The Least Costly Plug-in Hybrid in America
Good homeowners will rapidly learn to maximize the driving vary and effectivity of the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid car or PHEV. It begins by plugging in each evening. In the event you personal a contemporary cellphone, this plug-in-before-hitting-the-hay idea isn’t new.
You’ll awake to a completely charged battery and one other 45 miles of all-electric vary to get you round city and on quick journeys with out burning a drop of oil. If you might want to go additional, possibly California to New York, the environment friendly hybrid engine delivers 52 miles per gallon.
With the Prius Prime PHEV there is no such thing as a such factor as vary nervousness, so take that off your record for not wanting to purchase an electrified automotive. On prime of that, the Prius Prime is the bottom value of the 35 plug-in hybrid fashions obtainable in 2024 (although the ten $100,000+ luxurious fashions actually don’t supply any competitors).
Clear Fleet Report spent every week touring California within the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE, which is the bottom mannequin beneath the XSE and XSE Premium trims. This assessment displays the options and tools on the SE, sometimes noting upgrades obtainable on the XSE and XSE Premium.
Clean Seamless Effectivity
The 2024 Prius Prime has a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, working on 87 octane, and two motor mills producing 120 kilowatts for a mixed 220 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. Obtainable completely with front-wheel drive, the electronically-controlled constantly variable transmission, eCVT, has three driver-selectable drive modes of Regular, Eco and Sport, plus an EV save characteristic.
The SE scooted to 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds, which is quick sufficient to merge onto freeways, move huge rigs and gradual pokes, and rivals many “sporty” gasoline-powered vehicles. As soon as reaching cruising velocity, the true purpose for owing the Prius Prime turns into obvious.
Dealing with and Journey
The Prius Prime SE drove with ease, because the eCVT saved usable torque within the correct vary for sturdy acceleration. The SE weighs 3,461 kilos, with 284 kilos of that the 16.6 kWh battery, offering a low middle of gravity. Toyota doesn’t market the Prius Prime as a sporty automotive, however the impartial MacPherson strut entrance and rear multi-link suspension saved us planted to the street.
The low rolling resistance 195/60 Toyo Extensa all-season tires, mounted on 17-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, supplied ample grip when cornering arduous, however confirmed their energy on the open street to get most gas effectivity. Wider and extra performance-oriented tires would take the Prius Prime up just a few notes in dealing with, however that will defeat the aim of this automotive.
Stops had been strong and true, with no pedal fade, from the power-assisted ABS disc brakes. The regenerative braking was simply sturdy sufficient so, when lifting off the accelerator, slowing allowed the Prius Prime to ease into corners with no need to use the brake pedal.
Regenerative braking converts kinetic power into electrical energy when braking or coasting, and shops it within the battery. Driving round city, in stop-and-go rush hour freeway visitors or coasting down hills will recharge the battery.
California Cruising – Getting By way of the Metropolis
My spouse and I departed our home on the seashore in South Orange County headed to the wine nation of the Santa Ynez Valley, some 200 miles away. After we departed, the absolutely charged battery and full fuel tank stated we had 600 miles of driving vary, which we confirmed with the EPA. Understanding we had been planning journey of about 400 miles, this was good to see.
Baggage for 2 simply match within the 20.3 cubic toes house behind the rear seat. If we wanted extra, with the 60:40 rear seat again laid down the storage space grows to 26.7 cubic toes. The tonneau cowl added a layer of privateness and safety for our gear.
Probably the most congested intersections within the nation, the place I-405 and US-101 meet, wanted to be negotiated if we had been to get out of Los Angeles county. Anybody that has accomplished it is aware of how difficult it may be with visitors going 70+ mph on 405 jockeying to get into the far proper lanes, then slowing to about 20 mph (even much less in rush hour) to make the sweeping left curve onto 101. Comfortable to report we got here by means of unscathed.
California Cruising – Orange County to the Santa Ynez Valley
Traversing the San Fernando Valley from the 405/101 spilt is one thing you simply do, with out hesitation or ideas of stopping to sight-see. Nearly on the far west finish the valley you’ll move underneath the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, being constructed (as of this story in September 2024) over the 101 in Agoura Hills. This lengthy deliberate and debated overpass is to permit the various wildlife that lives within the Santa Monica Mountains to cross safely because it roams for meals and mates. In all probability probably the most well-known of the native wildlife is Puma P-22, who made world headlines when he was captured on digicam within the Hollywood Hills. When he was captured and euthanized two years in the past, examinations revealed accidents per being hit by a automotive, offering additional public assist for improvements just like the overpass.
