And not using a Toyota badge on the nostril, you would possibly trick your mates into pondering this modern five-door is one thing extra unique. However it’s, certainly, the most recent Prius, one of many best-looking automobiles Toyota has ever produced.
A single arching line connects the entrance fascia and bumper, giving the Prius its svelte computer-mouse profile. Hook-like headlights adorn the entrance fascia and a slim mild bar hugs the rear finish. And when you spec the Prius with a black roof, its entrance windshield and rear window are angled so aggressively that they appear to kind a single unbroken piece.
The form helps the brand new Prius lower by way of the air with a drag coefficient of 0.27 cD. Technically the earlier mannequin was higher—0.24 cD—however that is nonetheless within the higher echelon of aerodynamic effectivity. Talking of effectivity; the Prius Prime has a mixed gasoline financial system score of 127 mpge with as much as 44 miles of vary on battery energy alone on the bottom SE mannequin. The XSE and XSE Premium (just like the automobile we examined) will get 39 miles of electrical vary. And you’ll drive a complete of 600 miles earlier than having to replenish once more.
| Fast Specs | 2024 Toyota Prius Prime |
| Engine | 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder Hybrid |
| Output | 220 Horsepower / 139 Pound-Toes |
| EV Vary | 44 Miles |
| Base Value | $34,495 |
| As-Examined Value | $42,400 |
However that modern styling requires some sacrifice. The windshield almost reaches Camaro ranges of rakish, the A-pillar impedes an enormous chunk of sideward visibility, and steering wheel adjustability is weirdly restricted. It was exhausting for me to get comfy. And the cabin is not precisely quiet; there’s extreme wind and tire noise, particularly in EV mode, and the engine whines if you get on the throttle greater than midway.
Powering the Prime is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder fuel engine and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack with two electrical motors. The brand new pack is 55 % bigger than the 8.8-kWh battery within the outgoing Prime, and along with the engine, yields a mixed output of 220 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. That is almost 100 hp greater than the earlier Prius Prime, and an extra 40 lb-ft.
Plugged it into a traditional residence outlet, it takes the Prius Prime 11 hours to refill its battery. With a Stage 2, 240-volt outlet, the Prime recharges in 4 hours. Like many trendy plug-in hybrids, the Prius doesn’t assist DC quick charging.
Professionals: Stunning Styling, Fairly Fast, Ample Electrical Vary
Just like the sneakily speedy RAV4 Prime, the Prius has some giddyup with the fast torque from the electrical motors launching it to 60 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds—faster and extra excitedly than a GR86. That battery energy stays prepared at freeway speeds, too, with jolts of torque for simple overtakes and fast passing. And when you’re driving completely in EV mode, you are able to do so as much as 84 mph.
The steering feels mild and fast however weights up properly in Sport mode. The ship stopping energy predictably. And the suspension is tuned confidently for cornering; there’s barely any physique roll, even with batteries and motors onboard. That mentioned, the sporty-ish suspension was a bit stiff over damaged pavement. However it by no means felt too harsh, both.
Ergonomics apart, the cabin and all the inside supplies are beautiful. On this XSE Premium—the fanciest Prius Prime—SofTex fake leather-based covers most surfaces, from the sprint and door panels to the seats. And it is high-quality stuff; the seats are correctly soft. You additionally get customary heated and ventilated seats on this trim, and the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen versus the usual 8.0-inch display screen.
Cons: Poor Ergonomics, Restricted Visibility, Loud At Velocity
Should you may do with out the larger display screen and a number of the different premium options talked about, the Prius Prime is priced nicely. The bottom SE mannequin begins at $34,495 with vacation spot, the mid-range XSE is $37,745, and the XSE Premium examined right here begins at $40,765. Even with just a few choices—just like the digital rearview mirror and the 360-overhead parking digital camera—this tester is available in at a nonetheless cheap $42,400.
Regardless that Toyota has adopted electrification slower than most, the corporate is king of hybrids. The Prius rolls into a brand new technology with an unbelievably good design and a pleasing driving expertise, paired with among the finest powertrains within the enterprise. It’s exhausting to fathom why anybody would purchase bZ4X—or most trendy EVs—when the Prius Prime exists.
