The fuel efficiency of the 2017 Toyota Prius, measured in miles that can be traveled per gallon of gasoline, represents a key factor for prospective buyers. This metric indicates how far a vehicle can travel on a single gallon of fuel, directly influencing fuel costs and environmental impact. For example, a higher figure translates to fewer trips to the gas station and a smaller carbon footprint.
High fuel economy offers numerous advantages. It reduces the total cost of ownership through lower fuel expenses, appeals to environmentally conscious consumers, and can contribute to national energy independence by lessening reliance on foreign oil. Historically, vehicles with excellent fuel efficiency have seen increased demand during periods of high fuel prices, reflecting the economic significance of this performance characteristic.