The steadiness of this stretch of 101 leads into Ventura County and the primary glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. Passing Ventura and the quirky roadside group of La Conchita means Rincon Level shouldn’t be far forward.
Straddling Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, Rincon is known for being probably the greatest surf spots alongside the California coast, if not the world. Driving additional on 101 leads by means of Carpenteria, Summerland and Santa Barbara till the turn-off for State Route 154, which leads over the San Marcos Cross into the verdant Santa Ynez Valley.
SR 154 was a very good check for the Prius Prime because it goes from sea stage to 2,181 toes elevation in about 21 miles. With the battery cost depleted the two.0-liter 4 cylinder hybrid was utilizing its 150 horsepower to tug the grade. Straining engine noises stuffed the cabin. Understanding this is able to be ending quickly, it was tolerable. It’s additionally one thing that wouldn’t occur underneath regular use.
The ocean-view portion of the journey was lovely however trying down on the Santa Ynez Valley was great. There are two vista factors price stopping at which supply mountain, orchard, winery and cattle ranch views, in addition to the primary sight of Cachuma Lake, a 9,000-acre recreation space constructed in 1953.
However the hidden gem, and a brief side-trip, is the Chilly Springs Tavern on Stagecoach Highway. The historical past of the tavern, inbuilt 1860, dates again to 1868 when it was used as a stagecoach cease for weary vacationers. This has the makings of a romantic story out of the Wild Wild West. When you’ve got the time plan on stopping for lunch and exploring this largely unknown, however essential a part of California historical past.
Los Olivos – The Coronary heart of the Santa Ynez Valley
Los Olivos is now recognized for its allure, advantageous eating and vineyard tasting rooms, all of which there are loads. Earlier than it was a city, it was a stagecoach cease starting in 1861. The city was established in 1887 by Aden Alan Boyd, who planted 5,000 olive timber, and named his new property Los Olivos—the olive timber.
We pulled into the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, a luxurious resort that will get its identify from the unique resort that was inbuilt 1886 by Felix and Lucy Mattei. Then, it was immediately throughout the road from the depot for the Pacific Coast Railroad. Now, it welcomes friends with a casual-but-elegant respite after a drive from San Francisco or Los Angeles.
The meals was wonderful, the mattress Goldilocks-approved, the stress-free spa with yoga and the pool all made for a luxurious keep.
Headed Dwelling
It’s all the time robust to go house, however after having a pleasing drive just a few days earlier, we had been anticipating the identical for the following 200 miles.
We headed again over the San Marcos Cross and made one cease, which for us is necessary every time driving previous Santa Barbara—the Helena Avenue Bakery. This artisan bakery makes probably the most great breads and pastries. For us, the purchase is all the time a pair loaves of their Sourdough Levian; we’re fortunate in the event that they make all of it the way in which house.
Is That Actually A Prius?
Multiple particular person walked up and requested “What sort of automotive is that?” Even higher, some requested “Is {that a} Tesla?” This occurs sometimes with luxurious and unique vehicles, however not often with a compact sedan.
Fully new and redesigned the earlier yr, the 2024 Prius Prime is the best-looking Prius of all time. Aesthetically pleasing with an extended and wider stance, the profile is one linked sweeping line from the tip of the hood and the LED daytime working lights and bi-LED projector headlights, to the slim LED tail mild band that runs the total width beneath the rear spoiler. The aerodynamic design has earned a 0.27 Coefficient of drag (Cd), which helps it reduce by means of the wind and ship wonderful gas economic system.
The primary time you see the Prius up shut, it produces a way of questioning the place this engaging automotive has been, contemplating the sooner Prius generations had been not often thought-about handsome. Check out the pictures and get grasp of what the fifth era Prius has to supply. Once you see it on the Toyota seller in particular person, the expertise will begin another time.
The 2024 Prius Prime is obtainable 4 colours with no additional cost: Reducing Edge, Guardian Grey, Midnight Black Metallic and Reservoir Blue, whereas Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Crimson every have a $425 premium. Our Prius Prime, in Reservoir Blue with black aerodynamic wheel covers, had a darkish feel and look.
Trendy Inside
The very low 5.6-inches of floor clearance interprets to a low driving place. Entrance visibility is sweet, however the swept-back windshield design could create a minor A-pillar blindspot for some drivers. Rearward, the visibility was good, but when there are not any rear seat passengers eradicating the headrests offers a transparent, open sightline.
The inside is clear and uncomplicated, with controls a straightforward attain for the driving force. The sprint options two screens: a 7-inch configurable multi-information LCD show situated behind the steering wheel, and an 8-inch multimedia show that juts from the middle sprint. The middle display screen, contains navigation and 6 audio system for the SiriusXM/AM/FM radio with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A JBL Premium Audio System with eight audio system and an amplifier is customary on the XSE Premium together with a 12.3-inch show.
