The 2024 Prius Prime Is Exactly The Kind Of Crazy Prius Toyota Needed. 10 Years Ago.
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Date: 2024-03-05
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Comments and reviews: 19
firefalcoln
I could see myself in one of these a few years down the line when they're a bit older and cheaper. I bought a 2nd generation Volt about a year ago and have really enjoy it. A PHEV makes a lot of sense if you're able to charge your vehicle for free or cheap at work and have a manageable commute distance. This prius seems like an awfully similar car except for what Alex said about the new Prius prime not sacrificing efficiency for the extra range. The volt gets about 38 mpg in hybrid mode. This prius gets about 48. This prius also will use gas in default mode if you push the car to go super fast. The volt will only use gas if the battery is low or if you put it in hold mode. However, the volt's 0-60 time in pure electric is a bit faster than this prius (7. 8 seconds) versus over 10 seconds for the prime. So it's not as necessary for the volt to need to switch in order to accelerate at a respectable speed. In fact the volt is only 0. 3 seconds faster 0-60 in hybrid mode versus pure electric. So this prius is much faster when tapping into gasoline. But the electric only power lags behind a bit. Both cars have limited back seat space. The volt has nicer let bolstering for the rear corner seats in the car. But the back center seat in the volt is really only for tiny kids or child seats. the 10'-15' volts don't even have a 5th seat.
Overall if you think this car seems great, but you don't want to pay the cost of purchasing a 0-3 year old vehicle, give a used chevy volt a look.
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I could see myself in one of these a few years down the line when they're a bit older and cheaper. I bought a 2nd generation Volt about a year ago and have really enjoy it. A PHEV makes a lot of sense if you're able to charge your vehicle for free or cheap at work and have a manageable commute distance. This prius seems like an awfully similar car except for what Alex said about the new Prius prime not sacrificing efficiency for the extra range. The volt gets about 38 mpg in hybrid mode. This prius gets about 48. This prius also will use gas in default mode if you push the car to go super fast. The volt will only use gas if the battery is low or if you put it in hold mode. However, the volt's 0-60 time in pure electric is a bit faster than this prius (7. 8 seconds) versus over 10 seconds for the prime. So it's not as necessary for the volt to need to switch in order to accelerate at a respectable speed. In fact the volt is only 0. 3 seconds faster 0-60 in hybrid mode versus pure electric. So this prius is much faster when tapping into gasoline. But the electric only power lags behind a bit. Both cars have limited back seat space. The volt has nicer let bolstering for the rear corner seats in the car. But the back center seat in the volt is really only for tiny kids or child seats. the 10'-15' volts don't even have a 5th seat.
Overall if you think this car seems great, but you don't want to pay the cost of purchasing a 0-3 year old vehicle, give a used chevy volt a look.
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alwaysiyi272
I think Toyota took the Prius in the right direction, making it more desirable, sporty and most importantly good-looking, and while that does sacrifice some space, Toyota doesn't need the Prius to be the do-it-all hybrid anymore, when the Prius first came out, it was the only hybrid in their lineup until the Camry hybrid came out in 06, followed by the highlander hybrid, but today, toyota makes a hybrid version of all their vehicles, do you want more space and a more mainstream looking car both inside and out, there is the Corolla hybrid which still gets amazing mpg, want even more space, the Corolla Cross hybrid exists, you can then move up to the Camry, Crown, RAV4, Highlander, Grand Highlander etc. They basically have a hybrid vehicle in each segment to cover everyone's needs so I think they could definitely afford to make the Prius less practical and more desirable which seems to be working because I know people who wouldn't have ever considered a Prius actually going out to buy one cos it looks good, and isn't hilariously slow anymore.
