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2018 Toyota Prius Prime

2018 Toyota Prius Prime
Save up to $2,271
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MSRP range
$27,300 - $33,300
Edmunds Rating
3.0 out of 5.0
Consumer Rating
(1)
New
2018
2017
Used

Pros

  • Outstanding fuel economy, with 25 miles of EV range
  • Comfortable front seats
  • Priced lower than most other plug-ins

Cons

  • Infotainment system's poor layout and smartphone integration
  • Small cargo area
  • Slow acceleration and noisy engine
Save as much as $2,271

2018 Toyota Prius Prime pricing

in Ashburn, VA
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Prototype shown with options.
Prototype shown with options.
2018 Prius Prime Advanced
msrp$33,100
starting price
Compare on toyota.com
Build & Price
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2018 Toyota Prius Prime incentives

Which Prius Prime does Edmunds recommend

For all-around value, we recommend the Premium trim level. Like every Prius Prime, it has an impressive electric-only range and top-tier fuel economy. But it comes with features that you'll appreciate having, such as the large 11.6-inch touchscreen, upgraded cabin materials, a power-adjustable driver's seat, keyless access and start for all four doors, and wireless smartphone charging.

Edmunds' Expert Review

overall rating

3 / 5

The 2018 Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid version of the regular Prius. It has a bigger battery that you can recharge with an external power source. Doing so gives you the ability to drive about 25 miles on all-electric power before the car switches over to regular hybrid operation. After that, the Prime returns an impressive 54 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

Like a standard Prius, the Prius Prime can operate without ever being plugged in. Simply refuel as you go and enjoy the long legs of your journey between fill-ups. Or, if you're able to recharge frequently, you can use the Prius Prime much as you would an all-electric vehicle.

The Prime's styling is a bit different from the regular Prius' (we'd argue it's less goofy-looking, actually), and the seating capacity is down from five passengers in the standard Prius to four. But the driving experience is similar. Still, the bigger battery adds weight, and that has a detrimental effect on handling and acceleration. The battery also reduces maximum cargo capacity compared to the regular Prius.

You'll want to look at a couple of rivals if you're shopping for a plug-in hybrid. The Chevrolet Volt is sportier to drive and has a longer electric range than the Prime, but overall fuel economy with the Volt is lower and the price is higher. Honda's new Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is another top contender. Overall, the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime is a solid pick if you're shopping for an efficient and affordable plug-in hybrid.

trim levels & features

The 2018 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 features. That is, the Plus is obviously the value play of the range, but it has a decent list of standard features. The Premium, meanwhile, brings a few key comfort-oriented items. The Advanced trim level adds a lot of features that will surely appeal to tech-savvy buyers, though they come at a big increase in price.

All Prius Primes have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a plug-in hybrid system. Total system output is 121 horsepower, which drives the front wheels through a specialized continuously variable automatic transmission. The EPA estimates the Prime can drive up to 25 miles using pure electric power. Fully charging the battery takes 5 hours and 30 minutes using a 120-volt power source or a little more than 2 hours with 240 volts.

The Plus trim level starts you out with 15-inch wheels, LED headlights, automatic climate control, keyless access (driver's door only) and start, heated front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. A suite of driver safety aids, called Toyota Safety Sense P, is also standard and includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams.

Stepping up one rung to the Premium trim level puts you into the Prius Prime's sweet spot. It includes a power driver's seat, an 11.6-inch central touchscreen and upgraded infotainment system, simulated leather (SofTex) upholstery, keyless entry on the other three doors, satellite radio and wireless smartphone charging.

The Advanced trim level adds on a premium audio system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming mirror, a head-up display, a smartphone app with a charge management system and remote-control climate operation, automatic wipers and a semiautomated parking function.

trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime (1.8L inline-4 hybrid | CVT automatic | FWD).

driving

2.5
The Toyota Prius Prime places a high priority on efficiency over dynamic capabilities. You'll find the car competent in the city and adequate once you're up to speed and cruising. The steering and brakes are particularly numb.

acceleration

2
The electric powertrain has sufficient punch for city driving, but don't think you can rely on it with confidence when merging onto the freeway or pulling out to pass. You'll be using a lot of the engine's power for any real acceleration. Our 0-60 mph test run took 10 seconds, which is pretty slow.

braking

2.5
There's a decent amount of braking power for routine use. But stops can be hard to judge because there's not much feel and the brakes can get grabby, especially in harder applications. Our emergency-panic stop from 60 mph used up 119 feet, and the car tended to wiggle a bit as it came to a halt.

