AUTO

The Playful 2024 Toyota Prius Prime PHEV

November 3, 2023

The 2024 Prius Prime SE gets up to 44 miles of all-electric range.
All 2024 Prius Prime PHEV models get the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver-assistive features.
The new Prius Prime hybrid has a redesigned exterior, comfortable interior, and speedier powertrain compared to previous Prius generations.
The 2024 Prius and Prius Prime PHEV complement Toyota’s other fuel-efficient models like the Crown hybrid sedan and bZ4x EV.

Toyota updated the 2024 Prius and its plug-in hybrid sibling, the Prius Prime. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle offers more than a fuel-efficient ride – it has up to 44 miles of all-electric range for zero-emissions commutes. It also comes with a gas-powered hybrid powertrain with an estimated combined fuel rating of 52 MPG.

Best of all, the 2024 Prius Prime hybrid has never looked better. This sporty four-door sedan has a sleek exterior and a comfortable interior filled with innovative information and entertainment technology.

Powering the New 2024 Prius Prime

The 44 miles of all-electric range comes from the 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, an electric motor, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The configuration delivers 220 horsepower, which is about 100 more than the previous Prius Prime generation. It also has 139 lb-ft of torque, again, besting the previous generation by 32 percent.

The new powertrain speeds up the 0-to-60 MPH time to an impressive 6.6 seconds. The previous generation needed more than 10 seconds to reach 60 MPH.

As the 2024 Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid gets power from a rechargeable battery, drivers will benefit from charging the new PHEV before heading out for the day. The Prime PHEV uses the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain which creates a smooth transition between the gas engine and electric motor.

Drivers can charge the lithium-ion battery pack using a standard 120-volt household outlet. Using a Level 1 charging system, the Prius Prime battery fills in about 11 hours. Using a Level 2 240-volt outlet, the charging speed increases to about four hours. However, if you don’t have time to charge, the plug-in Prius will run off using the gas-powered engine.

The Prius Prime has three useful power modes. NORMAL mode uses the hybrid system for a pleasing combination of power and fuel efficiency. ECO mode makes the hybrid system more efficient, by reducing power to get better fuel economy and battery power. SPORT mode makes the Prius Prime drive like a little sports car with extra performance and acceleration.

Exterior Styling and Paint Colors

Toyota offers the new Prius Prime in three well-equipped trims: SE, XSE, and XSE Premium. They are available in several attractive standard colors: Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Midnight Black Metallic, and Reservoir Blue. Toyota also offers two premium paint colors: Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red.

The new exterior styling features a lower, longer, and wider platform than previous generations, giving the Prius Prime a futuristic, aerodynamic look. The low roofline enhances the “hammerhead” hood, and attention-getting rear. Toyota puts 17-inch wheels on the SE trim but bumps up the wheel to 19 inches on the XSE and XSE Premium trims.

Working Toward the “Beyond Zero” Goal

Toyota trusts that the Prius and Prius Prime will help the company get closer to its goal of reducing carbon emissions.

The 2024 Prius Prime is considered a Super Ultra-Low-Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) that fits into the automaker’s goal to get beyond zero to a carbon-neutral future. Even though the Prius Prime has an internal combustion engine, it uses an electric generator to use the electric motor, even when the battery runs low.

Premium Interior Features in All Trims

The SE trim comes with black and red fabric-covered front seats, while the XSE trims have heated black and red SofTex-trimmed seats. Toyota includes an 8.0-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen in the SE trim and offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the XSE trim.

The XSE Premium trim has a JBL Premium Audio System and a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen. This trim also has ventilated front seats, a fixed-glass roof, and a power liftback.

Drivers can add a 185-watt solar roof to charge the battery while the vehicle is parked. Another optional feature is the Advanced Park system which uses cameras and sensors for parallel and perpendicular parking.

The Toyota Audio Multimedia system includes Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a standard six-speaker audio system. The XSE JBL Premium Audio system has eight speakers and cutting-edge Clari-Fi technology that enhances digital music formats. The infotainment system also includes Drive Connect to access the “Hey Toyota” Intelligent Assistant and Cloud Navigation.

All Toyota Prius Prime 2024 models come with six USB-C ports including two for rear seat passengers. Additional tech features include Wi-Fi Connect for 4G connectivity, HD Radio, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Toyota also adds the Safety Connect and Service Connect system with an Emergency Assistance Button, 24/7 Roadside Assistance, a Stolen Vehicle Locator, and more.

Standard driver-assistive features include Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 suite with a Pre-Collision System, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and Automatic High Beams.