Many engines in the Toyota Prius have a timing chain instead of a timing belt. These usually never need to be replaced. On this page you will find a list of Toyota Prius engines that have a cam chain.
You will also find information about which engines that have a timing belt.
I have collected information about various popular diesel engines and petrol engines from the year 1997 until today.
The timing chains in Toyota Prius are known to last very well as long as service and oil changes are handled.
If you hear a rattling sound from a motor with a timing chain, it may be a sign that the chain needs to be replaced.
Consult a mechanic if you hear a strange engine noise, especially if it is a rattling sound.
This can occur if, for example, the car has not been serviced properly.
If you are considering buying a used Toyota Prius, make sure that the oil changes are made according to the car’s interval.
Toyota Prius engines with a timing chain
Here you will find different engines in Toyota Prius that have a timing chain. I have divided the information into different tables according to each generation and model year.
Toyota Prius 1997 –
Here you will find information about different engines from the year 1997 until today.
| Model | Horsepower | Synchronization |
| Toyota Prius XW10 1.5 VVT-i 1997 – 2003 | 72 hp | Timing chain |
| Toyota Prius XW20 1.5 VVT-i CVT 2003 – 2009 | 112 hp | Timing chain |
| Toyota Prius XW30 1.8 VVT-i CVT 2009 – 2011 | 136 hp | Timing chain |
| Toyota Prius 1.5 VVT-i HSD XW30 2012 – 2016 | 101 hp | ? |
| Toyota Prius Hybrid XW30 2012 – 2016 | 136 hp | Timing chain |
| Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid XW30 2012 – 2016 | 136 hp | Timing chain |
| Toyota Prius 1.5 VVT-i XW50 2016 – 2019 | 101 hp | Timing chain |
| Toyota Prius Hybrid XW50 2016 – 2019 | 123 hp | Timing chain |
| Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid XW50 2016 – 2019 | 123 hp | Timing chain |
| Toyota Prius Hybrid AWD-i XW50 2019 – | 123 hp | ? |
| Toyota Prius Hybrid XW50 2019 – | 123 hp | Timing chain |
| Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid XW50 2019 – | 123 hp | ? |
Does the Toyota Prius have a timing chain or timing belt?
Most engines in the Toyota Prius have a timing chain instead of a timing belt. As long as you take care of service and oil changes, the timing chains in Toyota Prius are known to last very well.