The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime marks a major step forward for the Prius lineup, effectively blending efficiency, style, and practicality in a way that’s more appealing than ever before. Once the poster child for eco-friendly—but often uninspiring—design, the Prius has undergone a remarkable transformation. The Prime, Toyota’s plug-in hybrid version, proves that you don’t have to go full electric to enjoy an electrified driving experience. If you’re not quite ready to commit to a full EV like the Toyota bZ4X but still want more electric range and efficiency than a standard hybrid, the Prius Prime could be the perfect bridge.
First off, the styling of the 2024 Prius Prime is a night-and-day difference compared to its predecessors. Gone are the awkward, utilitarian looks that defined past generations. In their place is a sleek, modern design that actually draws attention. The sporty lines, sharp angles, and aggressive front end give the Prime a more premium, athletic presence on the road. It’s clear that Toyota has worked hard to revamp the image of the Prius, and the result is a car that’s not only practical but genuinely attractive.
Beyond its looks, the Prius Prime offers a driving experience that’s surprisingly fun. While hybrid vehicles have traditionally been about efficiency over thrills, the 2024 Prius Prime shows that you can have both. The handling is sporty, providing a more engaging drive than you might expect from a fuel-efficient vehicle. The car feels nimble and responsive, especially in city driving, making it an enjoyable option for urban dwellers. With the gas engine powered up, the Prius Prime is fun to drive around town, in EV mode there’s less power on tap.
Speaking of city driving, the Prius Prime shines with its impressive electric-only range. The top trim level offers around 39 miles of EV-only range, which is more than enough for most daily commutes, errands, and short trips around town. During our year with the Prius Prime, we frequently found ourselves going up to 2,000 miles before we needed to visit the gas station, all thanks to the car’s ability to rely on electric power for the bulk of our driving. When the battery does deplete, the transition to the four-cylinder engine is seamless, and the hybrid powertrain kicks in to keep you going without a hitch—no need to worry about finding a charging station on the road.
Inside, the Prius Prime continues to impress with a comfortable, tech-laden cabin. While the materials used inside aren’t exactly luxury-grade—lots of hard black plastic here—it’s a well-organized and user-friendly space. The seats are comfortable for long drives, and there’s enough cargo capacity to make it a practical option for everything from grocery runs to weekend getaways. Plus, with Toyota’s suite of tech features, the Prime offers some cool upgrades, including Traffic Jam Assist. This semi-autonomous feature allows for hands-free driving at low speeds on the highway, making those frustrating traffic jams a little less stressful.
That said, there are a few areas where the Prius Prime could be improved. For starters, the on-board charger is a bit on the slow side, taking about four hours to fully charge the battery using a Level 2 charger. This is a bit of a drag compared to other plug-in hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 Prime, which offers a faster charge time. Additionally, while the Prius Prime’s fuel-efficient tires help maximize mpg, they can lack traction, especially in wet conditions.
Another downside is the interior noise levels on the highway. The cabin isn’t exactly a quiet haven, with road and wind noise seeping in more than you might expect from a car of this price point. While it’s not unbearable, it’s something to consider for those who value a serene driving experience.
But all things considered, the 2024 Prius Prime is a standout option for anyone looking for a transitional electrified vehicle. It offers more electric range than a standard hybrid without requiring the full commitment of a pure electric vehicle. For many drivers, it hits the sweet spot between eco-consciousness, convenience, and driving enjoyment. It’s a major improvement over past generations of the Prius, and the positive changes are impossible to ignore.
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is available in three trim levels: SE, XSE and XSE Premium. The pricing starts at $33,770.
After a year with the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime, it became clear that a full electric vehicle is more than just a possibility—it’s something that could be part of our future. The Prius Prime shows that hybrid and plug-in hybrid options can offer much of the driving experience of a full EV, while still retaining the flexibility of a gasoline engine when needed. As for what’s next, we’re excited to see how our next electrified vehicle will compare, but the Prius Prime has certainly set the bar high.
