Toyota Prius Prime: Changing the Game in Plug-In Hybrid Cars

The new Toyota Prius Prime brings sporty style to the PHEV market, changing the way we think of the Prius and what hybrid cars offer.

The new Prius Prime is more than just a great looking plug-in hybrid car. It also includes more power and technology while still delivering on the promise of impressive fuel mileage during every drive. When you want a PHEV to deliver good electric driving range to handle most of your daily driving, the Prius Prime can be the perfect car for you.

Let’s take a closer look at what this Toyota Prius Prime brings to the market.

How far do you drive every day?

If most of your driving takes you less than 22 miles from home, the Prius Prime is the car for you. This new generation of the most popular PHEV includes 44 miles of all-electric driving range, allowing you to save fuel and get where you need to go. Even if you start with electric driving and have to tap into the gas tank to finish the drive, you’ll enjoy 52 mpg combined, which means impressive savings at the pump.

Is this Toyota PHEV fast?

From behind the wheel of the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime, you’ll feel a quick and active acceleration when you hit the gas pedal. This PHEV uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 161-horsepower electric motor to produce a total of 220 horsepower, making it the most powerful Prius ever made. The quick feeling you’ll get is the instant torque of the electric motors which help rocket this little hybrid to 60 mph in only 6.6 seconds. Considering the history and expected plodding of the Prius, this plug-in version is pretty fast.

How many trims are offered for the Toyota Prius Prime?

Unlike some hybrids which only offer one trim for the hybrid and PHEV models, Toyota provides three excellent trims for the Prius Prime. These trims are SE, XSE< and XSE Premium. Let’s take a look at what each offers.

Prius Prime SE

The base model of this PHEV starts at $32,350 and is an excellent foundational model for the features and qualities desired in a hybrid vehicle. The SE trim includes:

• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
  • Forward collision warning
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Low-speed automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-departure warning
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Front cross-traffic detection
  • Road sign detection
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • High-beam headlights
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alerts
  • Safe Exit Assist
  • Traffic Jam Assist
• Heated tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• 7-inch digital instrument cluster
• 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• 6-speaker audio system
• Six USB-C charge ports
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Smart Key keyless entry
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Heated power side mirrors
• Active grille shutters
• Optional Items
  • Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking

Prius Prime XSE

Move up to the middle trim in the lineup and you’ll find the XSE trim which starts at $35,600. This plug-in hybrid brings you:

• 19-inch wheels
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• SofTex upholstery
• Folding rear seat armrest with cupholders
• Wireless charging pad
• Automatic on/off headlights
• Front and rear park assist with automatic braking
• Optional Items
  • Digital Key
  • Fixed glass roof
  • 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen

Prius Prime XSE Premium

Head to the top of the ladder and you’ll find the Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium. This model starts at $39,170, which keeps the price under $40,000 while delivering some excellent driving features. At this top trim, you’ll find:

• 8-speaker JBL audio system
• Fix glass roof
• Digital Key
• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Power hatchback door
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Driver’s seat memory settings
• Optional Features
  • Heated rear seats
  • Digital rearview camera mirror
  • 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor
  • Solar-charging roof
  • Advanced Park parking assist

What’s it like to drive the Toyota Prius Prime?

While driving, you’ll enjoy the comfort and composure found in the top-rated plug-in hybrid vehicle in the market. The Prius Prime is excellent for commutes and long road trips while being the perfect car for a small family.

There’s a button on the center console that switches this car from EV mode to hybrid/gas mode, making it easy for you to know which mode you’re using. The cabin offers a quiet feeling while driving on most road surfaces. The Prius Prime is equipped with special tires with a low rolling resistance that aids in fuel mileage and helps keep this car quiet on the road.

Will you get behind the wheel of the new Toyota Prius Prime? If you’re looking for an efficient car with sporty appeal, it should be at the top of your list.