Toyota Aqua Review: 2012-2016 Model Changes & Improvements

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!

Let’s take a look at which model years you should pay attention to by reviewing key years 2012-2016.

 

2012 Toyota Aqua

2012 TOYOTA AQUA exterior

BROWSE LOW-COST 2012 TOYOTA AQUA MODELS

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.

2012 TOYOTA AQUA engine

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.


 

2013 Toyota Aqua

2013 TOYOTA AQUA exterior

BROWSE LOW-COST 2013 TOYOTA AQUA MODELS

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.

2013 TOYOTA AQUA engine

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.


 

2014 Toyota Aqua

2014 TOYOTA AQUA exterior

BROWSE LOW-COST 2014 TOYOTA AQUA MODELS

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.

2014 TOYOTA AQUA engine

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

2015 TOYOTA AQUA exterior

BROWSE LOW-COST 2015 TOYOTA AQUA MODELS

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.

2015 TOYOTA AQUA engine

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

2016 TOYOTA AQUA exterior

BROWSE LOW-COST 2016 TOYOTA AQUA MODELS

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.

2016 TOYOTA AQUA engine

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.


 

Get Your Shiny Used Toyota Aqua from BE FORWARD!

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.

BROWSE all LOW-COST TOYOTA AQUA MODELS

7 thoughts on “Toyota Aqua Review: 2012-2016 Model Changes & Improvements”

  1. 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

    Reply

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