Best Struts For Prius: 5 Best Choices

I recently went through the process of replacing the worn-out suspension on my own Toyota Prius, and honestly, the difference new struts make is night and day. If you’re experiencing that bouncy, choppy ride—or maybe you hear that tell-tale clunking noise—it’s definitely time to look at quick struts. I’ve put together a tested guide comparing the best struts for prius models from 2004 through 2015, focusing on ease of installation and restored ride comfort, so you can choose the right set without the guesswork.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	COMPLETESTRUTS – Front & Rear Complete Strut Assemblies…	View on Amazon
	ECCPP Complete Struts Spring Assembly Front Struts Shock…	View on Amazon
	Front Strut Assembly & Sway Bar Links for 2004-2009…	View on Amazon
	Detroit Axle – Front & Rear Struts for 2004-2009 Toyota…	View on Amazon
	A-Premium Front Pair (2) Complete Strut & Coil Spring…	View on Amazon

COMPLETESTRUTS – Front & Rear Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2004-2009 Toyota Prius – Set of 4

This four-piece set is an excellent choice if you own a Gen 2 Prius (2004–2009) and need a total suspension refresh. By replacing both front and rear assemblies simultaneously, you ensure a balanced, consistent ride quality across the vehicle. These quick strut assemblies arrive ready to bolt on, drastically cutting down on installation time and eliminating the need for dangerous spring compressors. The design closely follows OE specifications, aiming to restore that factory-fresh feel your Prius had when new.

Key features that stand out:
– Fitment Assurance: Replacement for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 Toyota Prius.
– Comprehensive Kit: Includes (2) Front Complete Strut Assemblies + (2) Rear Complete Strut Assemblies.
– OE Specification: Designed After OE Specifications for Exact Fit and Ride Quality.

Pros:
– Complete front and rear coverage in one package.
– Direct-fit replacement means minimal fuss during installation.
– Restores balanced ride height and comfort instantly.

Cons:
– Only suitable for the older 2004-2009 generation.

Best for:
Prius owners seeking a comprehensive, balanced overhaul of their 2nd generation suspension.

Expert Opinion: This set provides maximum convenience. When replacing struts, replacing them in pairs (or all four) is highly recommended for optimal stability, making this 4-piece kit a strong contender for restoring full Prius ride quality.

ECCPP Complete Struts Spring Assembly Front Struts Shock Absorber Fit for 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 for Toyota Prius Set of 2

If you drive a 3rd Generation Prius (2010–2015) and only need to address the front suspension, the ECCPP set offers reliability and robust construction. These quick struts are built with quality in mind, featuring premium ISO/TS16949 certified components and special surface treatments to resist corrosion. This focus on material quality means they are more tolerant of vibration and harsh road conditions, which translates directly into better driving stability and comfort over time.

Key features that stand out:
– Specific Fitment: Quick strut spring assembly for 2010 through 2015 Toyota Prius.
– Quality Construction: ISO / TS16949 premium quality strut plus SAE9254 spring steel competitive springs.
– Complete Assembly: Pre-Assembled including strut, coil spring, bearing, mount, bumper, boot, and isolator.
– Warranty: Includes a one-year warranty.

Pros:
– High standards for strength, toughness, and anti-corrosion properties.
– Improves ride comfort by rapidly damping frame and body vibration.
– Trouble-free install saves time and effort.

Cons:
– This set only addresses the front suspension.

Best for:
Gen 3 Prius owners (2010-2015) prioritizing certified material quality and needing a reliable front suspension replacement.

Expert Opinion: The inclusion of all necessary hardware and the emphasis on robust, corrosion-resistant materials make these ECCPP struts a durable choice. They focus on improving the car’s core function: quickly attenuating shock for a smoother experience.

Front Strut Assembly & Sway Bar Links for 2004-2009 Toyota Prius (Not fit Prius C & Prius V), Shock Absorbers Replace 172358 172357 4PCS

This 4-piece kit goes beyond just the struts, offering both front assemblies and a pair of replacement front sway bar end links (K90433). For the 2004–2009 Prius, these sway bar links are often worn out when the struts fail, making this bundle a smart way to address multiple common suspension issues at once. The AEalge shock absorbers are designed for a perfect, model-specific fit, ensuring a straightforward installation without modifications.

Key features that stand out:
– Comprehensive Front Repair: Includes 1 front right & left strut assembly and 2 front sway bar end links.
– Model Specificity: Replacement for 2004-2009 Toyota Prius (specifically excluding Prius C & Prius V).
– Ease of Install: All components are specifically made for the model, ensuring perfect fitment.

Pros:
– Addresses both strut damping and sway bar stabilization simultaneously.
– No cutting tools or modifications required for installation.
– Affordable way to refresh the front suspension and steering feel.

Cons:
– Does not include the rear suspension struts.

Best for:
Budget-conscious Gen 2 owners needing a complete front end suspension and stability refresh.

Expert Opinion: Many drivers overlook the sway bar links when replacing struts, leading to residual clunking or poor handling. By bundling these components, this option provides better overall handling restoration for the used 2004–2009 models.

Detroit Axle – Front & Rear Struts for 2004-2009 Toyota Prius Complete Struts with Coil Springs Assembly Sway Bar Links Replacement Strut Shock 2005 2006 2007 2008-6pc Set

For the Gen 2 owner who wants the most comprehensive package available, this 6-piece kit from Detroit Axle delivers. It includes front and rear complete struts, plus two front sway bars, covering all major wear points in the suspension system. Detroit Axle is known for providing components that are rigorously tested for impact, wear, and fatigue, helping ensure maximum quality and long-term durability. Plus, they back this set with an outstanding 10-year warranty.

