The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is making waves in the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) market, and for good reason. This versatile vehicle is engineered for modern life, offering an impressive all-electric range for daily commutes and a highly efficient hybrid powertrain for longer journeys. Available in SE, XSE, and XSE Premium trims, the Prius Prime combines sporty design, advanced technology, and Toyota’s renowned hybrid expertise to deliver a compelling driving experience.
Extended Electric Range and Hybrid Efficiency
One of the standout features of the 2024 Prius Prime is its significantly enhanced electric range. Equipped with a 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, the SE trim boasts an EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 44 miles, a remarkable 76% increase compared to the previous generation. The XSE and XSE Premium trims offer a still impressive manufacturer-estimated all-electric range of 39 miles. This substantial electric range means many drivers can complete their daily commutes solely on electric power, reducing their reliance on gasoline and lowering their carbon footprint.
For longer trips, the Prius Prime seamlessly transitions to its fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System. This advanced system intelligently integrates a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine with an electric generator and electric motors to maximize efficiency. In hybrid mode, the Prius Prime SE achieves an EPA-estimated 52 MPG combined, ensuring exceptional fuel economy even when the electric range is depleted. This combination of extended electric range and hybrid efficiency makes the 2024 Prius Prime a truly versatile and economical vehicle.
Enhanced Power and Performance
Beyond efficiency, the 2024 Prius Prime delivers a significant boost in power and performance. The hybrid system produces a combined 220 system net horsepower, a substantial increase of approximately 100 horsepower over the prior generation. This power comes from a 150-hp 2.0L engine working in tandem with a 161-hp electric motor generator. Furthermore, torque has been increased by 32% from the third-generation model, rising to 139 lb.-ft.
This enhanced powertrain translates to a noticeably quicker and more engaging driving experience. The 2024 Prius Prime achieves a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 6.6 seconds, a remarkable 35% improvement compared to the previous generation’s 10.2 seconds. Whether you’re accelerating onto the highway or navigating city streets, the Prius Prime offers responsive and confident performance.
Striking Design and Sporty Appeal
The 2024 Prius Prime breaks away from traditional hybrid aesthetics with a sleek and sporty new design. The vehicle is now 2 inches shorter, 1 inch wider, and 1 inch longer than its predecessor, resulting in a more dynamic and planted stance. Key design elements contributing to its aerodynamic and eye-catching appearance include a hammerhead hood, a low roofline, and a wide rear.
The aggressive styling is further emphasized by wheel options, including machine-finished 19-inch alloy wheels unique to the XSE trims and standard 17-inch wheels on the SE trim. Available exterior colors range from Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Midnight Black Metallic, and Reservoir Blue to premium paint options like Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red, allowing drivers to personalize their Prius Prime to reflect their style.
Trims, Features, and Pricing
The 2024 Prius Prime is offered in three well-equipped trims: SE, XSE, and XSE Premium, each catering to different needs and preferences. The starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), excluding Dealer Processing and Handling, is $32,675 for the SE grade, $35,925 for the XSE grade, and $39,370 for the XSE Premium grade. Models began arriving in limited quantities at Toyota dealerships in Fall 2023.
Key Features Across Trims:
- SE: 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, fabric seats, Smart Key System on driver door, six USB-C ports, leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Traffic Jam Assist.
- XSE: Adds 19-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power-adjustable heated driver’s seat with SofTex trim, Smart Key System on front doors and rear liftback, wireless charger, front and rear parking assist with automatic braking (PA w/AB). Optional 12.3-inch touchscreen, fixed glass roof, and Digital Key.
- XSE Premium: Builds on XSE with JBL Premium Audio system with eight speakers, 12.3-inch touchscreen display, fixed glass roof, SofTex-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory, power rear liftback, and Digital Key standard. Optional Panoramic View Monitor, Digital Rearview Mirror, heated rear seats, Advanced Park, and solar roof.
2024 Prius Prime Interior XSE Premium Guardian Gray dashboard and infotainment system
Advanced Technology and Connectivity
The 2024 Prius Prime is packed with cutting-edge technology to enhance convenience, entertainment, and safety. Standard across all trims is Toyota Audio Multimedia, offering intuitive touch and voice control. Available connected services include Drive Connect with Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist, ensuring seamless navigation and access to information.
The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, and numerous USB-C ports for device charging. An optional JBL Premium Audio system delivers an immersive sound experience. Furthermore, the Prius Prime offers a Wi-Fi Connect trial, turning the vehicle into a Wi-Fi hotspot, and integrated streaming capabilities for Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and Enhanced Safety Features
Safety is a top priority in the 2024 Prius Prime, which comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0, a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies. This includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Proactive Driving Assist
In addition to TSS 3.0, the Prius Prime features standard Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and available Safe Exit Assist and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. Select trims also offer enhanced features like Lane Change Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced Park, and Traffic Jam Assist, further enhancing safety and convenience.
Prime Engineering and Driving Dynamics
Built on Toyota’s second-generation TNGA-C platform, the 2024 Prius Prime benefits from a lower center of gravity, reduced weight, and increased rigidity. This platform contributes to enhanced handling responsiveness, steering feel, and ride quality. The strategic placement of the battery under the rear seat further optimizes the center of gravity and maximizes luggage capacity.
Aerodynamic efficiency is also a key focus, with the Prius Prime achieving a 0.27 Coefficient of Drag (Cd). Features like front grille shutters and aero-stabilizing underbody panels contribute to reduced drag and road noise. Larger wheels and enhanced braking systems on higher trims further enhance the driving experience, providing confident handling and stopping power.
Commitment to a Carbon-Neutral Future
The 2024 Prius Prime represents Toyota’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and moving towards a “Beyond Zero” vision. As a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), the Prius Prime exemplifies Toyota’s diverse approach to electrification, offering customers a practical and efficient pathway to a more sustainable future. With its blend of all-electric driving capability and highly efficient hybrid technology, the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is not just a car; it’s a step towards a cleaner and more efficient automotive future.
