Toyota completely changed the car that is synonymous with the word "hybrid" back in 2023. The all-new Prius was totally remade, transforming from a rather pokey and generic people mover hatchback, into the sleek five-seater hybrid electric vehicle we have here. The model we managed to snag for our road test is a 2024 entry level SE Base model and let it be known that Toyota will keep this model pretty much unchanged for 2025. The reason is simple. It really works!
A Truly Great Plug-in Hybrid!
Available as a standard hybrid or a plug-in hybrid (known as the Prius Prime), the compact family hauler has been around since 1997 and available worldwide since 2000. Known as the world's first mass produced hybrid, the Prius has enjoyed amazing success, roughly selling over six million units in the last 25 years.
The 2024 Prius Prime seen here comes in three trim levels, the SE, XSE, and top tier XSE Premium. Even the entry level SE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen, and such driver assist features as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering all for *$34,070. The XSE adds keyless entry, a power liftgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated front seats for *$37,320.Â
The XSE Premium brings out all the bells and whistles adding a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a premium JBL audio system starting at $*40,765. All versions include six USB-C ports and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
*All prices based on Toyota Suggested Sales Prices
The new fifth generation Prius is not only, dare we say, sexy and streamlined, ramping up the zero to 60mph times from around 11.5 seconds to a much quicker 6.6 seconds, but the combined 220 horsepower (up by 99 horses over the last generation), 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and two electric motors combo is now capable of taking your 44 miles on all-electric power only before the gasoline motor kicks in. That's especially good news since the average American only drives approximately 38 miles per day. Essentially, that means you can charge up at home overnight and never use any gasoline at all. For these reasons and more, a new Prius Prime might just be the perfect transportation solution for you.
According to current driving statistics, 52 percent of all trips in the United States are under five miles and 28 percent of all trips are under one mile. Sounds like most of us just drive to the market a lot. Plus, hybrids are lighter than EVs because they are not hauling around a massive heavy battery, so they tend to be more fuel efficient.
On the Inside
The 5th Gen Prius Prime is also all-new on the inside. Because of its svelte looks, there is a tad less room. If you are over 6-foot tall, your head might touch the headliner up front and especially in the back seat. There is a little less legroom up front as well. The first thing we noticed was that it is harder to get in and out of the vehicle. The windows are slightly lower and your head might hit the door jamb while getting in or out.
Here's the thing: Toyota is a very smart car company and they do a lot of research and testing before a vehicle makes it to the dealer showroom. So, how is it that they didn't notice that the new Prius is a bit on the diminutive side when it comes to fitting big Americans? Another odd thing is that the designers moved the digital dash from the center of the dashboard where it has always been, over to the left directly over the steering wheel? When you glance up to read something important like how fast you're going, all your see is the steering wheel. You have to adjust your steering wheel height as well as your driver's seat height in order to see the gauges. We imagine that they were thinking the new Prius Prime might benefit from a visual upgrade that looks more like a Tesla dash. So, the digital gauges were moved to the left and a big infotainment touchscreen was positioned in the middle of the dash (8-inch or 12.3-inch, depending on the trim level). And your touchscreen includes Toyota's latest very responsive infotainment software.
Other than those few peccadillos, the interior is very clean and functional. There is less glossy plastic than in the previous version and just the right balance of touch controls and physical controls. Everything comes easily to hand. Various driving mode buttons are on each side of the shifter (gear selector) so you can easily switch between Custom, Sport, Normal, and Eco Mode. Just south of those you'll find the parking brake button as well as switches that can change the vehicle from EV Mode to Hybrid Mode to Charging Mode and the physical controls on the HVAC system are within reach and extremely easy to use.Â
There are no vents in the back seat area, but you do get two more USB-C ports and a 120-volt electrical outlet. In the way back you get 20.3-square feet of cargo room and a generous 26.7-square feet of room with the rear seats folded flat. Upper trims come with a power liftgate.
Safety Sense 3.0Â
As for safety and driver assist features, the new Prius Prime offers Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 system that gives your blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, front cross traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking assist is an option for an extra $40. You can't beat that.
The rearview camera works well, and a 360 degree "Bird's Eye View" camera system comes with the XSE Premium version. As for safety ratings, the IIHS gives the new Prius a top safety pick rating.
On the Road
Anyone who has ever been behind the wheel of an earlier Prius will be astounded at how quick this new Fifth Generation car is off the line. An older generation car gets to 60mph in about 11 and a half seconds. The previous Prius Prime took 10 seconds. The all-new Prius Prime is made to shake up your expectations regarding what a hybrid can do on the road. The earlier Prius had a combined horsepower of 121 ponies compared with the new model's 220 horses. As we mentioned previously, zero to 60mph happens in about 6.6 seconds.
The ride is responsive, and the suspension is remarkably sure footed. Toyota knows how to build an ultra-reliable city car that can be as much of a blast on twisty canyon roads as it is running around to handle chores. In all conditions, the ride is quiet and sure. We think it could hold its own against more sporty and aggressive compact cars. Best of all, the Prius Prime can save you over $6,000 in fuel costs over a five-year period.Â
While you can drive 44 miles on electricity only, the Prime also averages an EPA estimated 52 miles per gallon on gas only and 127 miles per gallon (MPGe) on gas and electric combined. Level 1 charging takes 11 hours and Level 2 charging will get you a full charge in just 4 hours. *All mileage EPA-Estimated.
2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE
TSRP $34,070.
