An icon in the automotive industry, the Toyota Prius set the bar high in terms of hybrid technology. Innovative new technology has made the Toyota Prius even more impressive with a recent upgrade that provides an athletic platform, ultra-efficient performance and a smorgasbord of next-generation features that impact safety, comfort and entertainment. After the debut of the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime Plug-In Hybrid, the Toyota Prius nameplate has taken a leap into the future. Take a closer look at key differences between the two editions in this 2017 Toyota Prius Prime vs 2017 Toyota Prius comparison.
Toyota-brand hybrid technology is on display when you explore the Toyota Prius Prime. A sleek, plug-in hybrid hatchback design, the Toyota Prius Prime makes room for four passengers in a 2+2 configuration that is available in three grades - Prime Plus, Premium and Advanced. Complete with a next-generation hybrid powertrain, the Toyota plug-in hybrid allows drivers to maximize fuel economy with rechargeable electric power. The 2017 Toyota Prius employs a similar hatchback design that makes room for five passengers in six trim levels - Prius Two, Two Eco, Three, Three Touring, Four and Four Touring. Standard Toyota Prius designs deliver an ultra-efficient performance without plug-in hybrid capabilities.
2017 Toyota Prius Prime | VS | 2017 Toyota Prius |
$27,100 | Base MSRP | $24,685 |
1.8-Liter 4-Cylinder Plug-In Hybrid Synergy Drive | Powertrain | 1.8-Liter 4-Cylinder Hybrid Synergy Drive |
55 MPG City/53 MPG Hwy/133 MPGe | Fuel Economy | 54 MPG City/50 MPG Hwy |
Standard | Toyota Safety Sense | Standard |
Price and affordability are key elements of any car-buying decision and factor into this 2017 Toyota Prius Prime vs 2017 Toyota Prius debate. Next-generation Toyota Prius Prime editions start at just $27,100 and come standard with a Toyota Entune interface, heated front seats, a smart-flow climate control system, Toyota Smart Key, Bluetooth connectivity and push button start. Base Toyota Prius models start at an affordable $24,685 and come standard with Toyota Entune, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth technology, Siri Eyes Free, smart-flow climate control and more. Whether you choose the Prius Prime or Prius, you can rest assured it will not break the bank at the dealership or at the gas station.
Toyota Prius Prime models play host to a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine that pairs with dual electric motors that are controlled via a continuously variable transmission and make 121 horsepower. With a larger 8.8 kWh battery pack and the ability to recharge, the Toyota Prius Prime can keep going and going to the tune of 133 MPGe and a driving range of 640 miles. When electric power runs out, recharge using a 240-volt power source in just two hours. An incredible electric driving range of 25 miles at 84 mph in EV Mode is another highlight of the Toyota Prius Prime.
Ultra-efficient performance is a hallmark of the 2017 Toyota Prius that carries on a long tradition of automotive excellence. Toyota Prius editions employ a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine paired with dual electric motors without the plug-in capability of the Toyota Prius Prime. With a continuously variable transmission and shift-by-wire technology, stock Toyota Prius grades will achieve 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway with 121 horsepower. An upgrade to the Toyota Prius Two Eco maximizes aerodynamics and employs lightweight components to improve fuel economy to 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway - the most efficient of any vehicle without a plug.
If safety is at the top of your wish list, both the Prius Prime and Prius will deliver on all counts. Each edition and every trim level comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense collision-prevention technology. Armed with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams, the Toyota Prius model lineup is among the safest on the road.