2018 Toyota Prius Prime

Overview

This plug-in variant of Toyota’s segment-defining Prius is similar in many ways to the conventional hybrid that inspired it. The Prius and Prius Prime share underpinnings in the form of Toyota’s new TNGA platform, a wacky design language, and snooze-worthy performance. The differences between the two cars are important, too. Namely, the Prime adds an EPA-rated 25 miles of all-electric driving range and a large tablet-inspired infotainment screen (in certain trim levels), and it sacrifices a meaningful share of the cargo space found in the regular Prius. The Chevy Volt more than doubles the Prius Prime’s electric driving range and is actually more fun to drive, but Toyota’s good-faith effort to improve the Prime’s driving dynamics in this newest generation has moved it up slightly in our esteem.

What's New for 2018?

The Prius Prime was all new for 2017, so it is unchanged for 2018; that means everything from its odd styling to its outstanding fuel economy is the same as it was when it debuted.

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Pricing

Original MSRP:

• Plus: $28,230
• Premium: $29,930
• Advanced: $34,230

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 mean that it’s only fit for the most dedicated Prius die-hards. The Prime switches effortlessly and smoothly between gas and electric propulsion. None will produce anything approaching quickness. 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 Prius Prime has acceptable driving dynamics despite an obstinate accelerator pedal and an occasionally rough ride. The brand-new platform that underpins the Prius family brings much improved handling over previous generations, although it is far from sporty. Then again, the Prime’s straight-line performance is so lazy that quick steering and nimble cornering would feel out of place. The Prime is generally comfortable and suitable for jaunts around town. However, its ride turns jittery and harsh when it encounters badly blemished pavement.

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

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 directly in front of the driver. The layout requires drivers to shift their eyes from the road to read the speedometer and gauges. We found this undesirable, but owners may grow used to it in time. The cloth seats in a Prime Plus that we tested were comfortable but unattractive, making the leatherette seats our favored throne. Either way, heated seats are standard. While the passenger cabin of the Prius Prime and the standard Prius hybrid are equally roomy, the Prime’s cargo hold is meaningfully diminished by its larger battery. It provides less real-world luggage space than the standard Prius and some of its competition. Interior storage is ample, but family road trips will be a tight fit.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Toyota has made an impressive array of infotainment technology standard in the Prime, with some models carrying a huge Tesla-esque screen in the center of the dash. Despite its size, that display is not as versatile as the coveted unit in Tesla’s 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.

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.