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2013 Prius Plug-in receives a 4-star overall crash-test rating, down from the standard Prius model’s 5-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says the Prius Plug-in is a “Top Safety Pick.”
Technology Highlights:
In addition to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Prius Plug-in comes standard with a Smart Key passive entry system with push-button ignition, an automatic remote climate control system, a 6.1-inch Display Audio system with a color touchscreen, a reversing camera, Bluetooth hands-free calling and music streaming, and a 3-year subscription to Entune multi-media services.
The Prius Plug-in Advanced model adds automatic LED headlights, a navigation system, a premium audio system with Greenedge speakers, a heads-up display, and expanded Entune services. Safety Connect telematics with Automatic Collision Notification is also standard for the Advanced model, as well as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and a Pre-Collision System.
