Under the hybrid and electric car class, Toyota Prius prime is an admirable name. It comes with three variants or trims; LE, XLE and Limited. Having the same plug-in hybrid system, all the three variants of Prius Prime runs upto 25 miles on electricity alone. When using both gas and electricity, it has a combined mileage of 133MPGe and when using regular gas, it has a combined MPG of 54 that means the vehicle can travel 100 miles by using only 1.9 gallons of gas. All the variants have a regular fuel tank capacity of 11.4 gallons.
The models also have the same EPA-estimated mileage rating which is shown by the table presented below:
| Models of Prius Prime | Regular Gasoline
(City/Highway/Combined) |
Electric with Gas
(Combined) |
|---|---|---|
| LE | 55 mpg / 53 mpg / 54 mpg | 133 MPGe |
| XLE | 55 mpg / 53 mpg / 54 mpg | 133 MPGe |
| Limited | 55 mpg / 53 mpg / 54 mpg | 133 MPGe |
There are plenty of competitors in the market within similar performance caliber like the Prius Prime. Prius Prime has an advantage over Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid as the Ioniq has a combined MPG of 52 and MPGe of 119. However, the electric range of the Prius Prime is slightly lesser than that of Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid which runs 29 miles on electricity alone. Similarly, the 2021 Honda Clarity Hybrid has a combined MPG of 42 with regular gasoline and electric plus gas MPGe of 110. However, it also tops the Prius Prime in all electric range with an all-electric range of 48 miles. Another competitor to the vehicle is the Kia Niro Hybrid. The Kia Niro Hybrid has a combined MPG of 46 in regular gas and MPGe of 105 in electricity. Kia Niro Hybrid falls short in the all-electric drive range with its all-electric range of 26 miles.
Toyota Prius Prime
Toyota Prius Prime was launched in November 2016. After five years, the vehicle is one of the most reputed models in the plug-in hybrid class. The aerodynamic body of the Toyota Prius Prime allows an active front grill shutter that closes at high speed. It has five passenger seating with 60/40 split fold down rear seats and fabric trimmed heated front seats with armrest and seat back pockets. The dynamic radar cruise control feature of the vehicle adds safety to the passengers. For the further safety purposes, the vehicle has a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, lane tracing assist and intelligent parking assist.
As of June 2021, the prices of the different models of Toyota Prius Prime are presented below on the table. The UK price of the same variants is not mentioned in the official websites.
| Prius Prime Variants | Price (USA) |
|---|---|
| LE | $28,220 |
| XLE | $30,000 |
| Limited | $34,000 |
Specifications of Toyota Prius Prime
The Prius Prime comes with a four cylinders engine with variable valve timing with intelligence(VVT-i) feature to maximize the efficiency of the vehicle. With a hatchback body type and a passenger capacity of 5 the vehicle runs on both gas and electricity, providing the users with most advanced technologies like multi-point EFI with electronic throttle control system with intelligence, effortless switching between gas and electric propulsion, regenerative braking system and many more. Also, there is not any need to worry about the space to hold your baggage since the cargo capacity of the Prius Prime is 19.8 cu.ft. Other specifications of the Toyota Prius Prime are:
| Vehicle Specification items | Details |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Regular gasoline and electricity |
| Model | Prius Prime |
| Body | Hatchback |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 106.3 |
| Length (inches) | 182.9 |
| Height (inches) | 57.9 |
| Width, without mirrors (inches) | 69.3 |
| Cargo capacity (cu.ft) | 19.8 |
| Curb weight (LE/XLE/Limited) in lb. | 3365/3375/3375 |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 |
| Passenger volume (cu.ft.) | 91.5 |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | 8.8 |
| Battery weight(lb.) | 265 |
| Voltage | 351.5V |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Engine Size | 1.8L |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Torque @ RPM | 105 |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Automatic |
| Fuel Tank Capacity(gal.) | 11.4 |
| Turning Circle (feet) | 33.4 |
| Minimum Ground Clearance | 4.8 |
After going through all the specifications, fuel economy, prices and features, we can come to a conclusion that Toyota Prius Prime may not be the best available hybrid vehicle, but it surely can compete with the available hybrids in the market. The fuel economy is better than many competitors while it fails to beat some of them. The price ranges are also reasonable to make the vehicle one of the most preferred hybrid vehicles available in the market.
This review on Toyota Prius Prime mpg, gas mileage or fuel economy along with specifications and rivals was submitted by Nikita D. on June 2021.