Do Toyota Hybrid Batteries Last Longer with Extreme High Mileage Driving?

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Submitted by Jeff Teague on February 18, 2021 - 4:55PM

Toyota hybrid owners comment on their extremely high mileage vehicles. Does high mileage driving help batteries last longer?

The average person drives 13,500 miles each year according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. Interesting fact. Let us start with this number as a baseline.

Based on my quick calculations, the average person might drive 135,000 miles over the course of 10 years. Of course, I am sure this varies by what part of the country you live in and many other factors. We also know that Toyota hybrid vehicles including Toyota Prius, RAV4 Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, Prius Prime and others can last a very long time.

Watch 5 Reasons Your Toyota Prius Is Getting Awful Fuel Mileage and click to subscribe to Torque News Youtube Channel for daily EV news.

I recently wrote a Torque News story discussing+ over time. Many people commented with their personal stories.

These personal accounts of their Toyota hybrids with extremely high mileage got me thinking.

Is there a correlation between excessively high mileage driving and Toyota hybrid longevity?

Toyota Prius high miles

Remember, I stated earlier that people, on average, drive 135,000 miles in 10 years. Look at these insanely high mileage Prius and other Toyota hybrid vehicles.

Howard has a case of high mileage blues. “Two weeks ago, my 2012 Prius Hybrid died because my combustion engine was getting old and smoking badly. Nothing wrong with the hybrid. Oh, the death was at 464,000 miles! And I took a picture of the odometer to prove it. I now have a 2018 Prius Prime which should last ‘til the Toyota Mirai becomes available nationally with the hydrogen fuel cells.”

Give or take a year, that is about 46,000 miles driven per year (we will estimate since I do not know exactly when these people purchased their cars).

“2013 Prius with 315,000 running strong. I drive 15,000 miles each month as a courier. This is my 5th Prius, and you can't beat the 3rd generation for value. Also have a 2014 with 250,000 miles on the original battery.” Commented Brian.

Way to go Brian. I believe that makes 565,000 total miles between your two Prius.

David wanted to get in on the action too. “Wow, lot of couriers commenting. Well, here's another one. I have my second Prius. A 2019 Prime I bought new and currently has 204,000 miles on it. No major repairs, just regular maintenance. Oil change every 10k. Transmission fluid exchange at 80k intervals. Still original brakes. Can't say enough on the reliability of this vehicle.”

I do not want to even think about how many miles David drives each year. I once drove about 30,000 miles per year as a pharmaceutical sales rep and I was exhausted and burned out from all the driving.

“We have 3 generation 2 Prius in my family ALL over 300,000!! LOVE this car.” Exclaimed Barbara.

“I have a 2011 Prius with 252,000 miles on it. Original batteries (both) this is the absolute best most practical car I have ever owned.” Remarked Matthew.

Mohammad added. “I use my Prius for Uber in New York. Drive it daily. Over 400k miles still going strong!!!”

Not sure what year this one is but amazing work Mohammad. Keep on keeping on.

Time for your thoughts on Toyota Prius

I remember hearing a fun fact that Toyota Prius engineers proudly stated that a Prius could last for one million miles if it is maintained properly and regularly.

That is incredible if true.

It seems many of these Prius owners are well on their way to getting there. And quickly based on their driving habits.

How about you? Do you have an extremely high mileage Toyota hybrid, and what does the odometer say right now? Do you do more city or highway driving?

I wonder if there is a way to link extreme high miles and high-volume driving habits with Toyota Prius and Toyota hybrid vehicle longevity.

All I have at this point are these personal success stories from owners. Well, and my Magic 8 Ball.

“As I see it, yes.” It reads.

Well, there we go, all the scientific proof I need. Please keep your stories coming. This is fascinating.

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I detail the fix for RAV4 Hybrid gas tank issues. Feel free to bookmark my Torque News / Toyota News column to keep up with my reviews, how-to stories and Toyota breaking news.

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Submitted by DM789 (not verified) on February 20, 2021 - 1:45AM

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I sold my 2005 Prius with 386k+ plus to a Pizza restaurant few years ago. It still on original everything except engine mount, the potholes in NYC really does damage to my car. Transmission still smooth brake still good mpg dropped to 40 in winter and summer. I bought the car used with high mileage too. It made me love to drive further and longer. The smooth comfortable driving plus great mpg oh don't forget it practical i help my friend transport a 70 inch tv and it fit once I fold the rear seats.

Submitted by Catherine Canacho (not verified) on February 20, 2021 - 4:22AM

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My 2015 PriusC has 47,000 miles on it and I had to buy a new starter battery last week. I haven’t been driving since covid and for the last month it has taken 2, 3, 4, even 5 cranks to start and sometimes then it would not start. The dealer said the car had to be driven at least 30 minutes a day at least twice a week. So, you the theory about big mile numbers, no problems could be very true when small mile numbers kind of killed my car.

Submitted by Bill Seger (not verified) on February 20, 2021 - 5:02AM

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I bought my 2018 Prius2 in late march of 2020 with 45k miles on it. As a Medical Courier, as of today 02/20/21, I have 155k on the odometer. That's 110k miles in 11 months. I service it at least once a month and keep up with all the recommended services at specific mileage markers/intervals. Who knows how long it'll last me, but my replacement will surely be a Prius Prime sooner or later.

