Toyota Prius and Prius Prime: The Hybrids That Beat the EVs

The Toyota Prius and Prius Prime have won the 2024 North American Car of the Year award, beating out the electric contenders Kia EV9 and Tesla Model 3 Highland. The award, which is considered one of the most prestigious and influential in the automotive industry, recognizes the most outstanding new car of the year based on factors such as innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, and value.

The Prius and Prius Prime, which are the fifth generation of Toyota’s iconic hybrid vehicles, are the first hybrids to win the award since the second-generation Prius in 2004. The announcement was made on Monday, January 8, 2024, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

How the Prius and Prius Prime Outshone the EVs

The Toyota Prius and Toyota Prius Prime are hybrid vehicles that combine a gasoline engine and an electric motor to achieve high fuel efficiency and low emissions. The Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid variant that can run on electricity alone for up to 45 miles before switching to hybrid mode. The Toyota Prius and Prius Prime offer a range of features and benefits that make them stand out from the competition, especially the electric vehicles that were expected to dominate the award. Some of these features and benefits are:

Fuel economy: The Prius and Prius Prime boast an impressive EPA-estimated 57 mpg city/50 mpg highway/52 mpg combined for the Prius and 133 MPGe for the Prius Prime. The Prius Prime can also travel up to 640 miles on a full tank of gas and a full charge, making it ideal for long trips. In comparison, the Kia EV9 has an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles on a single charge, while the Tesla Model 3 Highland has an EPA-estimated range of 350 miles on a single charge. Both EVs require access to charging stations, which are not as widely available as gas stations and may take longer to recharge than refueling a hybrid.
Performance: The Prius and Prius Prime deliver a smooth and responsive driving experience, thanks to their Hybrid Synergy Drive system that optimizes the power output of the engine and the motor. The Prius and Prius Prime also feature three driving modes: EV Mode, which allows the vehicle to run on electricity only; ECO Mode, which maximizes fuel efficiency; and Power Mode, which enhances acceleration and performance. The Prius and Prius Prime have a combined system output of 194 horsepower for the front-wheel drive models and 196 horsepower for the all-wheel drive models, which is comparable to the Kia EV9’s 201 horsepower and the Tesla Model 3 Highland’s 211 horsepower. However, the Prius and Prius Prime can switch between different power sources and modes, depending on the driving conditions and preferences.
Design: The Prius and Prius Prime feature a sleek and aerodynamic exterior that reduces wind resistance and improves fuel efficiency. The Prius and Prius Prime also have spacious and comfortable interiors that can accommodate up to five passengers and 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The Prius and Prius Prime also offer a range of color options, such as Supersonic Red, Electric Storm Blue, Blizzard Pearl, and Midnight Black Metallic. The Prius and Prius Prime have a distinctive and futuristic look that appeals to both traditional and modern buyers, while the Kia EV9 and the Tesla Model 3 Highland have a more conventional and conservative appearance that may not stand out as much.
Technology: The Prius and Prius Prime are equipped with a host of advanced technology features that enhance safety, convenience and entertainment. Some of these features include:
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which is a suite of active safety systems that help prevent or mitigate collisions, such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist and Lane Tracing Assist.
- Toyota Star Safety System, which is a suite of passive safety systems that help ensure vehicle stability and control, such as Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and Smart Stop Technology.
- Toyota Entune 3.0, which is an infotainment system that allows the driver to access various functions and services, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, Wi-Fi Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect and Safety Connect.
- Qi-compatible wireless charging, which enables the driver to charge compatible smartphones and devices without the need for cords or cables.
- Head-up display, which projects key information such as speed, navigation and hybrid system indicators onto the windshield, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road.
- 11.6-inch touchscreen display, which is available on the Prius Prime, provides a large and clear interface for accessing various functions and features.

The Kia EV9 and the Tesla Model 3 Highland also offer some of these features, but not all of them. For instance, the Kia EV9 does not have a head-up display or a wireless charging pad, while the Tesla Model 3 Highland does not have Android Auto or Amazon Alexa compatibility.

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What are the critics saying about the Prius and Prius Prime?

The Prius and Prius Prime have received rave reviews from critics and experts, who have praised their fuel efficiency, performance, design, technology, and value. Here are some of the accolades and testimonials that the Prius and Prius Prime have received:

MotorTrend named the Prius and Prius Prime as one of its 2024 Car of the Year Finalists, stating that “the Prius and Prius Prime are a marvel of engineering and a testament to Toyota’s commitment to innovation and excellence”.
Car and Driver gave the Prius and Prius Prime a 5-star rating and a 2024 10Best Award, remarking that “the Prius and Prius Prime are a smart and sensible choice for anyone looking for a reliable, economical and environmentally friendly vehicle”.
Edmunds rated the Prius and Prius Prime as 8.9 out of 10, commenting that “the Prius and Prius Prime are a well-rounded hybrid that delivers on its promises of fuel savings, practicality and user-friendliness”.
Consumer Reports ranked the Prius and Prius Prime as #1 in the Hybrid/Electric Car category, noting that “the Prius and Prius Prime are a class leader in terms of fuel economy, safety, reliability and customer satisfaction”.

How much does the Prius and Prius Prime cost?

The Prius and Prius Prime are available in four trim levels: L Eco, LE, XLE and Limited for the Prius, and LE, XLE and Limited for the Prius Prime. The starting prices for each trim level are as follows:

Prius L Eco: $24,525
Prius LE: $25,735
Prius XLE: $28,575
Prius Limited: $32,650
Prius Prime LE: $28,220
Prius Prime XLE: $30,000
Prius Prime Limited: $34,000

The prices do not include the destination charge of $995, taxes, fees and optional features. The Prius and Prius Prime may also qualify for federal, state and local incentives and rebates, depending on the location and eligibility of the buyer.

Where can I buy the Prius and Prius Prime?

The Prius and Prius Prime are available at authorized Toyota dealerships across the United States and Canada. To find the nearest dealership, visit the official Toyota website and use the Find a Dealer tool. You can also browse the inventory, compare models, request a quote, schedule a test drive, apply for financing, and more online.

Conclusion

The Toyota Prius and Prius Prime are the 2024 North American Car of the Year and for good reasons. They are hybrid vehicles that offer exceptional fuel economy, performance, design, technology, and value. They are also highly acclaimed and awarded vehicles that have earned the respect and admiration of critics and customers alike. If you are looking for a new car that is smart, efficient, versatile, and eco-friendly, the Prius and Prius Prime are the perfect choice for you. Visit your local Toyota dealership today and experience the Prius and Prius Prime. You won’t regret it.