2017 Toyota Prius Prime Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJason KavanaghSenior Vehicle Test Engineer

　　Jason joined zzdcar' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.

　　

What’s new

　　The Prius Prime, the plug-in version of the current, recently revised Prius, replaces the Prius Plug-in. A larger battery gives more electric-only range than the outgoing Prius Plug-in, while its fuel efficiency in hybrid mode edges higher than that of the base Prius.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Compared to the base Prius, the Prius Prime packs a larger battery that supports approximately 25 miles of electric-only range and, crucially, can be recharged by plugging into an electrical port. Replenishing the battery via a regular wall 120-volt socket takes about 5.5 hours, while a Level 2 (240-volt) charger shortens this time to a little more than two hours. Of course, you could also choose to never plug it in and simply refuel with gasoline, and it will operate simply as a more efficient Prius.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for Prius Prime Plus

　　Prius Prime Plus

　　Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) - $27,100 MSRPPremium 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $28,800 MSRPAdvanced 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) - $33,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Accommodating the larger lithium-ion battery meant turning the Prius Prime it into a four-seater (the regular Prius seats five) and raising the loading height of its cargo area. To recoup some of the lost cargo space, the Prime is 6.5 inches longer than the base Prius; most of that extra length extends aft of the rear wheels. The bigger battery adds weight, too, a change that the suspension struggles to deal with at times.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　Among plug-in hybrids, the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime stands out for its fuel economy and accessible price. Its electric-only range has grown substantially, though it comes at the cost of a few passenger and cargo space compromises.

　　

Comfort

　　The suspension struggles to manage the extra weight of the Prime's larger battery pack. One result is exaggerated motions over rises and crests.

　　

Which Prius Prime does zzdcar recommend?

　　Though the range-topping Advanced trim level is packed with a long list of tech features, it commands a large premium over the others. Going with the mid-grade Premium trim level is the approach we recommend because the Premium better aligns with the Prius Prime's value proposition. It's also the cheapest way to get the significantly larger (11.6-inch) central touchscreen, which is a big improvement over the base 7-inch screen. In the bargain, the Premium adds upgraded cabin materials and a power driver seat, plus keyless entry/start and wireless smartphone charging.

　　

2017 Toyota Prius Prime models

　　The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is available in three trim levels: Plus, Premium and Advanced.

　　The Plus trim level isn’t quite bare-bones, but you know you’re in the base model. It has a 7-inch multimedia screen, cloth seats with manual adjustments, Bluetooth, a USB port and keyless entry for the driver only.

　　Stepping up one rung to the Premium trim level puts you into the Prius Prime’s sweet spot. It includes a power driver seat, an 11.6-inch central touchscreen and upgraded multimedia system, premium synthetic leather (SofTex) seats, automatic headlights, keyless entry on three doors, satellite radio and wireless smartphone charging.

　　The Advanced trim level adds a raft of technology features: premium audio, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming mirror, a head-up display, a smartphone app with a charge management system and remote climate control operation, rain-sensing wipers and a semi-automated parking function.

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2017 Prius Prime Highlights

Trim: PlusPremiumAdvancedPlus

　　

Base MSRP	$27,100
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,000
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	19.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles