The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime emerges as a versatile and dynamic Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), meticulously crafted to complement the demands of modern life. Available in SE, XSE, and XSE Premium trims, this latest iteration of the Prius Prime is engineered to effortlessly manage daily commutes with an impressive manufacturer-estimated all-electric range of up to 44 miles. For journeys extending beyond the city limits, its highly efficient hybrid powertrain seamlessly takes over, offering a manufacturer-estimated 52 MPG combined fuel economy on the SE grade. Coupled with a striking, sporty exterior and a technologically advanced, comfortable interior, the 2024 Prius Prime is unequivocally ready for any road ahead.
Extended Electric Range and Hybrid Efficiency
At the heart of the 2024 Prius Prime lies a 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, empowering the SE grade to achieve a remarkable manufacturer-estimated all-electric range of up to 44 miles. The XSE and XSE Premium grades offer a still-significant manufacturer-estimated all-electric range of 39 miles. When longer distances beckon, the Prius Prime seamlessly transitions to Toyota’s fifth-generation Hybrid System. This sophisticated system integrates a highly efficient 2.0-liter engine with an electric generator and electric motors, ensuring an exceptionally economical driving experience.
Alt text: The sleek side profile of a red 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE, showcasing its aerodynamic design and sporty stance.
The Prius Prime intelligently adapts to driving conditions and driver preferences, offering distinct operational modes. In EV Mode, the vehicle operates solely on battery power, functioning as a pure Battery Electric Vehicle as long as sufficient charge is available. Auto EV/HV Mode prioritizes electric driving but seamlessly engages the hybrid system for additional power when needed, such as during steep inclines or at higher speeds. Hybrid Mode ensures optimal efficiency by automatically switching between the gasoline engine and electric motors, dynamically blending engine power and electric energy from the hybrid battery.
To further enhance efficiency, the Prius Prime incorporates Predictive Efficient Drive with Predictive Deceleration Support. This intelligent system learns driver stopping patterns on frequently traveled routes, providing timely suggestions to optimize deceleration and maximize fuel economy. By analyzing daily driving data, the system prompts the driver to release the accelerator at optimal points, even applying assisted deceleration to conserve energy.
Power and Performance Boost
The 2024 Prius Prime marks a significant leap in performance, delivering substantial horsepower and torque enhancements. With a 150-hp 2.0L engine and a 161-hp electric motor generator, the Prius Prime boasts a combined 220-system-net-horsepower, a noteworthy increase of approximately 100-hp compared to its predecessor. Torque output also sees a 32-percent surge, climbing from 105 to 139 lb.-ft. This potent combination translates to a 35-percent faster 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 6.6 seconds, offering a more engaging and responsive driving experience.
Striking Design and Sporty Appeal
The 2024 Prius Prime commands attention with its captivating and sporty design. Sleeker and more dynamic than previous generations, it is 2-inches shorter, 1-inch wider, and 1-inch longer, achieving a more planted and aggressive stance on the road. The vehicle’s aerodynamic silhouette is accentuated by a distinctive hammerhead hood, a low roofline, and a widened rear. The aggressive aesthetic is further enhanced by machine-finished 19-inch wheels, exclusive to the Prius Prime XSE grades, while 17-inch wheels are standard on the SE grade.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a silver 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE, highlighting its sharp lines, distinctive headlights, and modern design.
Color options for the SE, XSE, and XSE Premium grades include Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Midnight Black Metallic, and Reservoir Blue. Premium paint options, available at an extra cost, include Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red, allowing drivers to personalize their Prius Prime to reflect their style.
Trim Levels, Features, and Pricing
The 2024 Prius Prime is available in three well-equipped sport grades: SE, XSE, and XSE Premium, each offering a progressive array of features and amenities.
The SE grade, starting at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $32,675 (excluding Dealer Processing and Handling), includes dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels with covers, an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, and comfortable black fabric seats with red trim. Standard features also encompass the Smart Key System on the driver door, six USB-C ports, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). Optional features include Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB).
Stepping up to the XSE grade, with an MSRP starting at $35,925 (excluding DPH), adds machine-finished 19-inch alloy wheels and an 8-way adjustable heated power driver’s SofTex®-trimmed seat. The XSE also includes a Smart Key System on front doors and rear liftback, a wireless charger, and standard front and rear parking assist with automatic braking. Available options for the XSE include a 12.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, a fixed glass roof, and Digital Key.
The top-of-the-line XSE Premium grade, starting at $39,370 (excluding DPH), incorporates all the features of the SE and XSE grades and further elevates the experience with a JBL® Premium Audio system with eight speakers, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, a fixed glass roof, SofTex®-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory, a power rear liftback, and Digital Key as standard. Optional enhancements for the XSE Premium include a Panoramic View Monitor, Digital Rearview Mirror, heated rear seats, Advanced Park, and an innovative 185W solar roof capable of charging the drive battery while parked.
