Toyota Prius PHEV Hybrid Import Information and SEVS import eligibility for Australia
The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid liftback is sold as the Prius PHV / Prius PHEV hybrid in Japan and the Prius Prime in North America, South Korea and New Zealand.
Three Prius PHEV / PHV models and one Prius hybrid (non plug-in) model can be imported from Japan to Australia as they were not sold here new by Toyota, all are 5-seater.
This page deals with the 2022+ Toyota Prius PHEV (MXWH61, MXWH65):
2012 to 2016 Toyota Prius PHV ZVW35 – we no longer source this earlier model Prius PHV due to price / limited availability of quality examples in Japan
2017 to 2022 Toyota Prius PHV ZVW52
Dec 2022+ Toyota Prius hybrid MXWH60, MXWH65
Dec 2022+ Toyota Prius PHV MXWH61 – in Japan this model is called the Prius PHEV to differentiate it from the two prior PHV models
Unlike the basic Prius hybrid, the higher spec Prius PHV hybrid from Japan charges the battery while driving and braking (exactly like the standard Prius) PLUS can be directly charged from the grid / home solar enabling much greater fuel efficiency than the hybrid-only Prius.
The latest Prius PHEV would most benefit drivers that make short trips on EV-only each day then recharge from a home solar system.
Toyota Japan claims fuel economy of 26.0 km/L / 3.85 L/100 km (WLTC).
The Prius PHEV hybrid system is designed with a focus on efficiency rather than driving range on EV-only mode but is still good for between 71 to 87 km on EV-only mode depending on the test method used (EPA / WLTC).
Check out the 2020+ RAV4 PHEV if you need a bit more range on EV-only (almost 100 km).
The latest Prius PHEV uses a more powerful 111 kW (151 PS) 2.0L M20A-FXS four-cylinder engine which together with the 120 kW (163 PS) electric motor generate a combined output of 164 kW (223 PS).
This is an 82% increase over the previous Prius model and 13% more than the standard Prius hybrid, giving the 2022+ Prius PHV a very respectable 0 to 100 km/h of 6.7 seconds.
The 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack located under the back seats has more than 50% greater capacity compared to the previous model.
The Prius PHEV can be used to run electrical accessories outside the car, even when it’s raining.
External power attachment
An external power supply attachment allows connection of the power cord with the doors and windows fully closed.
Prius PHEV Body and Interior Colours
6 body colour options:
2 interior colour options:
As of 2023 the 5-seat Prius PHEV hybrid 2WD was available from Japan in one model – the Prius PHEV Z.
Prius PHEV Bodykit Upgrades
Three appearance upgrade packages are available – Modellista Neo Advanced Style, Modellista Elegant Ice Style and Modellista Cool Shine Kit.
Prius PHEV Options and Features
Smartphone connection (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto™)
You can use smartphone apps such as music, maps, calls and messages on the large screen display by connecting via Apple CarPlay (USB / wireless) and Android Auto (USB only).
7-inch TFT Color meter + multi-information display (with meter illuminance control)
Display audio options with intuitive interface
■ 12.3-inch display audio (compatible with connected navigation) Plus
■ 12.3-inch display audio (compatible with connected navigation)
■ 8-inch display audio (compatible with connected navigation)
Steering switch controls
Various operations can be performed without taking your hands off the steering wheel.
■ Multi-information display, radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, audio, voice recognition, hands-free
Ⓐ Information operation system (4-way switch, return)
Ⓑ Driving support system (radar cruise control, radar cruise control mode switching, lane tracing assist)
Ⓒ Audio system (volume, voice recognition, hands-free, mode selection, song selection / tuning)
Digital interior mirror
Images from the rear camera are displayed on the rear view mirror so you can check what’s behind you without your view being obstructed by headrests or luggage. Standard mirror mode or digital mirror mode can be selected using the switch.
Driver’s 8-way power sport seat with synthetic leather
Electric adjustment of seat position – front / back slide, recline, up / down, front edge up / down adjustments are possible.
There is also a switch for 2-way lumbar support adjustment for the lower back.
Front seat heater (3 temperature settings)
Enjoy comfortable driving even on cold days with warmth to your back and legs.
Front seat ventilation
A ventilation function in the backrest and seat surface provides rapid cooling even on hot days.
Steering heater
Full steering wheel heating for comfort in cold weather.
Luggage space
The boot floor has been lowered as far as possible to maximise luggage capacity and a low tailgate lip helps when loading large items.
6:4 split folding rear seat
Versatile luggage area for loading long items.
Panoramic roof (with manual sunshade)
Large panoramic roof for an open and bright feel.
Wireless charger
Charge your smartphone wirelessly.
Accessory outlets (AC100V / 1500W / with emergency power supply system)
One located on the rear of the centre console for rear passengers and another on the left side of the boot compartment.
Electrical accessories with a total power consumption of 1500W / less than 100V AC can be used while the vehicle is stopped.
