The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is redefining what it means to drive a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). Engineered for today’s dynamic lifestyles, the Prius Prime, available in SE, XSE, and XSE Premium trims, offers an impressive manufacturer-estimated all-electric range of up to 44 miles. This capability is designed to cover most daily commutes solely on electric power. For those journeys that extend beyond the city limits, its highly efficient hybrid powertrain seamlessly takes over, boasting a manufacturer-estimated 52 MPG combined fuel economy on the SE model. Coupled with a striking, sporty exterior and a cabin brimming with technology and comfort, the Prius Prime is perfectly poised for any adventure the road may offer.
Harnessing a 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, the Prius Prime SE achieves a remarkable manufacturer-estimated 44 miles of all-electric range, making it a leader in its class. The XSE and XSE Premium models offer a still-impressive manufacturer-estimated all-electric range of 39 miles. For extended trips, the Prius Prime leverages Toyota’s cutting-edge 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 efficient driving experience whether you’re running errands or embarking on a longer haul.
Power and performance are at the heart of the 2024 Prius Prime. Featuring a 150-horsepower 2.0L engine and a robust 161-horsepower electric motor generator, the Prius Prime delivers a combined 220-system-net-horsepower. This marks a significant power increase of approximately 100-hp over the previous generation, offering a noticeable boost in performance. Torque also sees a substantial increase of 32 percent from the third-generation model, elevating from 105 to 139 lb.-ft. of torque. These enhancements culminate in a 35-percent faster 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 6.6 seconds, making the Prius Prime not only efficient but also exhilarating to drive.
The Prius Prime also commands attention with its stunning new aesthetic. Sporting a sleek and sporty silhouette, the 2024 model is more compact yet more assertive on the road. It’s 2 inches shorter, 1 inch wider, and 1 inch longer than its predecessor, achieving a perfect balance of agility and presence. The aerodynamic elegance is sculpted through its distinctive hammerhead hood, a low-slung roofline, and a broad rear stance. To amplify its dynamic appeal, the Prius Prime XSE grades are equipped with unique machine-finished 19-inch wheels, while the SE trim comes standard with stylish 17-inch wheels.
Available in a sophisticated palette of Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Midnight Black Metallic, and Reservoir Blue, the SE, XSE, and XSE Premium trims offer choices to suit every personality. For those seeking an extra touch of flair, premium paint options like Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red are available at an additional cost. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, excluding Dealer Processing and Handling, starts at $32,675 for the SE grade, $35,925 for the XSE grade, and $39,370 for the top-tier XSE Premium. Anticipation is building as models are expected to begin arriving at Toyota dealerships in limited quantities starting in Fall 2023.
Engineered for the Modern Driver
Both the standard Prius Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and the Prius Prime PHEV share Toyota’s renowned Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, which seamlessly integrates the power of a gasoline engine and electric motors. The key differentiator lies in the Prius Prime’s plug-in capability, allowing it to recharge its lithium-ion battery pack from external sources. Convenience is paramount, as home charging requires no specialized equipment. Simply connect the Prius Prime to a standard household outlet using the provided cable—Toyota recommends a dedicated GFI 15A outlet for optimal safety. On a standard 120V home outlet, a full recharge is achieved in approximately eleven hours. For faster charging, a Level 2 charger can replenish the battery in about 4 hours under ideal conditions. Even without plugging in, the Prius Prime retains its exceptional hybrid efficiency, ensuring you’re always driving economically.
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is shown in Supersonic Red, highlighting its sleek and sporty exterior design.
The Prius Prime adapts to diverse driving scenarios with its selectable EV, Auto EV/HV, and Hybrid modes, catering to driver preferences and battery charge levels. In EV Mode, the Prius Prime operates purely on battery power, offering a fully electric driving experience akin to a Battery Electric Vehicle, as long as sufficient charge is available. Auto EV/HV Mode prioritizes electric driving but intelligently engages the gasoline engine for added 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, seamlessly blending engine drive force and electric power from the hybrid battery.
