SE

$34,000 (est)

$37,000 (est)

XSE Premium

$41,000 (est)

The Prius Prime now comes in SE, XSE, and XSE Premium grades, all of which reflect the model’s newfound athleticism. We’d pick the XSE, as it comes with items such as keyless entry, an power tailgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated front seats. Of course, those XSE goodies are an addition to the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic high-beam headlights that all come standard.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

All Prius Prime models come with a 160-hp 2.0-liter gas engine that pairs with two electric motors: one that powers the drive wheels and another that controls a planetary gearset to mete out the gas engine’s grunt in a manner that resembles a belt-driven continuously variable automatic transmission. The result is 220 horsepower–more horsepower than a base Mazda 3, a Honda Civic Si, or the Subaru Impreza. What a time to be alive. At our test track, the Prius Prime hit 60 mph in 6.7 seconds when using both its gasoline and electric motors together; when powered by only the electric motors, it needed 11.2 seconds. The Prius Prime is a front-drive-only affair; however, Toyota may offer all-wheel-drive as an extra-cost item. If this is the case, then expect a so-equipped Prius Prime to include an additional electric motor that exclusively powers the car’s rear axle.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

A lithium-ion battery pack gives the Prius Prime an electric driving of as much as 44 miles. During our testing of an XSE model, we managed 33 miles of highway driving on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route before the battery depleted and the gasoline engine had to step in. Adding a charge to the Prius Prime’s battery is easy, though, thanks to roof-mounted solar panels that recharge the pack when the car’s parked. Take the Prius Prime out for a drive and those solar panels send power to accessory items, such as the air-conditioning system. Alas, these solar panels are not available on the lower-end SE and XSE trims.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

When relying on both its electric motors and four-cylinder engine for motivation, the Prius Prime is rated by the EPA for 50 mpg city and 47 mpg highway. In our testing, we recorded 46 mpg highway. For more information about the Prius Prime’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Prius Prime’s insides are as handsome as the car’s outsides. Sharing design cues with the bZ4X electric SUV, the Prime’s cabin features a chic wraparound dash fit with a sizeable center-mounted infotainment screen. Gone is the center-mounted gauge cluster of Priuses past. Instead, the 2024 model features a cluster mounted directly in front of the driver. Additionally, the Prime sees its shifter move from the dash to the center console. We found the driver’s seat to offer just enough headroom, but the backseat’s low roof leaves less room for heads.

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard on Prius Prime SE and XSE models, though a large 12.3-inch unit is optionally available on the latter. The big-screen system comes standard on the top-of-the-line XSE Premium, as does a premium JBL audio system. Regardless of trim, every Prius Prime includes six USB-C ports and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Toyota fits the Prius Prime with several standard driver-assistance technologies; however, items such as a surround-view camera and front and rear parking assist systems are optional. For more information about the Prius Prime’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Toyota’s warranty coverage matches up with the plans offered by much of its competition, even outdoing some competitors by including two scheduled maintenance visits within the first two years of ownership.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Hybrid components are covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles

More Features and Specs

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