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2017 Toyota Prius Prime Road Test and Review

Miles Branman
by Miles Branman
September 28, 2016
5 min. Reading Time
2017 Toyota Prius Prime exterior front hero ・  Photo by Toyota

2017 Toyota Prius Prime exterior front hero ・ Photo by Toyota

As the automotive world has rapidly shifted from a fascination with hybrids to pure electric vehicles (EVs), Toyota has been forced to spruce up its Prius lineup to stay top-of-mind. With its standard Prius liftback, the Japanese automaker settled on a bold (though unflattering) design language and improved fuel economy.

Predictably, eco-friendly shoppers who fear a conversion to the all-electric lifestyle have latched onto the new model, despite its quirks. But Toyota can only rely on range anxiety for so long—affordable, pure EVs are on the way with a new generation of battery technology to alleviate consumer concerns.

Enter the plug-in hybrid (PHEV), now dubbed the Prius “Prime.” Bettering the standard Prius is the Prime’s exterior styling, interior features, packaging. The 2017 Prius Prime may be Toyota’s final stopgap before an all-electric replacement, but it’s also the most sophisticated hybrid of the moment.

Plug-in Powertrain

Toyota has upgraded the plug-in powertrain to a dual-motor setup that improves performance and efficiency. Don’t let that confuse you—the Prime doesn’t actually use two motors, it uses two sources of motivation. A one-way clutch engages both the generator and electric drive motor to boost acceleration. The same Hybrid Synergy drivetrain found in the Prius liftback makes an appearance in the Prime, but the PHEV uses a larger 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged with either a standard 120V outlet or 240V source (most commonly found at charging stations). Toyota also throws in a $100 credit for Prime buyers at ChargePoint stations across the US.

 Photo by Toyota

Photo by Toyota

Prius Liftback v. Prius Prime

Both the Prius liftback and Prius Prime use an updated 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine with 40 percent thermal efficiency and a combined hybrid output of 121 horsepower. Though the Prime uses dual-motor power, both Prius versions get to 60 mph in a lethargic 10.5 seconds. The times are the same because the Prime weighs an extra 300 lb. The Prime’s 4.2-inch-longer body leads to a marginally less aerodynamic coefficient of drag: 0.25 (compared to 0.24 for the liftback). Fuel economy numbers for the Prime are also just a bit off off, at  55 MPG city/53 MPG hwy/54 MPG combined versus the Prius Eco’s 58/53/56. Inside, the Prime’s larger battery necessitates a 4-seat cockpit, whereas the Prius liftback seats 5. While this is all starting to sound a little one-sided against the Prime, keep in mind its all-electric driving range and styling updates argue the plug-in’s case.

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Prius Prime v. 2012 Prius PHEV

The first generation Prius PHEV managed an all-electric drive range of 11 miles, and while that might have impressed buyers in 2012, times have changed. The 2017 Prime more than doubles its EV range to 25 miles and trounces its predecessor’s MPGe rating. Though EPA estimates have not yet been confirmed, the Prime is expected to achieve 124 MPGe (29 electric-equivalent mpg more than the 2012 Prius PHEV).

Just as impressive, the Prime’s estimated range is 100 miles more than the 2012 model, at 640 on a single charge and tank of fuel. Due to the Prime’s double-sized lithium-ion battery (as compared to its predecessor), charge times have increased. Via 120V power, the Prime will need 5.5 hours to fully charge or 2 hours and 10 minutes when hooked up to a 240V source. Toyota does not currently offer the Prius Prime with DC10 (level 3) charging adaptation, which would slash the car’s hookup time.

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Exterior Design

You won’t need a spec sheet to tell the differences between the standard Prius and the Prime plug-in, unlike with the previous-generation pair. In what appears to be an attempt to correct the strangely styled nose of the new Prius, the Prime variant wears a more conservative front and rear fascia. Toyota Mirai-esque quad projector beam headlights are standard on all Prime models, as is a new acrylic grille, 5-spoke alloy wheels, and “double-wave” rear glass with a connected LED taillight bar. The combination of styling tweaks makes the Prime much easier on the eyes than the liftback, but its awkward length and profile aren’t exactly handsome. Bland though it was, Toyota’s previous generation Prius was a considerably more refined design.