Further enhancing efficiency, the Prius Prime features Predictive Efficient Drive with Predictive Deceleration Support. This innovative system learns your driving routes and stopping patterns, then advises you on when to release the accelerator to maximize fuel economy. By analyzing daily driving data, it identifies optimal deceleration and stopping points. On frequently traveled routes, the system prompts you to ease off the accelerator and can even apply deceleration assistance, contributing to even greater fuel efficiency.
Leading the Charge Towards Toyota’s “Beyond Zero” Vision
The Prius Prime embodies Toyota’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing towards its “Beyond Zero” vision—a future of carbon neutrality. Toyota’s extensive lineup of electrified vehicles underscores this commitment, offering customers a wide array of choices to minimize their environmental impact. The 2024 Prius Prime, with its combination of all-electric capability and highly efficient hybrid operation, stands as a Super Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (SULEV), perfectly aligning with Toyota’s multifaceted approach to combating carbon emissions.
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE in Cutting Edge color showcases its modern design and aerodynamic profile.
Powerfully Efficient Engineering
At the heart of the 2024 Prius Prime lies Toyota’s fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System. This advanced system integrates the M20A-FXS inline four-cylinder 2.0L gasoline engine with two motor-generators (MG1 and MG2) through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. The synergy between the engine and the electric motor (MG2) ensures responsive performance, while both electric motors (MG1 and MG2) contribute to charging the lithium-ion battery, maximizing energy efficiency.
The transaxle/motor unit features a compact, high-output, low-loss design, utilizing a six-magnet and electromagnetic steel plate configuration to optimize drive functions. For enhanced performance in Hybrid mode, both engine power and PHEV battery power are utilized for acceleration, resulting in a compelling driving experience. This powertrain configuration delivers 220 combined hybrid system horsepower and 139 lb.-ft. of torque, achieving an estimated 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds—a 35% improvement over the previous generation’s 10.2 seconds.
Further contributing to the Prius Prime’s exceptional fuel efficiency is the Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system. This system intelligently coordinates regenerative braking from the electric motors with hydraulic braking, ensuring optimal stopping power. By maximizing the use of electric motors to recover energy through regenerative braking, the ECB system plays a crucial role in enhancing fuel economy.
An active hydraulic booster on the conventional braking system enhances pedal feel and feedback for the driver, providing a more confident and engaging driving experience. Standard Brake Hold technology adds convenience, reducing driver fatigue in stop-and-go traffic or while waiting at traffic lights. Brake Hold disengages instantly upon pressing the accelerator, ensuring smooth transitions.
The Prius Prime offers selectable drive modes across all grades to tailor the driving experience:
- NORMAL: Balances fuel economy and acceleration, providing a linear accelerator response for everyday driving.
- ECO: Prioritizes fuel efficiency by moderating power output in response to light to moderate accelerator input.
- SPORT: Enhances responsiveness and acceleration for a more dynamic driving experience.
The drive mode selector in the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime allows drivers to choose between NORMAL, ECO, and SPORT modes to customize their driving experience.
Sporty Grades and Premium Interiors
The 2024 Prius Prime is available in three sporty grades: SE, XSE, and XSE Premium, each offering a unique blend of features and style. Exterior color choices include standard options like Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Midnight Black Metallic, and Reservoir Blue, with premium colors Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red available for an added charge. All Prius Prime grades are equipped with Front Wheel Drive.
Inside, the Prius Prime welcomes occupants with a premium and comfortable cabin. Features include a new, standard digital driver’s display for essential driving information at eye level, and comfortable seating surfaces available in fabric or SofTex® trim, depending on the grade. The intuitive Toyota Audio Multimedia system is standard across the lineup. For added convenience in urban driving, all grades come equipped with Toyota’s Traffic Jam Assist technology, a radar-based system that helps alleviate the stress of stop-and-go traffic on limited-access roadways by managing steering, acceleration, and braking at speeds between 0-25 mph under specific conditions.