EV power supply mode / HV power supply mode
There are two “external power supply modes” to choose from.
■ EV power supply mode – for leisure and outdoor activities. You can use electricity wherever you go. Power is supplied using only the battery without starting the engine. Power supply will be terminated when the remaining battery level falls below a predetermined value.
■ HV power supply mode – for emergencies such as power outages and disasters. In the event of an emergency, you can use your car as a power source. At first power will be from the battery only then when the remaining battery level is low the engine will start to continue supplying power.
Solar charging system
Electricity from the solar panels is supplied to the battery while driving and parked. Power generation amount is shown on the display audio screen, multi-information display, and smartphone app “My TOYOTA+.”
Prius PHEV Safety Features
The latest Prius PHEV uses a range of advanced Toyota Safety Sense features to improve safety for occupants and other road users.
■ Pre-crash safety (PCS): Supports collision avoidance
■ Lane tracing assist (LTA): Supports highway cruising
■ Lane departure alert (LDA): Warns of unintended lane departure
■ Radar cruise control (with all vehicle speed tracking function): Automatically maintains a safe distance in traffic
■ Adaptive high beam System/Automatic High Beam: Supports visibility at night
■ Road Sign Assist: Notification of traffic signs
■ Driver emergency response system: Supports life-saving and relief efforts
■ Proactive Driving Assist (PDA): Subtly supports safe driving
■ Start delay notification Functions: Supports preceding vehicles and signal delays
■ Emergency steering support (with active steering function): Supports steering to avoid obstacles in an emergency
■ Front cross traffic alert (FCTA): Helps prevent accidents at the front of the vehicle
■ Lane change assist (LCA): Supports lane changes at high speeds
Pre-crash safety (collision avoidance with pedestrians (day / night), bicycle / driver (day / night), motorcycle (day) using millimeter wave radar + monocular camera.
Emergency steering support (with active steering function)
If there is a high probability of a collision with a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist or vehicle and there is sufficient space in the driver’s lane to avoid the collision, the PCS system will apply weak braking and steer the car (even if the driver does not steer) and assist in collision avoidance while remaining within the lane.
Front cross traffic alert (FCTA)
Detects vehicles approaching from the left and right, such as when entering an intersection. If the driver attempts to start even though a vehicle is approaching, a warning buzzer and screen display will operate to alert the driver.
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA)
Anticipates risks depending on the driving situation (such as pedestrians crossing or the possibility of a pedestrian moving in front of the vehicle).
■ Steering and deceleration support for pedestrians, cyclists, and parked vehicles.
Anticipates risks and supports steering and braking operations to avoid getting too close to danger.
■ Deceleration support for the vehicle in front
When an interruption by a vehicle in front or an adjacent vehicle is detected the system decelerates gently to prevent the vehicle from getting too close.
■ Deceleration support for curves
If it is determined that the vehicle is traveling too fast approaching a curve it will decelerate gently.
■ Deceleration support when turning right or left
When approaching a signalled intersection advanced deceleration is supported.
■ Continuous steering support when driving within the lane
By predicting driver operations and changing the steering reaction force, unnecessary operations are suppressed and delays are prevented, supporting smooth driving.
Road sign assist (RSA)
Helps prevent signs from being overlooked.
The multi-information display displays road signs such as maximum speed, temporary stop, and no turning that are recognized by the monocular camera. Additionally, if the system determines that the driver is not obeying road signs or signals such as maximum speed, no vehicles allowed or red light, the system will notify the driver on the display and with an audible warning.
■ Red light notification function
When the system determines that there is a possibility of overlooking a red light and entering an intersection, it will alert the driver by flashing a warning on the display or buzzing.
Driver abnormality response system
If the driver remains inactive during Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) control, the system not only prompts the driver with audible, visual and slow deceleration warnings, but also alerts the driver of any abnormalities outside the vehicle with hazard horns and stop lights. While doing so, the system decelerates and stops within its own lane, helping to avoid accidents that cause injury or damage to the vehicle itself, and reduce accident damage. After the vehicle has stopped, it also unlocks the doors and makes a request for life support via HELPNET® automatic connection for rapid attendance of emergency services.
Radar cruise control (with all-vehicle speed tracking function)
Lane tracing assist (LTA)
Assists with some of the steering operations to keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane during highway cruising.
■ Lane Keeping Support Function
Even when the lane is difficult to see or cannot be seen, the system follows the vehicle in front and supports steering operations. Curve driving support is dynamic according to the situation.
Lane change assist (LCA)
Supports lane changes on highways – activates when the driver’s turn signal is operated then uses steering to change lanes and monitors other vehicles changing lanes. The direction indicator will automatically turn off after completing a lane change.
Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
If the vehicle is about to drift out of the lane the driver will receive a warning through the display, steering vibration, or warning buzzer. Steering operation will also be assisted.
