It’s no stretch to say that the Prius Prime is the pick of the Prius range right now. Considering just how strong this latest generation of Toyota’s hybrid is, that counts as high praise. While the mild hybrid version makes saving gas eminently straightforward, this Prime plug-in hybrid adds a genuinely improved driving experience and the flexibility of fully-electric range, even if it’s not as much as you’ll get in an entirely electric vehicle.
You pay for that capability, mind. The regular Prius starts at $27,650 (plus destination); a Prius Prime starts at $32,675 (plus destination). Since the PHEV doesn’t qualify for the current U.S. federal tax incentive for EVs, there’s no discount there, either.
Even without those perks, however, it’s hard to criticize the Prius Prime. Sure, a fully-electric car is greener, and probably faster too, but for plenty of people the familiar convenience of filling up a gas tank has undeniable appeal. More than that, though, a PHEV could replace a gas-only car, get better economy and cut emissions, and still be up to the challenge of impromptu road trips. Far from being a stepping stone to full EV, the Prius Prime combines the best of both worlds — gas and electric — with a price tag that’s hard to argue with given the fuel savings on offer here.
