My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Toyota Prius Prime
The sleek design was a huge change from what we knew about the Prius. That was the theme that came amongst us members of the automotive media corps.
A year ago, at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Rally out at Road America, George and I previewed the Toyota Prius Prime out of the “street drives.” We liked the way it accelerated and the promises they made for sustainable driving.
Our drive affirmed some of the things I experienced a month or so earlier at a regional drive event for the Prius. The sleek design was a huge change from what we knew about the Prius. That was the theme of a lot of feedback that came amongst us members of the automotive media corps.
I always hoped we would get a Prius in for our usual full evaluation. A year later, one finally arrived. This time, it was a 2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE.
In Toyota-speak, Prime models are the plug-in hybrid versions of certain models. The Prius Prime is in addition to the hybrid models, while sharing the same exact body work and interior. The only way to find out the difference is the badge on the hatchback or on some other areas – door sills and the key fob.
No matter which Prius you choose, you get one of the most talked about designs in the past few years. All of it extremely positive.
It looks “future-forward” and contemporary. A sleek design with wide opening doors and hatchback. The lighting signature continues a brand design language that is catching everyone’s gaze. The Prius – and Prius Prime – now look super cool!
The blue paint job is offset with plenty of black trim on this SE tester. The 17-inch black finished wheel covers give it a very futuristic look overall. If you like future-forward design, this tester is a great example of it.
That theme continues inside. The fifth generation of the Prius marks the first time the digital instrument cluster is placed right on front of the driver. It is pushed far back against the windshield to alleviate distractive driving. To augment this push towards increasing driver attention, there is a monitor on the steering column that detects any driver distraction. It all works excellently.
Taking over the middle is a new eight-inch touchscreen for Toyota’s latest infotainment system. Sound is emitted through six well-placed speakers throughout the cabin. All of the controls should be familiar from previous generation models and current Toyota offerings. Plus, those copper trim pieces elevate the cabin experience.
Even though the roofline was lowered by two inches, most occupants will find ample space in both front and rear seats. The cloth seats on our SE tester are supportive and comfortable with manual adjustments for rake, height, and recline. The tradeoff of the lower roofline is less space for cargo compared to previous generations of the Prius. Cargo space in the 2024 model measured out at 20.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up. You can fold down the rear seats for longer items.
However, I am happy to report that we did not have to fold down the rear seats for the new rollator, unlike our last brief run a year ago in the Prius Prime. Loading and unloading was easy and painless.
The hybrid driveline includes a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor and a 3.5-killowatt battery that is recharged up to a Level 2 charging system. The system’s net output is 220 horsepower. Power is transferred via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission to the front wheels.
With a full battery, the Prius Prime delivers approximately up to 44 miles of electric-only driving. That also translates into a combined range of up to 600 miles. Without much assistance from the battery, we were able to average 48.1 MPG.
In the Prius Prime, we found it to be quick. It does well in traffic and around town. The new generation model is very light on its feet when it comes to acceleration and driving experience. The ride is smoother, while the handling is on the softer side when doing evasive maneuvers.
The light feeling was observed with the steering system. The Prius Prime turning action is helped by a small steering wheel, which yields decent on-center feel and a superb turning radius. The brakes are spot on, with good stops in normal and panic situations. Pedal feel is just right. In all, I found myself enjoying the miles I put on the Prius Prime during its time with us.
The 2024 Prius Prime is available in three trim levels. Pricing starts from $32,975. Our SE tester came with a sticker price of $34,884. If you rather not use a plug to change up the battery, the regular Prius starts from $27,950 and is available in three trim levels.
We proved again how advanced the fifth-generation Prius has become. Not just with its sleek design – although that is really the main attraction. It is the increased power, combined with leveraging current electrified technology to advance the Prius even further.
At its core, one of the original gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles is now a better proposition overall. Having a look that turns heads also help.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America
All photos by Randy Stern