Made for Modern Life: Versatility and Convenience
The 2024 Prius Prime is designed to seamlessly integrate into the demands of contemporary lifestyles. As a PHEV, it offers the best of both worlds: the ability to drive on electric power for daily commutes and the flexibility of a hybrid powertrain for longer journeys. Charging is convenient and straightforward, with no specialized equipment required for home charging. Utilizing the supplied cable, the Prius Prime can be plugged into a standard household outlet (Toyota recommends a dedicated GFI 15A outlet). A full recharge is achievable in approximately eleven hours using a standard 120V outlet or around 4 hours with a Level 2 charger under ideal conditions. Even without plugging in, the Prius Prime continues to operate as a highly efficient hybrid vehicle.
The Prius Prime embodies Toyota’s commitment to a “Beyond Zero” future, representing a significant stride in the company’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. By offering a diverse range of electrified vehicles, Toyota empowers customers to make choices that align with their environmental consciousness. The 2024 Prius Prime, with its combination of all-electric capability and highly efficient hybrid operation, is a Super Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (SULEV) that perfectly complements Toyota’s multi-faceted approach to combating carbon emissions.
Advanced Technology and Connectivity
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is equipped with a suite of cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance convenience, connectivity, and the overall driving experience. An 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia screen is standard on SE and XSE grades, with a larger 12.3-inch screen standard on the XSE Premium and optional on the XSE. This system, developed by Toyota’s Connected Technologies team, offers intuitive touch and voice activation controls, along with Over-the-Air (OTA) update capabilities.
Toyota Prius Prime Interior Guardian Gray Dashboard
Alt text: Interior shot of a 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium dashboard in Guardian Gray, showcasing the large touchscreen, digital driver display, and modern cabin design.
Available connected services, such as Drive Connect, provide access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist. Intelligent Assistant responds to natural voice commands, enabling drivers to search for directions, find points of interest, adjust audio settings, and manage cabin temperature. Cloud Navigation leverages real-time cloud data for up-to-date maps and traffic information, while Destination Assist offers 24/7 live agent support for navigation assistance.
The Toyota Audio Multimedia system supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility and dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity. For audiophiles, the Prius Prime XSE Premium offers a JBL® Premium Audio system with eight speakers and Clari-Fi® technology, delivering an immersive and high-fidelity sound experience.
Device charging is readily available with six USB-C ports throughout the cabin. A Wi-Fi Connect trial provides 4G connectivity for up to five devices, transforming the Prius Prime into a mobile hotspot. Integrated Streaming allows users to link their Apple Music® and Amazon Music® subscriptions for seamless onboard control.
Each Prius Prime includes trials for Safety Connect and Service Connect, offering features such as Emergency Assistance, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, vehicle health reports, and maintenance alerts. The Toyota app enables Remote Connect functionalities, including remote start, door lock/unlock, vehicle status checks, and Guest Driver Alerts. Digital Key, standard on XSE Premium and optional on XSE, provides smartphone-based vehicle access and control. A uniquely designed door lock-unlock tone adds a subtle auditory signature to the 2024 Prius Prime.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime prioritizes safety, featuring Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 as standard equipment. This comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies 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, and Proactive Driving Assist.
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), new to TSS 3.0, utilizes the vehicle’s camera and radar to provide gentle braking and/or steering support for tasks such as maintaining distance from other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, and gentle curve braking. Additional standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Safe Exit Assist, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. A Panoramic View Monitor is available on the XSE Premium grade, offering a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Alt text: Close-up of the interior console and seats of a 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium in Guardian Gray, showcasing the premium materials, red accents, and comfortable seating.
Enhanced features, enabled by front corner radar sensors and a driver monitor camera, include Lane Change Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced Park, and Traffic Jam Assist. Lane Change Assist, working in conjunction with Lane Tracing Assist, provides steering support for lane changes when initiated by the driver. Front Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers of approaching vehicles from the side at intersections. Advanced Park provides hands-free assistance with parking maneuvers, while Traffic Jam Assist, available with a Drive Connect subscription, offers hands-free steering, braking, and acceleration in stop-and-go traffic at speeds under 25 mph on limited-access roadways.
Engineering and Platform
Built upon the second-generation TNGA-C platform, the 2024 Prius Prime benefits from a lower center of gravity, reduced weight, and enhanced rigidity compared to its predecessor. The optimized placement of the traction battery under the rear seat contributes to a low center of gravity and increased luggage capacity. The TNGA-C platform enhances handling responsiveness, steering feel, and ride quality. Extensive use of hot-stamped and high-tensile steels, along with aluminum components, contributes to a lightweight yet strong body structure. Aerodynamic efficiency is paramount, with the Prius Prime achieving a 0.27 Coefficient of Drag (Cd). Front grille shutters and aero-stabilizing underbody panels further minimize drag and road noise. Larger wheels, available on XSE and XSE Premium grades, coupled with enhanced braking systems, contribute to the Prius Prime’s sporty performance and handling dynamics.
Conclusion
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime stands as a compelling testament to Toyota’s innovation and commitment to sustainable mobility. With its extended electric range, impressive fuel efficiency, enhanced performance, striking design, and advanced technology features, the Prius Prime redefines the plug-in hybrid experience. Positioned at the forefront of Toyota’s “Beyond Zero” vision, the 2024 Prius Prime is not just a vehicle; it’s a forward-thinking solution for drivers seeking efficiency, performance, and a reduced carbon footprint, making it ideally suited for the demands of today and the journeys of tomorrow.