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I think Toyota took the Prius in the right direction, making it more desirable, sporty and most importantly good-looking, and while that does sacrifice some space, Toyota doesn't need the Prius to be the do-it-all hybrid anymore, when the Prius first came out, it was the only hybrid in their lineup until the Camry hybrid came out in 06, followed by the highlander hybrid, but today, toyota makes a hybrid version of all their vehicles, do you want more space and a more mainstream looking car both inside and out, there is the Corolla hybrid which still gets amazing mpg, want even more space, the Corolla Cross hybrid exists, you can then move up to the Camry, Crown, RAV4, Highlander, Grand Highlander etc. They basically have a hybrid vehicle in each segment to cover everyone's needs so I think they could definitely afford to make the Prius less practical and more desirable which seems to be working because I know people who wouldn't have ever considered a Prius actually going out to buy one cos it looks good, and isn't hilariously slow anymore.
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chrisstoddard1144
We owned a 2011 Prius for 8 1/2 years. The things it did best were:
- Fuel economy (obviously)
- Interior space--mid-size space in a compact size car
- Excellent reliability
- It was also kind of pretty, in a goofy way. The styling of the new Prime doesn't really work for me.
Detractions included the following:
- Sluggish acceleration (with much engine drama when pushed)
- Numb steering with bad understeer--a TRD rear sway bar helped enormously
- Wind noise and road noise, which were fatiguing at speed on trips
- Harsh ride with cracking and snapping noises from all the interior hard plastic pieces
We currently own a Honda Clarity PHEV for road trips and a Nissan LEAF for around town.
I don't think I'd be willing to move into this new Prius Prime with everything so cramped, with the hideous wheel and instrument panel and the noise level.
When the time comes, we'll probably replace the LEAF with a Hyundai Kona EV.
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We owned a 2011 Prius for 8 1/2 years. The things it did best were:
- Fuel economy (obviously)
- Interior space--mid-size space in a compact size car
- Excellent reliability
- It was also kind of pretty, in a goofy way. The styling of the new Prime doesn't really work for me.
Detractions included the following:
- Sluggish acceleration (with much engine drama when pushed)
- Numb steering with bad understeer--a TRD rear sway bar helped enormously
- Wind noise and road noise, which were fatiguing at speed on trips
- Harsh ride with cracking and snapping noises from all the interior hard plastic pieces
We currently own a Honda Clarity PHEV for road trips and a Nissan LEAF for around town.
I don't think I'd be willing to move into this new Prius Prime with everything so cramped, with the hideous wheel and instrument panel and the noise level.
When the time comes, we'll probably replace the LEAF with a Hyundai Kona EV.
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mattv5281
I have a 4th gen Prius Prime, and with the Hybrid Assistant app I can see the peak power in EV mode is around 69kW or 92hp. I think it's rated for 12 second 0-60 in EV mode. So the 5th gen should be more powerful than that. I drive in EV mode 80% of the time, and the acceleration is more than adequate for everything except passing at highway speed. 0-30 is quicker than most gas cars (except performance cars, and the instant response makes up somewhat for the lower power.
Unfortunately the smaller interior size of the new one is a deal breaker for me. I might have to keep my 4th gen forever.
A fun feature: the front seat of the 4th gen (at least with manual seats) can fold flat, allowing me to carry 10 foot long lumber. I think it's almost 11 feet from the front of the passenger door well to the back of the cargo area.
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I have a 4th gen Prius Prime, and with the Hybrid Assistant app I can see the peak power in EV mode is around 69kW or 92hp. I think it's rated for 12 second 0-60 in EV mode. So the 5th gen should be more powerful than that. I drive in EV mode 80% of the time, and the acceleration is more than adequate for everything except passing at highway speed. 0-30 is quicker than most gas cars (except performance cars, and the instant response makes up somewhat for the lower power.
Unfortunately the smaller interior size of the new one is a deal breaker for me. I might have to keep my 4th gen forever.
A fun feature: the front seat of the 4th gen (at least with manual seats) can fold flat, allowing me to carry 10 foot long lumber. I think it's almost 11 feet from the front of the passenger door well to the back of the cargo area.
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joec1774
Great video overall, and thanks for braving that awful weather.
IMO, two counterpoints:
-tire width continues to be a curious focus of Alex's, as I think he was a tad hard on handling. It's cool to be compared to a Civic Si or Integra, but that's not actually the comp set.