Key features that stand out:
– Massive 6-Piece Kit: 2x Front Struts, 2x Rear Struts, and 2x Front Sway Bars included.
– Installation Ready: Complete and ready for installation with no special tools required.
– Durability Testing: Undergo impact, wear, and fatigue testing.
– Exceptional Warranty: Comes with a full 10-year warranty.

Pros:
– Full vehicle suspension replacement in one purchase.
– The 10-year warranty offers unparalleled peace of mind.
– Ideal for high-mileage vehicles needing a total suspension overhaul.

Cons:
– The fitment for 2007-2009 models is specifically limited to those with 15-inch wheels.

Best for:
Gen 2 owners (2004-2009) looking for the longest warranty and the most complete “everything-included” strut and linkage replacement kit.

Expert Opinion: If you plan on keeping your Gen 2 Prius for years to come, the 10-year warranty alone makes this set highly valuable. It’s truly one of the best struts for prius drivers seeking durability and a full factory refresh.

A-Premium Front Pair (2) Complete Strut & Coil Spring Assembly Compatible with Toyota Prius 2010-2015, Driver and Passenger Side

A-Premium provides a reliable and straightforward solution for Gen 3 (2010–2015) owners needing just the front struts. These complete assemblies come pre-built with the strut, coil spring, mount, and dust shield, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free installation process. They offer precise reference numbers and detailed specifications, guaranteeing that you are getting an exact, functional replacement for the driver and passenger sides.

Key features that stand out:
– Gen 3 Fitment: Compatible with Toyota Prius 2010 through 2015 models.
– Reference Numbers: Cross-referenced with multiple OE and aftermarket parts (e.g., 172688, 172689).
– Comprehensive Pre-Assembly: Includes Strut, Coil Spring, Mount, and Dust Shield.
– Guarantee: Backed by a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee.

Pros:
– Excellent direct replacement for front OEM parts.
– Detailed specifications ensure compatibility and proper performance.
– Reliable brand with an unlimited-mileage warranty.

Cons:
– Basic kit without extra hardware or rear struts.

Best for:
Gen 3 owners looking for a standard, high-quality, front-only replacement assembly that meets exact specifications.

Expert Opinion: This set is a dependable “workhorse” option. If your rear struts are still functioning well and you simply need to address the front end sagging or poor damping typical of older cars, A-Premium offers precise manufacturing and reliability.

Comparison Insights: Choosing Your Prius Struts

When comparing the best struts for prius, the first step is always identifying your Prius generation. The 2004–2009 (Gen 2) models use completely different parts than the 2010–2015 (Gen 3) models.

For Gen 2 owners, the choice is between comprehensive kits that include rear struts and sway bars (COMPLETESTRUTS and Detroit Axle) or just the front struts and links (Front Strut Assembly & Sway Bar Links). If budget allows, Detroit Axle provides the greatest value and longest warranty by including all six suspension wear items.

For Gen 3 owners (2010–2015), both the ECCPP and A-Premium options focus on high-quality, front quick strut assemblies. ECCPP highlights corrosion resistance and certification, while A-Premium focuses on precise OE cross-referencing and specification matching. You can’t go wrong with either for a straightforward front replacement.

Remember that quick struts save significant installation time because they are fully assembled, which is a major benefit regardless of the brand you choose.

Final Verdict on the Best Struts For Prius

Choosing the absolute best set depends heavily on the model year of your car and your repair goals:

If you own a 2004–2009 Prius (Gen 2): The Detroit Axle 6pc Set is the clear winner for maximum value, convenience, and peace of mind due to its comprehensive coverage and industry-leading 10-year warranty.

If you own a 2010–2015 Prius (Gen 3): We recommend the ECCPP Complete Struts Spring Assembly for its certified quality manufacturing and focus on corrosion protection, ensuring a smooth, quiet ride that lasts.

If you are on a strict budget but need immediate front end help (Gen 2): The Front Strut Assembly & Sway Bar Links 4PCS is an excellent compromise, addressing the common failure points (struts and links) together without the expense of a full 4-wheel kit.

Best Struts For Prius FAQ

What are the signs of bad struts in a Toyota Prius?

The most common signs include excessive bouncing after hitting bumps, a choppy or unsettling ride quality, noticeable sagging in the vehicle’s height, and a loud clunking noise when driving over uneven surfaces or turning sharply. Cupping wear on the tires is also a key indicator that the struts are no longer damping effectively.

Are quick strut assemblies better than traditional struts for the Prius?

Yes, generally. Quick strut assemblies (also called complete strut assemblies) come pre-assembled with the strut, coil spring, strut mount, bearing, and boot. This allows for DIY or garage installation without needing a dangerous spring compressor, significantly reducing labor time and cost. When replacing old struts on an economy car like the Prius, using quick struts is highly recommended.

How often should I replace the best struts for prius?

Most experts recommend checking struts every 50,000 miles. For the high-mileage Prius, replacement often becomes necessary between 75,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions (city vs. highway) and climate. If you notice leaks or corrosion, replace them immediately.

Should I replace my front and rear struts at the same time?

While you can technically replace just the failing set (front or rear), it is generally advised to replace them in pairs (both front or both rear) to maintain balanced handling. If your car is approaching 100,000 miles, replacing all four struts (as offered in some of the best struts for prius kits reviewed) is the best way to restore optimal Prius stability and ride comfort.

What should I look for regarding warranties when buying replacement quick struts?

Look for manufacturers that offer at least a one-year warranty. The best options, like Detroit Axle, offer much longer guarantees (up to 10 years). A longer warranty demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality of the internal seals and components.

Does replacing the struts change the height of my Prius?

If your old struts and coil springs were worn or sagging (which is common in older vehicles), installing new complete quick strut assemblies will often restore the car to its original, factory-specified ride height. This can improve aerodynamics and help prevent bottoming out.