Toyota Prius Prime 2017 Review Price Features Specs Pictures

Toyota Prius Prime 2017

Compared to the base Prius, the Prius Prime packs a larger battery that supports approximately 25 miles of electric-only range and, crucially, can be recharged by plugging into an electrical port. Replenishing the battery via a regular wall 120-volt socket takes about 5.5 hours, while a Level 2 (240-volt) charger shortens this time to a little more than two hours. Of course, you could also choose to never plug it in and simply refuel with gasoline, and it will operate simply as a more efficient Prius.

Accommodating the larger lithium-ion battery meant turning the Prius Prime it into a four-seater (the regular Prius seats five) and raising the loading height of its cargo area. To recoup some of the lost cargo space, the Prime is 6.5 inches longer than the base Prius; most of that extra length extends aft of the rear wheels. The bigger battery adds weight, too, a change that the suspension struggles to deal with at times.

Toyota Prius Prime 2017 Video Review:

Toyota Prius Prime 2017 Price:

The price of this new and luxurious sedan made by Toyota Company is approximately $27,100.

Toyota Prius Prime 2017 Pros:

Outstanding fuel economy

Longer all-electric driving range than previous generation

As hybrids go, the brake action is pretty natural

Revised styling is better than base Prius

Toyota Prius Prime 2017 Cons: 

Excessive road noise

High trunk liftover

The extra weight is noticeable from behind the wheel

Seats four people; the regular Prius (and Volt) seat five

Toyota Prius Prime 2017 What's New:

The Prius Prime, the plug-in version of the current, recently revised Prius, replaces the Prius Plug-in. A larger battery gives more electric-only range than the outgoing Prius Plug-in, while its fuel efficiency in hybrid mode edges higher than that of the base Prius.

Toyota Prius Prime 2017 Recommendation:

Though the range-topping Advanced trim level is packed with a long list of tech features, it commands a large premium over the others. Going with the mid-grade Premium trim level is the approach we recommend because the Premium better aligns with the Prius Prime's value proposition. It's also the cheapest way to get the significantly larger (11.6-inch) central touchscreen, which is a big improvement over the base 7-inch screen. In the bargain, the Premium adds upgraded cabin materials and a power driver seat, plus keyless entry/start and wireless smartphone charging.

Toyota Prius Prime 2017 Trim Levels & Features:

The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is available in three trim levels: Plus, Premium and Advanced.

Toyota Prius Prime 2017 Comfort:

The suspension struggles to manage the extra weight of the Prime's larger battery pack. One result is exaggerated motions over rises and crests.

Toyota Prius Prime 2017 Road Test:

To learn more about the current generation of the Toyota Prius upon which the Prius Prime is built, read our updates from a full year of living with a 2016 Toyota Prius. We cover everything from seat comfort to scheduled maintenance.

Toyota Prius Prime 2017 Review by Edmunds

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cup holder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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