Also known as the Prius C outside of Japan, the Toyota Aqua is a hybrid compact 5-door hatchback on which 17-year Toyota’s know-how and technologies for manufacturing efficient, light-weight hybrid cars has been centralized. We all know that hybrids take the cake when it comes to fuel efficiency and performance, and the Aqua is no exception!
The Aqua aka Prius C is a smaller sibling of the market-leading hybrid car, the Toyota Prius Liftback. The Aqua is a smaller, lighter, urban-friendly, much more efficient, and eco-friendly option. It’s a five-door hatch with a 1.5-liter hybrid engine with 99 hp. Although it was built with urban users in mind, the Aqua is performing very well in rural areas as well.
Let’s take a look at which model years you should pay attention to by reviewing key years 2012-2023.
2012 | $1,040 – $6,940 |
2013 | $1,440 – $12,680 |
2014 | $1,270 – $12,800 |
2015 | $2,260 – $15,040 |
2016 | $2,600 – $15,090 |
2020 | $3,760 – $18,730 |
2023 | $11,800 – $33,050 |
2012 Toyota Aqua
Price $1,040 – $6,940

Pros
- Fuel efficient
- Spacious
- Sporty
Cons
- cabin noise
- sluggish acceleration
- cheap interior
The 2012 Toyota Aqua is a member of the model’s first (2011–present) generation, with the model code DAA-NHP10 and an average fuel economy of 35.4 – 40.0 km/l.
Combining the efficiency, lightweight, and compactness of the hybrid system with Toyota’s 17 years of hybrid car development expertise is the Aqua (also known as the Prius C). The 2012 Aqua is a subcompact class 5-door hybrid hatchback boldly designed with a masculine front fascia and energetic rear and sides.

The Aqua is powered by a hybrid system of a 1.5L 73hp inline four-cylinder engine and Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive that includes a smaller motor system and 0.9-kWh battery pack for a total of 99hp. As if that wasn’t enough fuel savings, the Aqua also offers an Eco mode which reduces the power output, as well as an EV mode that allows it to travel a short distance using electricity only. It comes with a continuous variable transmission and in an FF configuration.
Safety features of the 2012 Aqua include nine standard airbags, electronic stability control, and antilock brakes with Brake Assist. Vehicle Stability Control that secures the stability of the vehicle in cases of skidding by controlling the brakes and regulating engine output is also featured in the Aqua.
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2013 Toyota Aqua
Price $1,440 – $12,680

What’s New?
The only notable change on the 2013 Aqua is the interior whereby the once upper trim interior is now standard, but the rest of the car remains unchanged.
The 2013 Toyota Aqua is a member of the model’s first (2011–present) generation, with the model code DAA-NHP10 and an average fuel economy of 35.4 – 40.0 km/l.
The value-for-money, fuel efficient hybrid Toyota Aqua is both easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet. The 2013 Aqua, also known as the Prius-C, is a subcompact class 5-door gasoline-electric hybrid hatchback and the smallest in the Prius lineup. In contrast to its humble proportions, its exterior is boldly designed and features a masculine front fascia and energetic rear and sides.

The Aqua is powered by Toyota’s advanced hybrid system of a 1.5L 73hp inline four-cylinder engine and Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive that includes a smaller motor system and 0.9-kWh battery pack for a total of 99hp. For additional fuel savings, the Aqua also offers an Eco mode which reduces the power output, as well as an EV mode that allows it to travel a short distance on electricity only. The Aqua comes with a continuous variable transmission and in an FF configuration.
Standard equipment on the Aqua includes keyless entry, power windows, mirrors, and locks, automatic climate control, and a stereo with USB and iPod connectivity. The 2013 Aqua also comes with safety features like nine standard airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, and Vehicle Stability Control.
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2014 Toyota Aqua
Price $1,270 – $12,800

What’s New?
Comparing the specifications of the 2013 Toyota Aqua vs the 2014 theirs no difference apart from the year of manufacture. Their fuel efficiency, cabin space, and power plant are all similar.
The 2014 Toyota Aqua is a member of the model’s first (2011–present) generation, with the model code DAA-NHP10 and an average fuel economy of 35.4 – 40.0 km/l.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the Toyota Aqua is just your run-of-the-mill gasoline hatchback. The 2014 Aqua, also known as the Prius-C, is a subcompact class 5-door gasoline-electric hybrid hatchback that boasts conventional sporty stylings. Its bold exterior features an aggressive front fascia, energetic rear and sides, and a long roof spoiler for reducing drag and fuel consumption.

The Aqua is powered by Toyota’s advanced hybrid system of a 1.5L 73hp inline four-cylinder engine and Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive which includes a smaller motor system and 0.9-kWh battery pack for a total of 99hp The Aqua also offers an Eco mode which reduces the power output, as well as an EV mode that allows it to travel a short distance on electricity only for even greater fuel savings. The engine of the Aqua comes mated to a continuous variable transmission and uses an FF configuration.
It comes standard with equipment like keyless entry, power windows, mirrors, and locks, automatic climate control, and a stereo with USB and iPod connectivity — usually options in other vehicles. Safety features in the Aqua include nine standard airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, and Vehicle Stability Control.
2015 Toyota Aqua
Price $2,260 – $15,040

What’s New?
A facelifted version of the Aqua arrived on the markets after being unveiled in late 2014. Changes included:
- A revised front bumper and headlights
- Revised taillights adorned with black plastic surroundings on their edges
- Redesigned air vents with metallic finishing
- Redesigned climate control cluster
The 2015 Toyota Aqua is a member of the model’s first (2011–present) generation, with the model code DAA-NHP10 and an average fuel economy of 35.4 to 40.0 km/l.
17 years of Toyota’s expertise in hybrid car development have culminated in the compact hybrid Aqua. Also known as the Prius-C, the 2015 Aqua is a subcompact 5 door gasoline-electric hybrid that doesn’t quite look the part, but in a good way. It boasts the kind of slick stylings one would find typically on a sporty hatchback, including a long roof spoiler to reduce drag and fuel consumption.