The SE grade features dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels with covers, an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, and 6-way adjustable black fabric front seats with red accents. Standard features also include Smart Key System on the driver door, six USB-C ports, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). Optional enhancements for the SE include Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB).
Stepping up to the XSE grade adds machine-finished 19-inch alloy wheels for a more dynamic appearance, along with all features of the SE grade. Driver comfort is enhanced with an 8-way adjustable heated power driver’s SofTex®-trimmed seat, also featuring black with red accents. The XSE includes Smart Key System on front doors and rear liftback, a wireless charger, and standard front and rear parking assist with automatic braking (PA w/AB). Available upgrades for the XSE include a larger 12.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, a fixed glass roof, and Digital Key capability.
The interior of the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium is shown in Guardian Gray, featuring a spacious cabin, large touchscreen display, and premium seating.
The XSE Premium trim encompasses all standard features of the SE and XSE grades and elevates the experience further with a JBL® Premium Audio system boasting 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. Available options for the XSE Premium include a Panoramic View Monitor, Digital Rearview Mirror, heated rear seats, and Advanced Park, which automates steering and braking to assist with parking in parallel and perpendicular spaces using cameras and sensors.
An exclusive option for the XSE Premium is a 185W solar roof, capable of charging the drive battery using solar energy while parked and supplying power to auxiliary functions while driving. Prius Prime models equipped with the solar roof display power generation information in the vehicle’s Multi-Information Display.
Prime Engineering and Design
Built upon the second-generation TNGA-C platform, the 2024 Prius Prime achieves a striking new design that is both visually appealing and functionally superior. The TNGA-C platform contributes to a lower center of gravity, reduced overall weight, and increased structural rigidity compared to the previous generation. The traction battery placement is optimized beneath the rear seat, further lowering the center of gravity and enhancing luggage capacity.
The robust platform significantly enhances handling responsiveness, steering feel, and overall ride quality in the Prius Prime. Extensive use of hot-stamped and high-tensile steels throughout the body allows for complex shapes that are both lightweight and strong. Aluminum components, including the hood and brake calipers, further manage vehicle weight. Innovative fastening techniques, such as laser screw welding and advanced adhesives, contribute to exceptional structural strength.
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium in Guardian Gray highlights its aerodynamic silhouette and sporty stance.
With its aerodynamic profile, the 2024 Prius Prime achieves a low 0.27 Coefficient of Drag (Cd). Continuing a tradition of aerodynamic efficiency, front grille shutters are incorporated to optimize airflow for cooling and aerodynamic performance. Aerodynamic stabilizing underbody panels further reduce drag and minimize road noise.
The larger wheels available on XSE and XSE Premium grades enhance the vehicle’s sporty proportions, contributing to improved performance and handling. These larger wheels are paired with substantial 12-inch brake rotors at the front and 11.1-inch rotors at the rear, ensuring confident stopping power.
Seamlessly Connected Technology
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is equipped with advanced technology designed to enhance convenience and connectivity.
An 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia Screen is standard on the SE and XSE grades, with an available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia screen that comes standard on the XSE Premium grade (and is optional on the XSE). Developed by Toyota’s Connected Technologies team in Texas, the system offers Prius Prime drivers access to a suite of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.
Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation. With the available Drive Connect Connected Service, drivers and passengers can access Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist. Intelligent Assistant activates with voice commands like “Hey Toyota,” enabling hands-free control for directions, Points of Interest (POI), audio adjustments, cabin temperature, and more. Cloud Navigation utilizes real-time cloud data to provide the latest map, traffic, and routing information. POI search is powered by Google Points-of-Interest data, ensuring up-to-date search capabilities. Destination Assist offers 24/7 live agent support to help locate destinations.
The Toyota Audio Multimedia system supports dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity, along with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.