■ Lane Departure Warning Function/Lane Departure Suppression Function
The system operates by recognizing not only lanes, but also boundaries between bitumen and grass / soil, curbs, and structures such as guardrails. If the vehicle determines intentional deviation from the lane to avoid a pedestrian or parked vehicle, it has a function that suppresses the activation of the lane departure warning and lane departure prevention functions.
Adaptive high beam system (AHS)
Supports visibility at night.
The LED light distribution range is finely controlled and the light is automatically blocked only in the areas where the light hits the vehicle in front or oncoming vehicles, allowing high beam driving to be used more often.
Automatic high beam (AHB)
Supports visibility at night.
Automatically switches between high beam and low beam, supporting early detection of pedestrians at night. This prevents situations where the driver may forget to switch to low beam and is more convenient than manual operation.
Panoramic view monitor (with underfloor transparent display function)
Check your surroundings as if you were looking directly above the car.
An image that looks like the vehicle viewed from above is displayed on the display audio screen. You can clearly check the situation around the vehicle in real time, which is difficult to see just from the driver’s seat. In addition, see-through view allows you to see the surrounding area as if you were looking through the car, side clearance view allows you to check the safety of the sides of the vehicle by displaying an image that looks like the vehicle is seen from above, and it also features a cornering view that allows you to check collision avoidance.
If a moving object is detected around the vehicle while the panoramic view monitor is displayed, a buzzer and display warning will alert the driver. With the voice control system, the driver can display a panoramic view using a voice command instead of pressing the main switch or selecting a switch on the screen. In addition, the rear camera has a cleaning function to maintain a clear view.
Parking support brake (stationary objects in front and rear / stationary objects in the surrounding area)
Helps reduce collision damage by detecting stationary objects around the vehicle.
This system reduces collisions caused by pressing the accelerator incorrectly or pressing too hard, and helps to reduce damage. For vehicles equipped with Advanced Park, stationary objects are detected not only in the front and rear directions, but also around the vehicle to the sides. Not only when assisting with Advanced Park, but also during parking situations such as leaving or reversing, the system monitors the surrounding area and notifies the driver of approaching stationary objects with a display and buzzer, and applies collision damage mitigation braking when the distance gets closer.
Rear vehicle approach notification
Alerts the driver when a vehicle approaches from behind.
The blind spot monitor (BSM) rear millimeter wave radar detects vehicles approaching behind the vehicle and issues a warning via the multi-information display or buzzer.
Secondary collision brake (for rear collisions while stationary)
The system will activate the brakes to avoid / mitigate secondary collision damage with car/s in front in the event of a rear-end collision.
Prius PHEV Specifications
| Transmission | Planetary gear eCVT |
|---|---|
| Hybrid drivetrain | Plug-in hybrid |
| Battery | 13.6 kWh lithium-ion |
| Range | 965 km (600 mi) (EPA) |
| Electric range | 87 km (54 mi) (WLTC) 71 km (44 mi) (EPA) |
| Plug-in charging | 3.5 kW 100–240 V onboard charger for 1ϕ 16 A |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm (108.3 in) |
| Length | 4,600 mm (181.1 in) |
| Width | 1,780 mm (70.1 in) |
| Height | 1,420–1,430 mm (55.9–56.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,570–1,620 kg (3,461–3,571 lb) |
Contact us for current availability and pricing if you would like to import your own Prius PHEV hybrid to Australia.
Every vehicle of interest to our clients is carefully inspected in person at auction, with more pictures provided along with market pricing guidance to help set the budget.
There is a good selection of Prius PHEV hybrid models going through auction in Japan every week – we can assist with the entire process from choosing the best example to shipping it to Australia.
We specialise in direct car import from Japan and have been sourcing vehicles to order for private Australian buyers for over 25 years.
Every vehicle is hand-picked and we only source the very best.
We make Toyota Prius hybrid import easy with physical inspections of vehicles by experienced staff at over 30 auctions every week in the Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, and Kyushu / Fukuoka regions.
We start by focusing only on vehicles with the highest auction grades. But there is a LOT more involved than just basic auction grading !
Auction reports are often not reliable – we inspect every vehicle of interest in person to ensure it is up to our standard and has the options and features you want.
Most people (even Japanese export agents) do not realise that a significant % of vehicles in Japan are bought and sold by Japanese dealers for a quick profit between different auctions. If you are not aware of this you will almost certainly pay more than you needed to for exactly the same car.
Our experience with this situation alone will often save you more than the cost of our service fee.
Our import agent service includes a pre-check for past auction records using JCHC, at no cost to you. This allows us to rule out:
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Cars recently auctioned and moved to a different auction for quick resale
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Graded R (accident repair) cars changed to higher grades
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Cars that have passed in unsold multiple times indicating a problem with the condition and/or price.
I was on your mailing lists for many years (over 5 years ago) and have put a few friends onto cars that you were selling in the past that have bought from you who couldn’t be happier!