-this vehicle is not not too late, I might suggest it's right on time. Vehicle is selling at MSRP, as many as they are willing to make, and racking up the awards from multiple publications. Toyota is soon to ride the increasing wave of folks who are realizing EVs aren't quite mainstream/primetime appropriate for them just yet, but PHEVs are a great bridge. And the demand for RAV4 Prime and this are helping prove that out.
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Great video overall, and thanks for braving that awful weather.
IMO, two counterpoints:
-tire width continues to be a curious focus of Alex's, as I think he was a tad hard on handling. It's cool to be compared to a Civic Si or Integra, but that's not actually the comp set.
-this vehicle is not not too late, I might suggest it's right on time. Vehicle is selling at MSRP, as many as they are willing to make, and racking up the awards from multiple publications. Toyota is soon to ride the increasing wave of folks who are realizing EVs aren't quite mainstream/primetime appropriate for them just yet, but PHEVs are a great bridge. And the demand for RAV4 Prime and this are helping prove that out.
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Snake-ms7sj
Maybe it's just me but 52 mpg is not that impressive for a hybrid today. The 2000 Honda insight, a 2 seat hybrid, was EPA rated at 61 m. p. g. city/70 m. p. g. highway. In reality few people got anywhere near that in normal driving, but over 50 mpg was easily achieved. The electric engine and gas engine always worked together. One or the other didn't shut off. Yes it was only a 2 seater. Yes it was lightweight (around 1900 lbs. But my whole point is that with much better hybrid technology after 20 years you would think it would be easy to make a hybrid these days that can get at least 60 mpg.
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Maybe it's just me but 52 mpg is not that impressive for a hybrid today. The 2000 Honda insight, a 2 seat hybrid, was EPA rated at 61 m. p. g. city/70 m. p. g. highway. In reality few people got anywhere near that in normal driving, but over 50 mpg was easily achieved. The electric engine and gas engine always worked together. One or the other didn't shut off. Yes it was only a 2 seater. Yes it was lightweight (around 1900 lbs. But my whole point is that with much better hybrid technology after 20 years you would think it would be easy to make a hybrid these days that can get at least 60 mpg.
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kevint4950
My 2006 Prius needed a new high voltage battery at 18 years/180, 000 miles which cost about $4000. With a plug-in hybride, do you think the battery will ever need changing within the life of the car if I am willing to accept a low or zero electric range after, say 180, 000 miles I expect to drive a Prius to about 250, 000 miles
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My 2006 Prius needed a new high voltage battery at 18 years/180, 000 miles which cost about $4000. With a plug-in hybride, do you think the battery will ever need changing within the life of the car if I am willing to accept a low or zero electric range after, say 180, 000 miles I expect to drive a Prius to about 250, 000 miles
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skycaptain3344
I would get a Ford Escape PHEV over the prime. Better seats for a taller person, more upright sitting for passengers, and farrrr more cargo room. I just traded mine in for a Mach E, but I enjoyed driving it. My main annoyance with it was the noisy cabin, but it wasn’t much different than the Prius Prime in that regard.
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I would get a Ford Escape PHEV over the prime. Better seats for a taller person, more upright sitting for passengers, and farrrr more cargo room. I just traded mine in for a Mach E, but I enjoyed driving it. My main annoyance with it was the noisy cabin, but it wasn’t much different than the Prius Prime in that regard.
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palakaman
More than likely the Prius Prime will be my next car. It makes the most sense coming from a 2013 Volt. My biggest issue with the volt was the rear leg room which the Prius addresses. I did sit in one a few months back. The drivers seat was a very unique feeling which would take some getting used to.
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More than likely the Prius Prime will be my next car. It makes the most sense coming from a 2013 Volt. My biggest issue with the volt was the rear leg room which the Prius addresses. I did sit in one a few months back. The drivers seat was a very unique feeling which would take some getting used to.