Submitted by Louis D (not verified) on February 20, 2021 - 7:31AM

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Had my 2001 Prius for 14 years and 180,000 miles and the battery pack had to be replaced at around 110k miles. Now driving a 2016 Sonata PHEV and Hyundai is in the process of replacing the pack after only 82,000. I love seeing stories of battery packs lasting forever but unfortunately that hasn't been my experience.

Submitted by John (not verified) on February 20, 2021 - 9:12AM

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I have a 2015 Camry Hybrid which is basically the same system. I am a loan signing agent and drive a lot. The car has 235,000 mikes on it and going strong. Only repair was a water pump on the ICE engine. The hybrid system will definitely outlast the ICE. I have owned it since new and it has had only the basic maintenance done regularly.

Submitted by Lori (not verified) on February 20, 2021 - 10:34AM

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I a on my 4th Prius. I drive over 200miles 4 days per week. I average over 30, 000 miles a year on my cars. I got rid of my 2010 prius at 294, 000 mi. Battery was still good. 2 of my cars were totaled in winter driving accidents. Got my 4th used 2014 with 53, 000 mi. on it and will drive it until 300, 000 before trading. I do not look for anythingbut a Prius.

Submitted by JR (not verified) on February 20, 2021 - 3:03PM

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I have a 2007 Prius with 495k miles. We replaced the hybrid battery at around 485k miles. This was only after we stopped driving the car and it started to sit. My 2017 Prius Prime has 170k miles, no issues.

Submitted by Louie (not verified) on February 21, 2021 - 7:39AM

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I have a 2012 lexus ct200h with 247000 miles and i just have “check hybrid system” light.

Submitted by robert riley (not verified) on February 21, 2021 - 11:14AM

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I traded my 2019 Avalon LTD hybrid at 65,000 miles when I heard about broken bones of people with small cars 3,200lbs to 3,600lbs by SUV's and pickup trucks at 4,000lbs plus w/ a new 2021 Sienna platinum W/AWD, the gas milage is not the same but, the ride is much more positive and comfort than want they did to the Avalon ride which is more performance oriented (age is 85 & 90 yrs) The ride is fantastic, handling is smooth snow performance with AWD is great......gas milage is 28mpg to 40mpg over all is about 33mpg which is fine for a 4,800lbs machine that gives you great gas mpg and a smooth ride with the extra air bags this year for Sienna in the second row w/heated seats and plenty of room for the third row! If we are hit with an SUV or Pickup truck, most of which are 4,500lbs to 5,000lbs will equal damage and survive with minimal harm! We are one of those groups that drive at the speed limit with cruise control turned for protection to keep our distance automatically behind the car leading us, the lane trace assist is wonderful though! Keep up the good work Toyota! I've been driving Toyota's for 43 years! R.W.Riley

Submitted by Vic (not verified) on February 22, 2021 - 6:47AM

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My 2010 Lexus hs250h has 265000 miles and it still going with just routine maintenance. Putting new struts on the front end this weekend.

Submitted by Raidin (not verified) on February 22, 2021 - 12:21PM

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A courier as well, I bought a new 2014 Lexus CT 200h (3rd gen Prius powertrain) for my job after running 143k miles on my 2012 Prius C2.

It's currently sitting at 629k miles with the original hybrid battery (12v battery replaced once). Fun what I've read, Toyota designed the hybrid battery to endure charge/discharge cycles over time, so the battery should last 10 to 12 years or so, even when used a lot. My car is 90% highway miles, driven 6 days a week for 6.5 years now.

Submitted by Huib Stam (not verified) on February 26, 2021 - 2:33AM

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Hi Jeff,
I recently bought my second Gen 2 with 170000 km on it and sold the old one with 297000. There’s hardly any difference in driving. But from the fact (or feeling) that the new one accelerates a bit quicker. Now I read somewhere (maybe written by you) that the battery looses some punch over the years/mileage. It would make sense, since other batteries (laptop) loose power after time. I was wondering wether this was al just imagination or that there is any sense to it.
Greetings from Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Submitted by Brenden Hall (not verified) on April 2, 2021 - 8:30AM

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I live in Australia. I bought a 2012 Prius i-tech 4 years ago with 65k on the clock.
It now has 220k and still runs like a dream.
I do 250 km a day, mostly highway.
I service it properly.
I haven't had an issue, still gives me 4.1 to 4.5 litres per 100 kms.
With Toyota, I believe...keep them serviced, they'll keep on going.
Look @ the Hilux.

Submitted by David Parker (not verified) on April 11, 2021 - 11:51AM

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A common theme here is that the ICE wears out before the traction battery (12v batteries are another thing altogether). I was a big fan of Toyota and had several including a Gen 2 Prius which was faultless. but they’ve lost their way with electrification and in 2019 I went with the Kia e-Niro, a brilliant car without a troublesome ICE of course. I fully expect this car to see me out as other EVs with proper battery management systems like the Kia/Hyundai cars have are seeing 300,000 to 400,000 on the batteries. That should do me.

Submitted by Larry (not verified) on August 19, 2021 - 10:11PM

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I have a 2006 Lexus RX400H with over 335,000 miles. Original hybrid batteries, original engine and transmission. It still runs like new!

Submitted by Steve (not verified) on May 2, 2024 - 3:02AM

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I have a 2015 Prius with 230k miles still on its original battery. So looking at about 25k miles a year. This car is amazing.