History/Overview
The Toyota Prius Prime is the second generation of a plug-in version of the well-known hybrid model. Introduced in 2017, the Prime follows the Prius Plug-In sold between 2012 and 2015.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
New for the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime are a pair of safety features: taillights that turn on any time the car is in gear, and a rear seat reminder.
Available Trims
Toyota offers the Prius Prime in base and Upgrade trim levels. Both use a 1.8L gas engine that works with a single electric motor and a continuously variable automatic transmission. There is no AWD option.
Standard Features
Prius Prime standard features include passive keyless entry, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio, 7.0-inch touchscreen, heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic climate control, LED headlights/taillights, 15-inch alloy wheels, and heated side mirrors.
The base model’s safety assists include lane tracing assist, forward collision detection with automatic braking, automatic high beams, lane departure alert with steering assist, and radar cruise control.
Upgrade trim adds wireless smartphone charging, passive entry sensors on the passenger and cargo doors, navigation in an 11.6-inch touchscreen, a power driver’s seat, and Softex upholstery.
Key Options
You can option the Prius Prime Upgrade with a tech package that adds rain-sensing wipers, a head-up display, fog lights, a 10-speaker stereo, front parking sensors with intelligent park assist, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated garage door remote.
Fuel Economy
Toyota’s energy consumption estimates for the Prius Prime are 4.3/4.4 L/100 km (city/highway) when running as a gas-electric hybrid, and 1.8 Le/100 km (combined driving) in electric mode. The Prius Prime promises 40 km of battery-only driving on a full charge.
Competition
The Toyota Prius Prime’s competitors include the Hyundai Ioniq Electric Plus, the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid, and the limited-availability Subaru Crosstrek PHEV. Another is the Honda Clarity PHEV, which was discontinued after 2021, but may still be available at some Honda dealers.
