Toyota Prius vs. Prius Prime: What's The Difference?
We explore the differences between the Toyota Prius and Prius Prime: how do the models stack up when it comes to fuel economy, interior features, safety, and more.
Toyota is known for producing excellent hybrid selections over the years. They are one of the primary contenders in this department, putting forth quality selection after selection. Two of their most significant include the Toyota Prius and the Prius Prime. What are the primary items when looking at the Prius vs. Prius Prime?
From the performance of each machine to the interior space provided, there are ample details to ponder before making the Prius or Prius Prime your vehicle selection. No two cars come equal, which becomes clear even with two machines from the same manufacturer. Read on to learn about the differences and the clear winner.
Toyota Prius vs. Prius Prime: What’s the Difference?
There are ample differences between the Toyota Prius and the Prius Prime. Although they might look very similar on the surface, there are underlying significant differences between the two.
According to tvtoyota.com, here are the primary differences between the Prius vs. Prius Prime:
- Price point
- Charging method
- Mileage estimates
- Safety
- Space
There are ample differences between the Prius and Prius Prime.
Some might dismiss these as insignificant, but there are ample degrees of separation that should make any driver pause. Let’s dive into some of what we deem the most vital for those who have the money to invest in the Prime or Prius Prime.
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Fuel Economy and Performance: Toyota Prius Prime
One of the primary reasons people would consider the Prius vs. Prius Prime is for the sake of fuel economy. Both are hybrid commuter vehicles, which means they exist to provide an affordable driving experience.
According to cars.usnews.com, here is the fuel economy for each vehicle:
- Toyota Prius: 57⁄56 mpg in the city/highway
- Toyota Prius Prime: Combined 52 mpg/127 mpg on electric system
That’s a distinct difference.
The Prius might get a better general fuel economy. However, the Prius Prime emerges victorious with its additional purely electric driving possibilities.
Performance also goes to the Prius Prime. It offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that provide 220 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. The competing Prius brings a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a single electric motor and 196 horsepower plus 139 pound-feet of torque.
Interior Features and Styling: Toyota Prius Prime
The interior of a vehicle matters, as it’s where drivers and passengers will spend most of their time. The styling is solid in both.
Here are some interior styling choices for the Prius:
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Satellite radio
- Apple Carplay and Android Auto
- Standard Wi-Fi hotspot
The Prius Prime has everything the Prius has, but more. It even comes with remote keyless entry.
Both Prius vehicles look similar, boasting some quality materials and firm plastic areas. However, the Prius Prime again creeps forward with red-and-black as an interior color scheme.
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Safety: Tie
Safety is vital in any vehicle, and that’s also true when checking out the Prius vs. Prius Prime. Toyota is well-known for packing ample safety features inside their machines, and you’ll find nothing less than the best in the Toyota Prius and Prius Prime selections.
Each boasts the following safety selections in their construction:
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Surround-view parking camera system
These work to keep the Prius and Prius Prime in one effective piece.
Crash tests also reveal the Prius and Prius Prime as some of the safest selections. The Prius is a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and the Prius Prime is a Top Safety Pick, the second-highest category from this brand. Overall, you can feel confident behind the wheel of either.
Price Point: Toyota Prius
One of the most critical considerations in any investment, unless you have unlimited resources, is the price point of the machine. The more expensive a vehicle, the more features it tends to have. Unfortunately, a rising price point could be out of some investors’ budgets.
The Toyota Prius offers a starting price of $27,950 and goes up to $34,567 for the highest trim level. If you want the Toyota Prius Prime, the starting price lands around $32,975 for the base trim and a much higher $39,670 for the most expensive trim level selection.
From a practical point of view, the Prius Prime offers a more advanced plug-in system and more features than the traditional Prius. However, it’s much more expensive than the Prius selection. If we’re going for the best for the budget here, the Toyota Prius is the winner.
TOYOTA PRIUS PROS & CONS
Are you considering buying a new or used Prius? Then, you’re likely looking for the Toyota Prius’ pros and cons.
Cargo Space: Toyota Prius
The final consideration in the Prius vs. Prius Prime is the cargo space. If you’re driving a small selection like the Toyota Prius, it’s helpful to have ample inside the machine to store your things. Most people use the Prius as a commuter vehicle, so the more room available for belongings, the better.
Here are the specifications for the Prius:
- Seats up: 20-23 cubic feet
- Seats down: 26-29 cubic feet
There’s decent room available for the far more affordable Prius, especially in the LE trim.
Here are the specifications for the Prius Prime:
- Seats up: 20.3 cubic feet
- Seats down: 26.7 cubic feet
There’s ample room for your stuff in the rear of the Prime.
There can be slightly more room in the rear of the traditional Toyota Prius. While there isn’t a dramatic difference between each selection, the Toyota Prius does provide more room if you go with the LE trim. Thus, the basic selection is the winner here.
Which Vehicle Is the Winner?
There are excellent offerings in the Prius and the Prius Prime. Each win is in different areas, with the Prius pulling forward in areas like cargo space and price, and the Prime winning inside the vehicle and with the performance. Which wins?
The Toyota Prius Prime emerges victorious. Though it’s more expensive and doesn’t have as much cargo space, it wins in other ways. The Prius Prime provides better fuel economy, a speedier powertrain, more features, and an unmatched interior.
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