Year

2017 Toyota Prius Prime Review

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Model Type

Hatchback

edmunds expert review

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Compared to the base Prius, the Prius Prime packs a larger battery that supports approximately 25 miles of electric-only range and, crucially, can be recharged by plugging into an electrical port. Replenishing the battery via a regular wall 120-volt socket takes about 5.5 hours, while a Level 2...

by Jason Kavanagh
Edmunds Editor

we recommend

Though the range-topping Advanced trim level is packed with a long list of tech features, it commands a large premium over the others. Going with the mid-grade Premium trim level is the approach we recommend because the Premium better aligns with the Prius Prime's value proposition. It's also the ch...

trim levels & features

The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is available in three trim levels: Plus, Premium and Advanced. All share the same hybrid powertrain and perform identically, so the differences among them boil down to feature content. That is, the Plus is obviously the value play of the range, though it has a decent...

driving

acceleration

The Prius Prime has good initial acceleration from a standstill. But its urge wanes noticeably above approximately 30 mph.

driving

braking

The brake feel is better than average among hybrids. Smooth modulation in light braking. Stopping power is tepid.

driving

steering

Suitable weight and quickness, but numb. Feels elastic and imprecise in any kind of spirited driving.

driving

handling

It will get you down the road, but there is little joy in doing so. Low limits, benign manners, no excitement.

comfort

The suspension struggles to manage the extra weight of the Prime's larger battery pack. One result is exaggerated motions over rises and crests.

comfort

noise & vibration

There's excessive road noise due to hard tires designed for maximum mileage. Wind noise is also prominent, which is surprising for a car designed to slip through the wind as efficiently as possible. But engine noise is well suppressed.

interior

ease of use

The touchscreen responds very well to touch. No pinch-zoom, but there is swipe. Sun visors do not extend. The center armrest in the rear console bin is curiously low.

interior

getting in/getting out

It's very easy to climb into and out of the Prius Prime. A low sill and modest seat bolster ease entry into the vehicle.

interior

roominess

Good space up front. Headroom in the front is very good to excellent (with no sunroof), but less so in the rear, where it is snug. Adequate rear legroom.

interior

visibility

Very good forward and side visibility due to the low cowl and beltline at the front side windows.

interior

quality

The interior is a mixed bag of cheap-looking shiny plastics and matte-finish grained plastics. Nice synthetic leather on the steering wheel and seats (in Premium and Advanced trims).

utility

cargo space

There's significantly less cargo volume than in the standard Prius. High liftover due to the larger battery.

long-term road test

To learn more about the current generation of the Toyota Prius upon which the Prius Prime is built, read our updates from a full year of living with a 2016 Toyota Prius. We cover everything from seat comfort to scheduled maintenance.

Read Long-Term Test

our review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

other vehicles to consider

2017 Chevrolet Volt Hatchback
2017 Ford Fusion Energi Sedan
2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Sedan
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next steps

Convinced that the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is the right car for you? Build and locate the perfect model at a dealer near you.

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