2012 Toyota Prius+ Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Toyota Prius+ for the 2012-2015 model years is approximately 1495 kg (3297 lbs). The maximum allowable weight, often referred to as the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), is 2115 kg (4664 lbs). This weight capacity includes passengers, cargo, fuel, and any additional equipment. The difference between curb weight and maximum weight indicates the vehicle's capacity to carry people and luggage safely.

The Toyota Prius+ offers a luggage capacity of 505 liters (17.8 cubic feet) with all rear seats in use. When the rear seats are folded down, this capacity expands significantly to 1750 liters (61.8 cubic feet), providing substantial additional space for larger items and cargo. This versatility makes the Prius+ well-suited for family trips, shopping, or transporting bulky goods while maintaining the option of seating up to seven passengers.

A standard residential garage typically measures about 2.4 to 2.7 meters (8 to 9 feet) in width and at least 4.8 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) in length, with a height around 2.1 to 2.4 meters (7 to 8 feet). The Toyota Prius+ with a length of 4615 mm (4.615 m or 181.5 inches), width of 1775 mm (1.775 m or 69.9 inches), and height of 1575 mm (1.575 m or 62 inches) will comfortably fit in most standard garages in terms of length, width, and height. Homeowners should verify their own garage dimensions, but in general, parking a Prius+ inside a typical garage poses no issues.

The Toyota Prius+ replaced the earlier Prius family-oriented model, offering a more spacious and practical layout with its minivan design. Compared to the predecessor, which was essentially a five-door hatchback variant of the Prius, the Prius+ is significantly longer and taller, providing more passenger room and cargo space. The 4615 mm length and 1575 mm height offer substantial improvements in interior volume and comfort, catering to families needing a hybrid vehicle with third-row seating, something the previous generation Prius did not have.

Compared to similar hybrid minivans or multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) around that period, such as the Ford C-Max Hybrid or Honda Insight with similar passenger capacities, the Toyota Prius+ stands out with better interior room and flexibility due to its longer length and taller profile. While some competitors might offer slightly larger cargo volumes, the Prius+ balances compact external dimensions with efficient space utilization. Additionally, it benefits from Toyota's hybrid system, often resulting in better fuel economy and lower emissions in the minivan segment.

The Toyota Prius+ is equipped with tire sizes 205/60 R16 and 215/50 R17, fitted on rims that range from 6.5J x 16 to 7J x 17 (metric rim widths). The choice of tire and rim sizes affects ride comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency. The 16-inch rims with 205 width tires provide a good balance for everyday driving comfort and efficiency, whereas the optional 17-inch rim with 215 width tires offers slightly enhanced grip and styling, possibly at a slight cost of ride softness and fuel consumption.

The roof load limit for the Toyota Prius+ is 75 kg (165 lbs). This weight limit includes roof racks, cargo boxes, or other equipment mounted on the roof. Staying within this limit is crucial for vehicle stability, safety, and preventing damage to roof rails or mounting points. Overloading the roof can negatively impact handling and aerodynamics, potentially causing increased wind noise, reduced fuel efficiency, and even structural damage.

The Toyota Prius+ is classified as a compact minivan or MPV (multi-purpose vehicle), introduced as a hybrid seven-seater aimed at families and eco-conscious drivers who require more space than the traditional Prius hatchback offers. What sets it apart is its combination of hybrid efficiency with the practicality of a three-row seating layout and relatively compact external dimensions. It offers a balance of fuel economy, environmental friendliness, and versatile passenger and cargo space that was relatively unique in its segment during the production years 2011-2015.

The Toyota Prius+ is especially well-suited for families due to its seven-seat configuration and large cargo capacity, which can reach up to 1750 liters (61.8 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. Its dimensions allow comfortable seating for adults in the first two rows and usable third-row seats for children or occasional passengers. The minivan design maximizes interior space, user-friendly access, and practicality, making it an excellent choice for families who want a hybrid vehicle without sacrificing room or versatility.