2017 Toyota Prius Prime

Overview

The Prius Prime, which is new for 2017, is a plug-in version of Toyota’s iconic Prius. It comes with a larger battery that enables an EPA-rated 25 miles of electric-only driving, along with a slew of standard active safety technology, and a high-tech cabin. Its powertrain is efficient but pretty joyless, and the Prius can’t manage even half of the electric driving range of a Chevrolet Volt. Toyota earns points for significantly improving driving dynamics across the Prius lineup compared with the previous generation, but the Prime still checks fewer boxes than the Volt, which remains our plug-in of choice.

What's New for 2017?

The Prius Prime is based heavily on the latest-generation Prius, which was introduced in 2016. As with its hybrid sibling, it sits on Toyota’s New Global Architecture platform and has an improved powertrain, redesigned exterior, and updated interior compared with the previous Prius plug-in. It is visually distinguished from the standard Prius by its restyled front and rear ends.

What's Your Car Worth?

Car and Driver calculates your car's value in three free and easy steps - using the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.

Get your trade-in value

Pricing

Original MSRP:

• Prius Prime Plus: $27,995
• Prius Prime Premium: $29,695
• Prius Prime Advanced: $33,995

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Prius Prime’s only powertrain achieves its primary goal of being extremely efficient, but the plug-in’s short electric range and lifeless acceleration limit its appeal. The Prius Prime has a 1.8-liter inline-four engine that works with an electric motor, a battery pack, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Prime switches effortlessly and smoothly between gas and electric propulsion, and there are three driving modes (Power, Normal, and Eco). The Prius Prime can recharge at either a standard 120-volt household outlet, which takes about 5.5 hours, or in about two hours at a 240-volt outlet. The brand-new platform that underpins the Prius family brings much-improved handling over previous generations, although it is far from sporty. The Prime is generally comfortable and suitable for jaunts around town. However, its ride turns jittery when it encounters rough pavement. We prefer the Chevrolet Volt, which rises above mere competence and can be fun to drive.

View Photos

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Happily, the Prius Prime does not sacrifice any passenger space due to its enlarged battery pack compared with the standard Prius hybrid. The dashboard layout is unconventional, with a stubby electronic shifter sticking straight out of the center of the dash and a digital gauge cluster placed in the middle instead of in front of the driver. The cloth seats are comfortable though unattractive, and this makes the optional leatherette perches more appealing. Either way, heated front seats are standard. While the passenger cabin of the Prime and the standard Prius hybrid are identically roomy, the Prime’s cargo hold is diminished by its larger battery. Interior storage remains ample, but family road trips will require less luggage.

View Photos

Infotainment and Connectivity

Toyota has made an impressive array of infotainment technology standard in the Prime, with some models carrying a huge Tesla-like screen in the center of the dash. Despite its size, that display is not as versatile as the unit in the Tesla Model S and Model X. The 7.0-inch infotainment display that’s standard in the Prime Plus is the same familiar and foolproof unit that graces other Toyota products. In Premium and Advanced models, an 11.6-inch touchscreen is standard, as is map integration of available charging stations. The screen only has a few available configurations, however, meaning that it functions more like a two-screen system—in which one screen is permanently locked on navigation—than a dynamic, customizable tablet.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Toyota Prius Prime’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.