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Interior Design

While its exterior styling may not be fully resolved, updates to the cabin give the Prime a more premium look and feel. Base-trim Prime Plus models use fabric seating surfaces, but Premium and Advanced trims feature SofTex (leather-like) materials throughout the interior. Despite the massive dashboard, outward vision is excellent thanks to large windows and thin pillars. The tall greenhouse is also responsible for a generous cabin volume; four large adults can enjoy ample head and legroom. The ergonomic seats are plenty comfortable, and all other surfaces are textured or made from soft-touch materials. Cargo capacity is a respectable 19.8 cubic feet, but interior storage is minimal. Even the rear center cubby that replaces the middle seat is fairly shallow.

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Driving Dynamics

As in the standard Prius, the Prime’s chassis is 60 percent stiffer than that of the previous Prius, helping to improve on-road manners. The switch to a double-wishbone rear suspension also aids handling and ride quality. Unlike performance cars, the Prius Prime’s drive modes won’t adjust the suspension or steering feel, but Normal, Eco, and Power modes tune powertrain enthusiasm. Beyond the standard modes, the Prime adds EV auto and hybrid modes. EV auto prioritizes electric power in less demanding driving situations and incorporates the gas engine when needed. Hybrid mode relies more on the gas engine with electric assistance. Steering feel and power are predictably lackluster, but buyers shouldn’t expect anything more from a Prius. Surprisingly, however, the chassis dynamics are more than adequate for typical low-speed maneuvers and should give drivers confidence in emergency situations.

 Photo by Toyota

Photo by Toyota

Convenience Features

Dominating the Prime’s interior is an available 11.6-inch tablet-style screen with touchscreen functionality, much like a smartphone. Technology enthusiasts should hedge their expectations though—the display quality is adequate at best. On the bright side, usability is dead simple. Driver or passenger can pinch and zoom to enhance the map and large icons bring up efficiency data, audio settings, climate control, and Toyota Apps. Above the tablet sits a 4.2-inch color display to switch between eco data and energy monitoring specs. Pushbutton ignition is standard, along with two 12V ports, one USB/charging connection, Bluetooth audio, backup camera, and heated seats. Higher trim levels add features like wireless phone charging, a JBL 10-speaker audio system, and a remote climate control function to warm or cool the cabin a few minutes prior to departure.

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Safety Technology

Toyota Safety Sense technologies are a headline feature of the 2017 Prius Prime. All trim levels come standard with pedestrian detection, automatic braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. This suite of safety goodies will soon be standard equipment on all Toyota models. Buyers looking for more features will need to step up to the Advanced grade to get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Though these technologies aren't new innovations in 2016, Toyota deserves kudos for bundling the most-used functions as standard equipment.

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Packages and Pricing

As we’ve outlined, the 2017 Prius Prime will be offered in three trim levels: Plus, Premium, and Advanced. Without getting too in-depth with packaging, highlights on the Plus include Toyota Safety Sense, automatic climate control, a backup camera, Bluetooth, SofTex-wrapped steering wheel, Entune audio with navigation and apps, pushbutton ignition, and a smart key system. The Plus will be priced at $27,100. Premium models add SofTex heated front seats, an 8-way adjustable power driver’s seat, and Qi wireless charging for a $28,800 sticker price. Topping the Prime range is the Advanced trim, bundling a color head-up display, remote A/C system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and intelligent parking assist. A fully loaded Prime will set you back $33,100. All prices exclude a $865 destination fee. Keep in mind, federal tax incentives cut $4500 from the Prime’s price tag, in addition to up to $3000 in state tax breaks. With maximum allowances, a new Prius Prime could cost as little as $21K.

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Competition

The most direct rival to Toyota’s plug-in hybrid is Chevrolet’s Volt, and here the Prius Prime faces stiff competition. Working in the Volt’s favor is its 53-mile all-electric range, fun-to-drive characteristics, and attractive design, but the Prius counters with better fuel economy figures, a lower price tag, and faster charge times.

While Volt and Prius buyers may appear the same on paper, not all hybrid shoppers are created equal. The Toyota Prius is simple, reliable, affordable, and efficient, which makes sense for those with heavy commutes and a general lack of interest in what they drive. Volt buyers, by contrast, don’t mind paying more for a handsome design and more enthusiastic driving experience. More a threat to the Prime’s success is improved battery technology, and therefore the maximum range of pure EVs. With the pace of engineering, it’s reasonable to expect a $20K EV with 300 miles of range on the market in two or three years. At that time, Toyota will need to shift strategies.

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