Toyota’s advanced hybrid system powers the Aqua – a 1.5L 73hp inline four-cylinder engine and Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive which includes a smaller motor system and 0.9-kWh battery pack work together to produce 99hp. The Aqua uses a continuous variable transmission and an FF configuration.
Even in its base model, the 2015 Toyota Aqua comes with a wealth of standard equipment like keyless entry, power windows, mirrors, and locks, automatic climate control, and a stereo with USB and iPod connectivity –usually add-ons in other vehicles in the same price range. Safety features include nine standard airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, and Vehicle Stability Control.
2016 Toyota Aqua
Price $2,600 – $15,090

The 2016 Toyota Aqua is a member of the model’s first (2011–present) generation, with the model code DAA-NHP10 and an average fuel economy of 35.4 to 40.0 km/l.
The 2016 Aqua represents both Toyota’s heritage of hybrid development excellent and the future of hybrid vehicles. Also known as the Prius-C, the subcompact 5 door gasoline-electric hybrid Aqua is the smallest of three cars in the Prius family, and comes with refined stylings never seen in any other vehicle in the same category. A long roof spoiler lends the Aqua a sporty look while also helping to reduce air turbulence and fuel consumption, while its aggressive front fascia gives it a masculine, dominant appearance.

Toyota’s advanced hybrid system powers the Aqua – a 1.5L 73hp inline four-cylinder engine and Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive which includes a smaller motor system and 0.9-kWh battery pack work together to produce 99hp. The Aqua uses a continuous variable transmission and an FF configuration.
The Aqua comes standard with features such as keyless entry, power windows, mirrors, and locks, automatic climate control, and a stereo with USB and iPod connectivity. In addition to nine standard airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, and Vehicle Stability Control, the Aqua also comes protected by Toyota’s Safety Sense-C package which includes lane-departure assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic high beams.
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2020 Toyota Aqua
Price $3,760 – $18,730

What’s New?
The 2020 Toyota Aqua is a second-generation model sharing its platform with the XP210 Yaris.
This model attests to Toyota’s resolve to produce sustainable vehicles practically and contribute to carbon neutrality.
It is available as a 5-door 5-seat hatchback.
- Styling features include a roof spoiler, LED DRLs, and rear taillights.
- Interior features include a multi-information binnacle with a 3.5-inch display, a 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, synthetic upholstery, plastic finishing, and several storage options.
- It’s powered by an upgraded version of the previously used 1.5-liter hybrid drivetrain that is 20% more efficient. The Hybrid Synergy Drive pairs a four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. This system has a combined output of 100 hp and an average fuel consumption of 35.8 km/L.
- Standard features on this Aqua include keyless entry, power locks, windows, and mirrors, automatic climate control, USB port, and AUX input. In addition to nine standard airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, and Vehicle Stability Control, the Aqua also comes protected by Toyota’s Safety Sense-C package which includes forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, Radar Cruise Control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, and a 100-volt (AC)/1,500-watt power outlet designed to offer emergency power.
2023 Toyota Aqua
Price $11,800 – $33,050

The GR team gave the Aqua some tweaks to improve its handling and driving dynamics making it more fun to drive and styling that transforms it into a looker.
On the outside, the front end gets a new small grille that connects Toyota’s emblem with the LED headlights, the bumper intakes get a honeycomb motif with the GR Sport badge, and flanking the bumper intake are sharp side intakes that enclose the LED fog lights. On the sides, it’s fitted with side skirts that create an illusion that the car is lower than the standard model, and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels that give it a sporty feel. At the rear, the rear bumper gets a faux diffuser with black honeycomb cladding.
Inside you’re met with a pair of leather bucket seats adorned with the GR badge on the headrests and the steering wheel, gunmetal trim accents, and aluminum pedals.
The powerplant remained unchanged with no retuning nor boosting as is the norm with GR Sport models but the suspensions received some light tuning, the frame got additional braces to improve its rigidity, the steering was reworked to give it a sportier feel, and the brakes are fitted with GR brake calipers. All these changes are made to improve the Aqua GR Sports handling, especially on the twisted roads.
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How long does a Toyota Prius battery last?
The rated lifespan of the Toyota Aquas battery is 241000 kilometers or 15 years whichever comes first, with good maintenance and basic self-repair, some models will keep running for several more kilometers.
Final Verdict
We’ve covered many versions of the Toyota Aqua, across several key years. If you want a breakdown of how the Aqua matches up against other vehicles in its class, check out our comparison and list articles down below.
toyota aqua hybrid 2014 my batt died got new 1 but it killed my radio how do i get it going is there a card or password not know please help
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I really love Toyota Aqua 2014
I really love Toyota Aqua 2014…How much will it cost me to bring this car at Beitbridge port in Zimbabwe
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recently bought bk605955, toyota aqua hybrid 2013 the gear box get damaged, how do i get one, please help me
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