The new Prius Prime comes in three trims: Plus, Premium, and Advanced.
The plug-in version of the fourth-generation Prius is positioned to replace the Prius Plug-In with more capacity and performance on the electric side of the hybrid system.
It’s not just the additional technology that makes Prius the best, but incredible fuel efficiency and interior roominess.
Prius Prime is powered by an aluminum 1.8 L Atkinson-cycle DOHC 4-cylinder engine with VVT-i, paired with two electric motors to deliver a total of 121 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque through a planetary-gear CVT.
The dual motor-generator drive system is ministered by an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery (weighing 265 lbs) that takes about 5.5 hours to fully charge on standard 120 volt outlets, or 2-hours 10 minutes on 240 volt sources.
The Prius Prime gets about 124 MPGe (“e” for “equivalent”) when operating in full-electric mode, and 55/53 mpg city/highway when running as a hybrid, with an estimated driving range of 640 miles. Fuel capacity is 11.3 gallons. In EV mode it has an EPA-estimated drive range of up to 25 miles when fully charged, and has a top speed of 84 mph.
For acceleration, it goes 0-60 mph in roughly 11 seconds. Now that isn’t particularly quick, yet the Prius never feels underpowered.
A new Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system developed for the Prius Prime transitions quite seamlessly between electric motors and gasoline engine.
The Prius Prime’s chassis and body are stronger and better than ever. The front suspension uses independent MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar, while the rear has the double-wish bone with stabilizing bar.
The electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion steering requires little effort to point the car in the direction desired. The Prius Prime has a minimum turning circle diameter of 33.4 feet, not bad for a vehicle with an overall length of 182.9 inches and an overall width of 69.3 inches.
All three trims have smart-flow climate control system with air pollen filtration and integrated backup camera.
Just behind the steering wheel, the 4.2-inch color dual Multi-Information Displays with customizable screens is all things to all drivers. It provides a wealth of information like Energy Monitor, Eco Score, Eco Savings Record, Drive Monitor, Eco Diary, driver support systems display, audio system content, and navigation system content.
The Plus trim comes standard with Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, which includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen with integrated backup camera display. AM/FM CD player, six speakers, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and music streaming, Siri Eye Free, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Predictive Traffic and Doppler Weather Overlay are also included in the standard package.
Premium and Advanced models upgrade the display with a unique 11.6-inch HD multimedia display supporting pinch, zoom, tap, and swipe gestures in portrait orientation, just like having a tablet mounted on the center console.
The Prius Prime has a roomy interior, with a generous 39.4-inch and 37.2-inch front/rear head room, 43.2-inch/33.4-inch leg room, and 54.3-inch/51.6-inch hip room.
As you can see, that allows four-passengers seating comfort with 60/40 fold-down rear seats, center armrest with cupholders, and center console.
Power door locks and power windows (up and down) complement the SofTex-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, and Bluetooth hands-free controls. Smart Key on driver’s door with Push Button Start let you get on the road in no time.
Prius Prime keeps you totally informed with a digital instrumentation display, housing speedometer, hybrid system power meter, odometer, fuel gauge, shift-position indicator, current fuel economy, EV/hybrid mode indicator, and drive mode indicator.
All these features are found in the entry-level Plus model carrying a MSRP of $27,100, which is $6,000 cheaper than the Chevy Volt EV that Toyota is targeting with the new Prius Prime. The quad-LED projector headlights are a nice touch for the base model.
Stepping up to the Premium trim and the sticker price goes up to $28,000. This model adds more sophisticated items to the catalogue for your comfort and mobility. Other than the above-mentioned 11-inch multimedia display, it also brings Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging, smart charging cable lock, and SofTex heated front seats.
The Prius Prime Advanced is the luxury trim starting from $33,100. This trims adds several exclusive goodies, including JBL audio system, color head-up display, Safety Connect with 3-year trial subscription, Intelligence Clearance Sonar with Intelligent Parking Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, heated steering wheel, a suite of dedicated smartphone apps, and integrated LED fog lights and LED accent lights.
As you can see there are numerous new technologies and logistical recipes awaiting exploration, but you may have to pick a higher model for the features you want.
At Toyota, safety and security features can be found in abundance. Items that cost extra in other brands are standard with Prius.
A Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Full Stop are just some of the marvellous standard safety features on Prius Prime.
The steering is rather loose, but invited driver participation in the drive experience with various customizable control features. Whether programming your car to save some money and time in off-peak hours or selecting a more comfortable climate, you control the environment with the power to manage your own conclusion.
Prius is not a performance vehicle like the Toyota 86, or mammoth hauler like the Highlander, but it works well in the city commute. And because of its efficiency and comfortable quiet ride, Prius is desirable for an open-road adventure.
Prius Prime is bold and fun to drive.
Look out Chevy Volt!
Watch for the new Prius Prime in dealerships by the end of October.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at [email protected]
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