For audiophiles, the Prius Prime offers an optional JBL® Premium Audio system with eight speakers on the XSE Premium grade and as an option on the XSE. This system delivers an immersive audio experience with Clari-Fi® technology, which enhances compressed digital music formats. A six-speaker audio system is standard on the SE and XSE grades.
The dashboard of the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium shows the integrated 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen display and user-friendly interface.
To keep devices charged, the Prius Prime includes six USB-C ports throughout the cabin. The front cabin features two Type-C USB ports at the base of the center stack and two more in the center console. Rear passengers have access to two Type-C USB ports located at the rear of the center console.
The Prius Prime also offers a Wi-Fi Connect 1-month trial, providing 4G connectivity for up to five devices, transforming the Prius Prime into an AT&T Hotspot. Complementing HD Radio®, USB data, and a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan 3-month trial subscription, Wi-Fi Connect enables Integrated Streaming, allowing users to link their Apple Music® and Amazon Music® subscriptions for in-vehicle control.
Each Prius Prime includes trials for Safety Connect and Service Connect. Safety Connect features an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator with up to a 10-year trial period. Service Connect provides Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts, and reminders, also with up to a 10-year trial.
The Toyota app enables Remote Connect capabilities for Prius Prime owners, with a one-year trial included on all grades. Users can remotely activate headlights, lock/unlock doors, and start the vehicle. Vehicle status checks, reminder notifications, and Guest Driver Alerts are also accessible via the app. Digital Key, standard on the XSE Premium and optional on the XSE, allows for smartphone-based locking/unlocking, remote start, and more.
The 2024 Prius Prime features a unique door lock/unlock tone, designed by sound engineers for a pleasant and distinct auditory cue. The key remote also controls the charging port lid lock/unlock. Volume adjustments for these tones are customizable within the infotainment system settings.
Prime Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0, a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies, including:
- 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
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), new to TSS 3.0 in 2023, uses the vehicle’s camera and radar to provide gentle braking and/or steering support for tasks such as maintaining distance from preceding vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, and gentle braking into curves. PDA is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates under different conditions.
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) is standard across all Prius Prime grades. Convenience and safety features include Safe Exit Assist, which alerts occupants to approaching vehicles or cyclists from the rear when exiting the vehicle or when stopped, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. A Panoramic View Monitor is available on the XSE Premium grade, providing a 360-degree live view around the vehicle.
The Panoramic View Monitor in the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings for enhanced safety and parking assistance.
Enhanced Driver Assistance Features
The Prius Prime offers additional enhanced features enabled by front corner radar sensors and a driver monitor camera. These include Lane Change Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced Park, and Traffic Jam Assist, a first for the Toyota lineup.
Lane Change Assist, working in conjunction with Lane Tracing Assist and active DRCC, uses sensors to verify lane change safety upon turn signal activation, providing steering support into the new lane while the driver maintains hands on the wheel.
Front Cross Traffic Alert utilizes front corner radar sensors to detect approaching vehicles from the side at intersections. Visual arrows and audible alerts warn the driver, and the system provides an audible alert and MID warning if the driver proceeds when cross traffic is detected.
Advanced Park automates steering and braking to guide the vehicle into selected parking spaces, including parallel and perpendicular spots, and can assist with exiting parking spaces, all under driver supervision.
Traffic Jam Assist, requiring a Drive Connect subscription or trial, manages steering, braking, and acceleration in stop-and-go traffic below 25 mph on limited-access roadways. With the driver monitor camera confirming driver attentiveness, hands-free operation is possible. A 1-year Drive Connect trial, required for Traffic Jam Assist, is included on the XSE Premium grade and the XSE grade when equipped with the upgraded 12.3-inch multimedia screen.
Warranty and ToyotaCare
The Toyota Prius Prime is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty and service plans. Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty covers all components except normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Prius Prime models also include ToyotaCare, covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, and 24-hour roadside assistance for three years with unlimited mileage.
