Toyota Prius specs: horsepower, fuel consumption & ground clearance
The Toyota Prius in Kenya: 1 version from 2015–2022, 122 hp, 30.8 km/L, 130 mm ground clearance.
All versions at a glance
| Version | Power | Torque | Clearance | Economy | Fuel / month* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.8L 4-cyl hybrid (ZVW50) 1.8L 2ZR-FXE inline-4 hybrid · CVT · FWD · 2015–2022 | 122 hp | 142 Nm | 130 mm | 30.8 km/L | KES 11,100 |
*1,500 km a month at KES 226.96 per litre of petrol (EPRA Nairobi, 15 Oct – 14 Nov 2026) (diesel: KES 227.76/L). Typical factory figures — individual cars vary.
Toyota Prius 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid (2015–2022)
Generation ZVW50 · 2015–2022 · source: GariAI lookup of manufacturer data
- Power
- 122 hp
- Torque
- 142 Nm
- Engine
- 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid (1.8L 2ZR-FXE inline-4 hybrid)
- Engine size
- 1,797 cc
- Cylinders
- 4
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Ground clearance
- 130 mm
- Fuel economy
- 30.8 km/L
- Fuel tank
- 43 litres
- Seats
- 5
- 0–100 km/h
- 10.6 s
- Top speed
- 180 km/h
Kenya Fit
- Fuel saver30.8 km/L — about KES 11,100 a month for 1,500 km at today’s pump price.
- Traffic-jam friendlyHybrid: the electric motor does the stop-start work, so it sips fuel in Nairobi traffic.
- Parts everywhereToyota spares are sold in every town and on Kirinyaga Road, and every mechanic knows them.
- Low — mind the bumpsOnly 130 mm of ground clearance: take bumps slowly, at an angle, and avoid deep ruts.
What it means in plain English
Power — 122 hp, “Everyday”. Comfortable in Nairobi traffic and fine on the highway. Overtaking a lorry needs a long clear stretch.
Torque — 142 Nm, “Light”. Fine for a light car in town. It will feel strained climbing hills with passengers.
Ground clearance — 130 mm, “Low”. Will scrape on many Kenyan bumps and potholes. Best kept on smooth tarmac.
Fuel economy — 30.8 km/L, “Very frugal”. Among the cheapest cars to run in Kenya. Ideal for Uber/Bolt and long commutes. At KES 226.96 per litre of petrol (EPRA Nairobi, 15 Oct – 14 Nov 2026), 1,000 km costs about KES 7,400, 1,500 km about KES 11,100 and 2,500 km about KES 18,400.
Engine — 4 cylinders, “Kenya’s workhorse”. Smooth enough, economical, and strong when turbocharged — especially as a diesel. Parts on every street in Kirinyaga Road, and every mechanic knows them. The safest first-car choice.
The 2017 Toyota Prius (ZVW50) is a popular fourth-generation hybrid hatchback highly prized in Kenya for its outstanding fuel efficiency and low operating costs. Powered by a proven 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, it offers a remarkably quiet and smooth drive ideal for urban commuting. Its aerodynamic styling, reliable hybrid technology, generous hatchback cargo space, and advanced driver assistance features make it a practical and long-term economical choice for daily driving.
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Toyota Prius have?
Depending on the version, the Toyota Prius makes 122 hp — 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid (2015–2022): 122 hp and 142 Nm. Comfortable in Nairobi traffic and fine on the highway. Overtaking a lorry needs a long clear stretch.
What is the fuel consumption of the Toyota Prius?
1.8L 4-cyl hybrid: about 30.8 km/L (≈ KES 11,100 a month for 1,500 km). Costs use KES 226.96 per litre of petrol (EPRA Nairobi, 15 Oct – 14 Nov 2026) and diesel at KES 227.76/L. Factory figures — Nairobi traffic uses more.
What is the ground clearance of the Toyota Prius?
About 130 mm. Will scrape on many Kenyan bumps and potholes. Best kept on smooth tarmac.
What engine does the Toyota Prius use?
The Toyota Prius in Kenya comes with: 1.8L 2ZR-FXE inline-4 hybrid. Parts on every street in Kirinyaga Road, and every mechanic knows them. The safest first-car choice.
Is the Toyota Prius 2WD, AWD or 4WD?
Versions sold in Kenya are FWD. Two-wheel drive is fine on tarmac and light murram.
How many seats does the Toyota Prius have?
5 seats.
Related
- Spec School — what every spec means
- Import a Toyota Prius — KRA duty and landed cost
Typical factory figures for each version; versions marked “GariAI lookup” come from manufacturer data and haven’t been checked by our team yet. Individual cars vary with trim, market and condition — confirm against the car’s documents and auction sheet. Spot a mistake? Tell us.