The biggest difference between the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime and the standard hybrid is in the electric range. The PHEV configuration costs more and for the extra money, you get additional power. The gas mileage is not at the same level, since the Prime version is not returning 57 mpg. Three trim levels are available for now – SE, XSE and Premium. Limited grade is missing if we compare this car to the regular hybrid. Also, you won’t get an AWD, even as the optional upgrade.
The base price of the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime will stay put. The car is coming without big changes. Another PHEV that can be an alternative is Kia Niro. The driving experience is surprisingly positive for the plug-in hybrid. The Prius Prime can do 0-60 mph sprint in just 6 seconds. The EV mode is also cool. You can turn it on and off very easily, just by pushing the button on the dashboard.
Why Buy the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime?
The main reason for buying the car is its plug-in hybrid system. It returns magnificent fuel economy numbers. This system is also environmental friendly and you can drive it by using only electric motor. The price is not too high, although the base hybrid is slightly cheaper. Like every Toyota, Prius Prime has an excellent resale value. And there are two years of complementary maintenance as the special offer for the PHEV model.
The car has a few things that can be better. The ride is comfortable, but not on bumpy roads. The roofline is slopped, cutting off some headroom in the back and cargo space. Compared to the standard hybrid, the Prime version won’t offer an all-wheel drive system.
Specs
Under the bonnet of the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Thanks to the support of the electric battery pack, the system delivers 220 horsepower. More important, the mileage gets a huge boost and the PHEV setup returns 52 mpg. Higher trim levels get more equipment and become less efficient (50/47 mpg for the XSE Premium). The range of electric battery is 44 miles, or 39 mpg for the top of the range trim.
The company made a huge step up by switching from a 1.8-liter engine. Many things are fixed, such as the 0-60 mph acceleration time, which dropped from 10 to 6 seconds. Unfortunately, an AWD is unavailable, and FWD remains the only drive mode.
Standard Hybrid
A lighter hybrid is available for the Prius. A 2.0-liter engine delivers 194-196 hp. That is significantly more than the previous system’s 120 ponies. Compared to the Prime version, this one makes 52 mpg according to EPA. The company claims 57 miles per gallon. Another big difference is an all-wheel drive as an optional upgrade if you don’t want an FWD.
Standard hybrid also offers a different lineup of trim levels. You’ll find LE, XLE and Limited. Many options are similar. The regular Prius is priced from $27,500. AWD costs $1,500.
2024 Toyota Prius Prime Trim Levels Accessories
The entry-level option for the Prime model is the SE. It comes with the Safety Sense 3.0 package that includes some advanced options. The SE uses 17-inch wheels, LED lights, heated steering wheel and keyless entry and start. Not bad for the base version. The multimedia includes a 6-speaker audio, an 8-inch screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto services.
Upgrading to the XSE brings you larger wheels (19-inchers), parking sensors, synthetic leather, heated seats and wireless chargers. Optional features unavailable for the base version are fixed glass roof, large multimedia scree and smartphone as a key system.
The Premium version adds those options, plus ventilated seats, JBL sound, driver’s bucket memory settings, and more optional accessories. Those are solar panel and digital rearview mirror. Plus, the Advanced Technology package is unlocked with 360-degree parking camera and automatic parking system.
2024 Toyota Prius Prime Release Date and Price
The current Prius was updated, outside, inside and under the hood. There is no need for another dose of modifications. Maybe some new options will be introduced, such as colors, features and trim levels. But, those are standard upgrades we see on vehicles every year.
The current lineup will keep the MSRP at the same level. The SE starts from $32,500, the XSE adds $3,200 and the XSE Premium is probably going to top $40k next season. Compared to the standard hybrid, the PHEV offers more options and that is why the price is higher. The LE model costs $27,500 and the Limited AWD starts from $36,000.