2017 Toyota Prius Prime Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is essentially a plug-in version of the regular Pruis hatchback. It offers fantastic fuel economy and an impressive all-electric driving range. If you love futuristic-looking cars, the new Prius Prime’s innovative styling will definitely get your attention. Furthermore, you will have access to a lengthy list of high-tech components. Up to four people will be able to enjoy the ride.

What’s New for 2017?

The Prius Prime is an all-new model. It competes directly against the top plug-in hybrids on the market.  

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime – The Pros

1. Very Strong Fuel Economy

Eco-friendly drivers will appreciate the Prius Prime’s fuel-saving design. You can look forward to getting a combined 54 mpg. While most people will use the Prius Prime as a daily-driver, it is more than worthy of a long road trip. An active grille shutter and a dual-wave rear glass help reduce wind drag.

2. All-Electric Driving Mode

In comparison to the regular Prius hatchback, the Prius Prime comes equipped with a significantly larger battery pack. An all-electric driving mode enables the Prius Prime to travel up to 25 miles without using any fuel. This is a major advantage for the drivers who only need to commute a short distance. Furthermore, its hybrid battery can be recharged at home in just five hours.

3. Great Value

Prices for the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime start at $27,100. Keep in mind that some drivers will be eligible for a $4,500 tax credit from the federal government. Another plus is Toyota’s 100,000-mile warranty on the hybrid battery. Furthermore, even the base model comes loaded with an attractive number of standard features.

4. Cutting-Edge Styling

Flaunting unique LED headlamps and an aggressive front fascia, the Prius Prime definitely has a bold appearance. Whether you are parked at the mall or going shopping for groceries, everyone will notice the Prius Prime’s futuristic styling. The hatchback’s creative taillight design further enhances its uniqueness. Some of the fun colors include Blizzard Pearl, Hypersonic Red, and Blue Magnetism.

5. Easy to Drive

The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is a breeze to drive. A double-wishbone suspension helps keep the ride smooth at all times. Although the Prius Prime is not a sports car, it does feel quite responsive on the road. A low center of gravity helps the hatchback to remain balanced when taking a tight corner. When accelerating from a stop, the CVT transmission responds quickly.

6. Intelligent Drive Coach

If you decide to buy a hybrid car such as the Prius Prime, one of your main goals should be to obtain the optimum gas mileage. The Prius Prime comes with an Intelligent Drive Coach, which trains you to drive more efficiently. By taking advantage of this innovative feature, you could actually surpass the hatchback’s EPA fuel economy rating.

7. Prime Apps

To obtain more convenience, opt for the Prime apps. Smartphone users will be able to make adjustments to their vehicle without even going outside. You can schedule a recharge and access the Prius Prime’s climate control system. When you are preparing to leave home or work, the inside of your vehicle will already be at a comfortable temperature.

8. High-Tech Cabin

Some of the standard tech includes Bluetooth and a 7.0-inch multi-media screen. Meanwhile, the Premium trim comes equipped with an 11.6-inch screen. The high-definition screen allows you to tap and swipe jut like a smartphone. It is currently one of the most innovative interfaces in the segment. Music fans will like the Advanced trim’s thumping JBL sound system. A color head-up display is offered as well.

9. Can Haul Your Family Around

The new Prius Prime is more than just an environmentally friendly ride. It is also a reliable family car that everyone will enjoy. Body-hugging front seats enable you to enjoy hours of comfort on the road. There is more than enough legroom in the back for full-size adults. You can also take advantage of the hatchback’s nearly 20 cubic feet of cargo space.

10. Safe Vehicle

You can expect the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime to offer outstanding crash protection. When making an emergency stop, the hybrid’s brakes will react immediately. An integrated backup camera is featured on all trims. Blind-spot detection comes standard on the top-of-the-line version.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime – The Cons

1. Not a Quick Car

In exchange for the hybrid’s fuel savings, you are forced to sacrifice a bit of performance. It takes around 11 seconds for the Prius Prime to reach 60 mph. If you desire more performance, you should check out the new Chevrolet Volt.

2. Road Noise

You will hear a bit of road and wind noise inside of the new Prius Prime. This could be a concern for the drivers who prefer a whisper-quiet ride.

3. Some People May Not Like Its Styling

The Prius Prime looks more aggressive than the regular Prius. While some people applaud its futuristic styling, there are others who find the Prius Prime to be too brash. It is simply a matter of personal taste.

How it stacks up to the competition:

Some of the Prius Prime’s key rivals include the Chevrolet Volt and the Ford C-Max Energi. The new Prius Prime costs less than both of these hybrid vehicles. It also attracts more attention on the road than the Ford C-Max Energi.

Conclusion:

There are already a number of drivers waiting to test drive the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime. Its 25-mile electric driving range makes it a good alterative to the standard Prius hatchback. The Prius Prime’s striking appearance is also destined to win over a lot of people. While the base model is a legitimate bargain, some buyers won’t be able to resist the Advanced trim’s extra technology.