The new Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid hatchback has completely different front and rear end styling compared to the regular XW50 Prius hybrid.
The oddly shaped headlamps and vertical slash taillights of the regular fourth generation Prius hybrid (below) have been removed on the Prius Prime, and replaced by my conventional horizontal headlamps and racetrack style LED taillights. The glass for the hatch has a double bubble profile and this is matched by a similar wave in the rear spoiler.
Both the XW50 Prius and Prius Prime have the same Hybrid Synergy Drivetrain powertrain with electric motors and a 1.8-liter Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder engine. The main difference is the Prime’s larger capacity 8.8kWh lithium ion battery that offers 22mi (35km) of EV driving from a 5.5 hour charge at 110V or under half that from 240V.
The Prius Prime can run as a pure EV at speeds up 84mph (135km/h), and has an estimated mileage of 120MPGe.
As Toyota’s top mainstream electrified vehicle, the Prius Prime also has an exclusive Tesla style 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. Top end models have 10 speaker JBL sound system.
Unlike the last generation Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the Prius Prime will be available in all 50 states in the USA.
