Toyota Prius Prime
Everyone knows that the Toyota Prius is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles money can buy. The Prius Prime takes that to a whole new level by adding an 8.8-kWh rechargeable battery pack, which provides as much as 25 miles of all-electric range. And when that runs out, the plug-in hybrid still delivers an EPA-rated 54 mpg in mixed driving. Aside from outstanding fuel economy, the Prius Prime also offers a comfortable cabin with lots of standard features. On the downside, its fuel-sipping powertrain (which makes a scant 121 horsepower) can feel somewhat anemic, and its battery pack impinges on the usable cargo area.
Everyone knows that the Toyota Prius is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles money can buy. The Prius Prime takes that to a whole new level by adding an 8.8-kWh rechargeable battery pack, which provides as much as 25 miles of all-electric range. And when that runs out, the plug-in hybrid still delivers an EPA-rated 54 mpg in mixed driving. Aside from outstanding fuel economy, the Prius Prime also offers a comfortable cabin with lots of standard features. On the downside, its fuel-sipping powertrain (which makes a scant 121 horsepower) can feel somewhat anemic, and its battery pack impinges on the usable cargo area.
Toyota Prius Prime Model Lineup
The Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of Toyota’s compact hatchback, the Prius. At its 2017 debut, it offered seating for four; however, that expanded to five with the 2020 model year. The Prius Prime is one of two PHEV models sold by the automaker. The other is the RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid version of Toyota’s popular compact crossover SUV.
Toyota offers the Prius Prime in three different trim levels. Originally designated as the base-level Plus, the mid-tier Premium, and the range-topping Advanced, the trim names were revised in 2020 to LE, XLE, and Limited (respectively). The base version comes with cloth upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a 7.0-inch infotainment display, which gained Apple CarPlay integration starting in 2020 (and Android Auto a year later). Upgrading to a higher trim level adds such features as an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a wireless smartphone charger, navigation, and synthetic leather upholstery. All versions come standard with adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. A blind-spot warning system is also available but limited to the highest trim level (Advanced or Limited).
Under the hood, the Prius Prime features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and an 8.8-kWh battery pack. Total output is 121 horsepower, which is routed to the front wheels (only) via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The battery pack is capable of up to 25 miles of all-electric range and can be recharged in about two hours using a 240-volt Level 2 home charger.
Popular Trims
Toyota Prius Prime Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2018
4.3
153 verified owner reviews
Top 2018 Reviews
Kiran B. from CA
Verified Owner · Jul, 2019
2018 Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in
Reliable and fun to drive.
Phillip P. from PA
Verified Owner · Jul, 2019
2018 Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in
The plug-in hybrid is an excellent vehicle, however, it is not for everyone and takes some getting use to it. In order to maximize the vehicle's abilities, the battery use needs to be manipulated properly. You should not be someone who just up and goes without thinking about the drive.
Paul S. from WY
Verified Owner · Jun, 2019
2018 Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in
It is quite responsive, gets essentially unlimited mileage if you drive less than 25 miles a day, gets about 50 mpg on the highway, is comfortable and fairly versatile. It is fairly stylish.
William W. from CA
Verified Owner · May, 2019
2018 Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in
Good reliability, good fuel economy, able to go ~26 miles on electric energy source only.
David B. from MD
Verified Owner · May, 2019
2018 Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in
Great vehicle, can't go wrong.
William S. from DE
Verified Owner · Apr, 2019
2018 Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in
The storage areas are too small. The front seats are difficult to enter and exit due to the position of the center pillar. The cup holders are not big enough. The interior trim fits and finishes are not great. The trunk storage are is inadequate (too shallow). The rear seat only has 2 seating positions instead of a 3-seat bench. There is insufficient storage in the dash, door panels, and console. The sun visors do not extend (slide on their rod) and so adequate glare control is not possible. The car does not offer Android Auto, the Navigation system is terrible, and the Entune system is also terrible. The brilliant white dash and console accents are not attractive. Overall, the interior and interior storage were not well thought out for a vehicle in this price category.
Todd N. from CA
Verified Owner · Apr, 2019
2018 Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in
Its more powerful then I thought. It handles well. Has a lot of tech options. In CA its worth the car pool sticker.
Lynn H. from OR
Verified Owner · Apr, 2019
2018 Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in
This is a great vehicle. Very comfortable and great drivability with excellent mileage.
Girish M. from CA
Verified Owner · Nov, 2018
2018 Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in
Excellent Plug In Hybrid, worth every penny
David S. from CA
Verified Owner · Oct, 2018
2018 Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in
Gas mileage is great. But know there is no spare tire which is ridiculous.