Review: The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is sleek, fun and efficient

When people think of fuel-efficient cars, the Toyota Prius is often the first to come to mind. It has been the go-to hybrid for almost three decades, and for good reason. Toyota has had plenty of time to hone its technology, aerodynamics and efficiency. 

Now in its fifth generation (we still can’t believe that), the 2024 Prius Prime plug-in hybrid takes all that has come before, combines it and improves upon it, and it becomes the best it's ever been. This car looks so good. We’d be rich if we got a dollar every time someone exclaimed, “That’s a Prius?!”

Photo courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

Yes, yes it is a Prius. Its styling, technology and outstanding fuel and electric efficiency make this an excellent daily driver. The Prius Prime makes a compelling case for plug-in hybrids. It offers up to 44 miles of electric range — plenty for most commutes around the valley — while still offering the peace of mind that comes with having a gasoline engine for longer trips (which still gets excellent fuel economy). For those who don’t want an electric vehicle and want to limit how much they spend on gas, it’s tough to beat the Prius Prime. 

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It’s fun to drive

We know, we know. A Prius that is fun to drive? Actually, yes! The Prius Prime features a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with two electric motors that produce 220 horsepower — more than several more sporty cars on the market. Paired with the standard low resistance tires, it’s easy to produce wheel spin in this car. 

It’s legitimately fun to hoon around and Everyday Driver even tracked it to surprising results. If you’re looking to pinch your pennies but still have a good time driving, the Prius is a legitimately great option. 

Photo courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

There are some caveats, however. The seats aren’t particularly supportive and visibility is limited. Space, in general, but especially headroom, is limited and confining. And though the handling is light and predictable, the steering wheel blocks a significant portion of the view of the digital gauge cluster. 

It’s an odd setup that we never could get used to. Regardless, the Prius is genuinely fun to drive and doesn’t feel like it should be anywhere near as efficient as it is.

Photo courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

It’s next level efficient

Regarding efficient transportation, the Prius is about as good as it gets. With 45 miles of pure electric range and 52 mpg, it's hard to beat, especially for the price. Our SE tester priced out at just over $34,000, which aligns with the competition. But it’s not without some sacrifices.

The interior is subpar, not exceptionally comfortable and the features list is pretty short, at least in the SE. Jump to the XSE or XSE Premium trim and you get more features but also more cost, which can creep well into the low $40,000 range.

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So, if efficiency is number one on your list of priorities, the Prius is great. But if you want efficiency and you also value features, space and comfort, other options — even in the Toyota lineup — might be a better fit. Sure, you might not get the 45 miles of electric range or 52 miles per gallon, but you might get 40 mpg, which isn’t too shabby.

Photo courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

It looks great

Gone are the days of Prius jokes. It used to be that the Prius, while undoubtedly economical, looked like something Toyota pulled out of the oven way too soon. The new Prius is genuinely good-looking. It’s sleek, modern and attractive, which is more than a lot of cars on the market today.

Three Prime trims to fit your needs

The Prius Prime starts at just over $34,000. The base SE trim, as our tester was, is probably the best value due to its lower price and high efficiency. The XSE starts at just over $37,000 and adds niceties such as power seats and bigger wheels. The XSE Premium, starting at just over $40,000, brings more tech, a bigger touchscreen and the option for a solar panel roof. Fully loaded, the new Prius tops out near $43,000. 

The Prius Prime does not qualify for federal tax credits, but it remains a smart buy for anyone looking to minimize fuel consumption without going fully into the electric deep end. 

Photo courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

Final thoughts

The Prius is an excellent car. It’s fun to drive, economical and stylish, but it’s not for everyone. The Prius is perfect for those who value efficiency — with just a tad of fun — above all. Saving you money is its calling card and in that, its price tag is justified. But, if you need or want more space, comfort or luxury, we would recommend something else, perhaps even the brand’s own Corolla Cross Hybrid. 

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Highs

• Unmatched efficiency

• 45 miles of electric range

• Sleek, eye-catching styling

• Fun to drive

Photo courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

Lows

• Cramped inside, especially for taller people

• Visibility is challenging

• Not much cargo or storage space

• Purpose built for economy and it shows

Photo courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

FAQs

Is it fun to drive? 

Surprisingly, yes! We genuinely had a great time scooting the Prius around for a week. 

Is it good for families? 

Not really. There isn’t a lot of storage space, and the interior fills up quickly. 

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.