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Luma_29
Pretty funny if you think about the fact that the Camry, Crown, and Prius all got very similar exterior design changes for this generation and all three are now all-hybrid. Never would I have thought that the Camry and Avalon replacement would get the Prius treatment and it actually working
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Pretty funny if you think about the fact that the Camry, Crown, and Prius all got very similar exterior design changes for this generation and all three are now all-hybrid. Never would I have thought that the Camry and Avalon replacement would get the Prius treatment and it actually working
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anthonyc8499
Toyota kept the weird science project look for way too long for the Prius. Instead of capitalizing on the advantages of the extra power AND efficiency that hybrid technology offered, they went the boring nerd route. That’s why sales fell off a cliff when Model 3 hit the market.
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Toyota kept the weird science project look for way too long for the Prius. Instead of capitalizing on the advantages of the extra power AND efficiency that hybrid technology offered, they went the boring nerd route. That’s why sales fell off a cliff when Model 3 hit the market.
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nikodelvalle
This thing is so gaudy, and the upgrade to the appearance is not at all worth the concessions that were made to achieve it. I'm a Prius driver because these cars are practical. Having a car look nice is cool, but I'd rather have more cargo capacity and rear seat room.
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This thing is so gaudy, and the upgrade to the appearance is not at all worth the concessions that were made to achieve it. I'm a Prius driver because these cars are practical. Having a car look nice is cool, but I'd rather have more cargo capacity and rear seat room.
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alex_on_autos
The instrument cluster was way better for me than the last two. I can actually see it in my peripheral. Especially last gen, I had to lower the seat all the way just to look to the right without extending my neck too much, and testing this one was a vast improvement
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The instrument cluster was way better for me than the last two. I can actually see it in my peripheral. Especially last gen, I had to lower the seat all the way just to look to the right without extending my neck too much, and testing this one was a vast improvement
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appleforever6664
I bought my daughter the 2024 Prius Limited Guardian Gray and just got the windows tinted! It looks beautiful! The new Prius looks like it’s in the wrong decade. More like a 2034 type of car with its modern design and safety features!
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I bought my daughter the 2024 Prius Limited Guardian Gray and just got the windows tinted! It looks beautiful! The new Prius looks like it’s in the wrong decade. More like a 2034 type of car with its modern design and safety features!
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dannee16888
Giving that the solar roof option is added $650 dollars, if you get 47 mpg and about $3/gal, you would need to drive 10, 184 miles from solar to break even. I can still see it as a good option if you park your car in the driveway.
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Giving that the solar roof option is added $650 dollars, if you get 47 mpg and about $3/gal, you would need to drive 10, 184 miles from solar to break even. I can still see it as a good option if you park your car in the driveway.
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andrewyt-gv8iv
Unfortunately, Toyota made about half a dozen models with the solar roof. I looked very hard a couple of months ago and it was completely unobtainium in California. I’m convinced it’s a marketing stunt for press only.
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Unfortunately, Toyota made about half a dozen models with the solar roof. I looked very hard a couple of months ago and it was completely unobtainium in California. I’m convinced it’s a marketing stunt for press only.
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codedGiraffe
The gen 2 Volt is still quite comparable with the range and wider tires. GM could've improved the efficiency a little and actually marketed the thing better instead of killing it right before what would have been its prime
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The gen 2 Volt is still quite comparable with the range and wider tires. GM could've improved the efficiency a little and actually marketed the thing better instead of killing it right before what would have been its prime
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alex_on_autos
0: 05 5th-gen Prius is a supercar, and that is what it should be called. Compare it to a Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. The Atlantic has slightly higher top speed (claimed, but the 5th-gen Prius spanks it in every other way.
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0: 05 5th-gen Prius is a supercar, and that is what it should be called. Compare it to a Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. The Atlantic has slightly higher top speed (claimed, but the 5th-gen Prius spanks it in every other way.
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landshass2849
I went with a Camry Hybrid because the new Prius wheels are secured with bolts like European cars, Not lug nuts like any other Toyota. It's going to be as difficult as a BMW to rotate the tires.
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I went with a Camry Hybrid because the new Prius wheels are secured with bolts like European cars, Not lug nuts like any other Toyota. It's going to be as difficult as a BMW to rotate the tires.
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