As simply a bridging technology between conventional hybrids and emission-free vehicles, plug-in hybrids are typically based on existing platforms. case in point. but the Toyota Prius Prime is much more than just a Prius with a bigger battery stuffed in it. in fact, it’s a superior car in almost every way. here’s why.
Modern Overall Body Design
First and foremost our looks. one comes off as futuristic and forward-thinking while the other looks like an origami spaceship. yes, a car’s appearance is largely subjective. but it doesn’t take a keen eye for beauty to pick out the looker of this brunch.
Interior Features
One of the key differences inside is about this a vertically oriented 11.6-inch tablet-style display that serves as the primary control interface for media navigation. Toyota Prius Prime’s efficiency tools. it’s fast easy to use. but a bit difficult to see during daylight hours due to the matte finish.
Unfortunately, the climate controls have been merged into the screen making the infotainment system a bit more distracting than that of the standard Prius. but then it does look cool and everyone knows looking cool. is what driving a Prius is all about.
Multifunction Center Console
Another cool yet somewhat less practical element is the rear seat which features two seats in a multifunction center console of a traditional 3-passenger bench. this could be a slight drawback for those cross-shopping Prius.
Cargo Space
Since the Prius Prime larger battery pack also brings about a 28% reduction in total cargo room. but when pitted against the Chevy Volt and it’s an utterly useless middle seat. Prime gives up nothing on both the people and cargo hauling front.
In fact, the prime provides an agreeable amount of rear legroom along with significantly more Headroom than the Volt. all that said we wouldn’t be surprised to see Toyota relocate some of the primes electrical component trees to accommodate the 5th seat.
We also hope a possible update of the rear quarters brings with it a few necessary ones of the front. like Sun visors that extend it blocks the Sun. a headliner that doesn’t look like a cardboard drink carrier and properly pad and armrest
Improved Suspension
So how does the Prime differ from the standard Prius on the road? not much. but there are a few nuances that play into the primes favor. for one it utilizes a completely different suspension system that despite the primes modest 77-pound weight penalty. and parts up with a more solid hunkered down feel on the highway. as well as a noticeably smoother ride. this redesigned suspension combined with a low mounted lithium-ion battery pack enables the prime to change direction just as quickly as the standard Prius.
Driving Range
Road and wind noise suppression is a wash though. clearly engine noise suppression goes to the prime. for the first 22 miles. after which time the 1.8-liter gasoline engine kicks in to deliver an additional 620 miles of driving range while returning an EPA estimated 55 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway.
Sure roughly 25 miles of electric range isn’t exactly revolutionary that’s also the point. the Prius Prime’s battery pack delivers just enough electric driving range to cover the daily commutes of most average Americans. assuming you’re able to recharge at work. but that’s also where the prime really shines recharging. though it is compatible with a 240 v level-2 charger, the primes universal appeal derives from its four basic recharging processes. simply plug in the supplied charge cable to a traditional three-prong outlet. The charging time is 5.5 hours. no longer will you need to purchase an expensive 240-volt system for your home or waste time driving around your office in search of a dedicated EV charging station. that’s time that could be spent showing off the other Prius drivers.
Pricing
With Toyota’s improving reputation for reliability and quality under its belt. not to mention rock-solid residual values and some of the lowest ownership costs in the industry. the Prius Prime is brimming with value even before factoring transaction prices into the equation. and the news gets even better when you do. already an affordable buy. its $28,000 starting price the Prius prime qualifies for up to 4,500 dollars in federal tax credits along with up to 1,500 dollars in state incentives.
Toyota Prius Prime Specs
We’re available in other words the better driving better-looking and more efficient Prius Prime checks in at least $2000 less than the standard version. so what does the prime offer for its’ price besides expected standards like
- Bluetooth
- Alloy wheels and a
- Backup camera
- LED headlights
- Touchscreen infotainment system with navigation
- Push-button start
- Smartphone activated air-conditioning system
- Ultra Trek carbon fiber liftback and
- Toyota’s safety scent suite
- Comprised of adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure prevention
- Automatic pre-collision braking
- Automatic high-beam control
- Heated seats
- Heated steering wheels
- Automatic headlight control
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers an
- 8-way power driver seat
- Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
- media center link to a 10 speaker premium audio system by JBL
you’re still looking at less than 30 thousand dollars for a fully loaded Prius Prime the moral of the story here is that unless you actually prefer the styling of the standard Prius or have some bizarre moral objection to tax credits the Prius Prime is the one to be.
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