The Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid is taking a breather for 2024 with no changes, after a total redesign for 2023 gave it fantastic new styling, heaps more horsepower, and a double-digit increase in its electric-only driving range.
The 2024 Prime lineup has been condensed to three trim levels: the most affordable SE ($34,070), middle-grade XSE ($37,320), and top-of-the-line XSE Premium ($40,765). A $1,095 destination charge is included in these prices.
Toyota’s Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, introduced worldwide 24 years ago. From the outset, opinions about its exterior styling have been, shall we say, mixed. The new version should put any criticism to rest.
All three models have the same 150-hp gasoline engine teamed with two electric motors for a combined rating of 220 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is unavailable, at least for now. The previous Prime had only 121 horsepower, so the extra 99 imaginary horses really spring the car into life, serving up some actual sportiness to complement the excellent fuel efficiency.
Toyota’s estimated driving range in electric-only (EV) mode is 44 miles for the SE model, and 39 miles for XSE and XSE Premium models. EPA estimated fuel economy ratings for the SE are 53 mpg city, 51 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined. Numbers for the XSE and XSE Premium are 50/47/48 mpg.
The downward slant of the roof, which contributes mightily to the Prime’s exterior loveliness, is also responsible for a little less headroom for backseat passengers, and making their entry and exit a little less carefree.
Prime’s cargo capacity is good for its class: 20.3 cubic feet with rear seats upright, and 26.7 cubic feet when folded.
A multi-information LCD display is mounted on the dash directly behind the steering wheel, where visibility is compromised. The display is a busy sight, providing so much information it can be difficult to assimilate on the fly. Driver assistance warnings are seriously overdone, but maybe it’s just me because I resent bossiness, especially coming from an inanimate object.
When I saw “Sit up” appear on the screen from out of the blue, it seemed mystical. I’ve been trying to pay better attention to my posture in general lately, but was kind of slumping at that moment. Turned out it was driver assist not detecting a full face camera image, and issuing a warning against possible inattention.
But it got me thinking. Wouldn’t positive driver assistance be great? Little messages like “Take a deep breath,” “relax,” “you’re overthinking again” and so on?
2024 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME SE
Base price, including destination charge: $34,070
Price as driven: $34,734
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
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