The audio system usability would have been improved with a channel knob to accompany the amount knob. Six USB ports and Wi-Fi Join, with an AT&T hotspot, are customary on all fashions.
The seats are material trimmed on the SE and have handbook changes. We each commented the seats felt skinny and didn’t supply sufficient thigh, higher again or lumbar assist. This can be advantageous for brief commutes and in-town errand driving, however for a automotive with a 600-mile driving vary, homeowners will probably be tempted to take prolonged street journeys. If that’s how you can be utilizing the Prius Prime, then go for the XSE or XSE Premium which have SofTex-trimmed (an artificial leather-based) with energy changes that embody lumbar for the driving force.
As with earlier Prius fashions, three adults can match within the 60:40 folding rear seat. But when two experience alongside, they get a middle armrest with cup holders.
Charging
The Prius Prime SE makes use of a 13.6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that delivers 45 miles of all-electric driving vary. Charging is by plugging in utilizing the onboard 3.5 kilowatt charger. Toyota provides the charging wire, so by plugging into a typical family shops these are the charging occasions going from discharged to a full cost.
120V Degree 1 – 11 hours
240V Degree 2 – 4 hours
Even on the Degree 1 cost fee, the battery will probably be topped off by plugging in it at bedtime, identical to you do each evening with a cell phone. There isn’t a thriller about avoid gasoline stations for almost all of your driving.
The Prius Prime doesn’t include a 480V Fast Cost choice.
Security
The 2024 Prius is provided with superior driver help techniques (ADAS) packaged as Toyota Security Sense 3.0. Energetic and passive security options embody eight air baggage, car stability and traction management, brake help and blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
The superior driver pre-collision expertise contains lane departure alert, adaptive cruise management and pedestrian detection. Extra security options embody distant keyless entry, push button begin/cease, a tire stress monitoring system, Distant Join, Security Join, and Drive Join.
Warranties
- Complete – Three years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain – 5 years/60,000 miles
- Hybrid Parts – 10 years/150,000 miles
- Complimentary Upkeep – Two years/25,000 miles
- Roadside Help – Three years/Limitless Miles
Pricing
There are three grades, with these base costs, together with the necessary $1,095 supply price.
- SE $34,070
- XSE $37,320
- XSE Premium $40,765
Observations: 2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE
No automotive firm makes and sells extra hybrids than Toyota. The gasoline-electric Prius was the primary mass-produced hybrid car to go on sale in Japan in 1997, debuting within the U.S. on 2000 simply after the Honda Perception. Toyota sells the Prius in additional than 90 markets. The US is its largest market.
So this makes the case for Toyota not messing with a very good factor, however they did simply that and have delivered a Prius that makes folks go “Ooooo!” The previous wedge form with harsh angles is gone, transitioning to a smooth and aerodynamic excessive mileage and really interesting sedan.
Then in 2012 Toyota launched the Prius Prime plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid taking effectivity and driving vary to the following stage. The 40 – 45 mile all-electric driving vary, relying on which trim, means for most individuals their day by day commute could be accomplished with out utilizing any gasoline. However then when an extended street journey is being deliberate the Prius Prime delivers hybrid effectivity.
That is the rationale a plug-in hybrid is a wonderful choice for these not fairly able to go to a full electrical automotive. It is usually the rationale so many different automotive corporations have added a PHEV to their line-up.
Ed. Notice: Toyota has been utilizing the “Prime” moniker with its Prius and RAV4 plug-in hybrids. They’ve introduced that beginning with the 2025 fashions they may simply be branded as Plug-in Hybrid, though Toyota additionally refers to them as Plug-in Hybrid EVs (for Electrified Automobile versus an Electrical Automobile).
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Story by John Faulkner. Pictures by John Faulkner and Toyota.
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Disclosure
Clear Fleet Report is loaned free check automobiles from automakers to guage, sometimes for every week at a time. Our street checks are primarily based on this one-week drive of a brand new car. Due to this we don’t tackle points equivalent to long-term reliability or whole value of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new automobiles or expertise. As a part of these occasions we could also be supplied free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our greatest to current our unvarnished evaluations of automobiles and information irrespective of those inducements.
Our focus is on automobiles that provide the perfect gas economic system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and different environment friendly powertrains. We additionally characteristic these environment friendly gas-powered automobiles which are among the many prime mpg automobiles of their class. As well as, we intention to supply evaluations and information on superior expertise and the choice gas car market. We welcome any suggestions from car homeowners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for various viewpoints. Please tell us your views at [email protected].