steering

2.5
While the vehicle goes where you point it, the steering feels light and numb when cruising straight on the highway, and effort doesn't change much as you round corners. It improves somewhat if you decide to push it on a winding road, but in routine use the Prime doesn't feel all that connected.

handling

2.5
A Prime's enlarged plug-in battery represents extra weight that sits somewhat high behind the rear wheels, which throws off the balance markedly compared to a regular Prius. It feels heavy, and the soft springs and sluggish damping feel inadequate, most notably when corners come one after another.

drivability

3
The theme is efficiency, so unless you're using big gas pedal inputs, the Prime responds sluggishly. Driving up big hills highlights the lack of power and the vocal gas engine, but downhills are an opportunity to recharge the battery. The Prime loves the city, and it responds well to stop-and-go.

comfort

4
The Prius Prime feels largely similar to a regular Prius in terms of ride, engine noise and road noise, but that's only when the engine is actually on. The Prime's 25-mile electric range changes the game by adding the quietness of a pure EV driving experience for a significant chunk of time.

seat comfort

4
The seats are ergonomically well-designed. They're not couch-soft but have that initial give that lets them conform to your body. The seat bottom is short, but we had no issues on a long drive. The rear seats are similar to the fronts, but with broader seatbacks. They're also properly comfortable.

ride comfort

3
The Prime's ride is generally flat, and it does not float or wallow. Its suspension handles small, rolling-type bumps quite well, but the suspension and tires tend to transmit harsh square-edge bumps directly into the cabin, especially if they come one after another.

noise & vibration

4
Obviously, it's very quiet in EV mode. But the gas engine is annoyingly noisy when you've got the pedal pinned. There's some wind and road noise, both of which become noticeable mainly when the engine is off at near-highway speeds in EV mode.

climate control

3.5
The Prius has an effective automatic climate control system, but on the Premium and Advanced only the temperature and defroster have physical buttons. Everything else is on the touchscreen. The Plus uses an easier system. The unique Eco mode has the ability to focus cooling solely on the driver.

interior

3
The massive central touchscreen of the top-level Advanced (and midlevel Premium) adds some Tesla-like high-tech flair, but it makes certain routine tasks less intuitive. Otherwise, the Prius Prime is not so different from any other Prius. The one big exception: A Prius Prime seats only four people.

ease of use

2.5
We've never liked the Prius' central dash, and the Prime Advanced (and Premium) also has a huge touchscreen with layered menus for many functions. Volume is on the passenger side, and a passenger must reach to the driver's side to adjust temperature. All of this is far easier on the base Plus model.

getting in/getting out

4
Easy for people to slip in and out thanks to large door openings and narrow sills. Rear-seat denizens benefit from seatbacks that are nearly flush with the body structure — no need to scoot forward to exit. But taller rear occupants may have to duck on the way in because the roof slopes down.

driving position

3
The seats are nicely adjustable for routine use, but they lack the bolstering necessary to hold the driver in place for sporty driving. But we're more concerned about the insufficient steering-wheel telescoping range; the wheel doesn't pull back far enough for taller drivers.

roominess

4
There's ample room for 6-footers to occupy the front and rear rows at the same time, although wider passengers may feel as if they're sitting close to the doors. Rear seats have generous toe space. But the overall feeling of roominess is lessened a bit by the bulbous dash and bulky center console.

visibility

3
The low cowl and sloping hood provide a generous view, but it is hard to locate the corners when parking nose-in. The split rear window can be distracting, and cargo can easily obstruct the view. Thick roof pillars create big rear blind spots. You will rely on the camera system and parking sensors.

quality

4
The Prime uses a mix of metal and composites to minimize weight, but the results don't feel cheap or poorly made. It features tight panel gaps, and all the interior pieces feel connected and solid. But certain glossy plastic accent pieces may not agree with everyone.

utility

3
Unfortunately, the Prime's biggest weakness lies in its cargo capacity. The larger battery pack required for EV running lives under the raised cargo floor, so you give up cargo volume. This design means increased liftover height and reach, too. Other than that, the car is easy to live with.

small-item storage

4
There's ample space for your odds and ends. The standard smartphone charging tray is large and functional, and it's handy even if you don't use it for charging. It has a deep center console that can swallow an SLR camera with a lens and door pockets that can hold medium-size water bottles.

cargo space

2
The large battery pack takes a big bite out of cargo capacity because it raises the floor considerably. Something as routine as a grocery bag will be too tall to fit under the security cover and will obstruct visibility through the rear window.

child safety seat accomodation

3
The lower LATCH points are easily accessed underneath a flap of seat fabric, while the top tethers are a little harder to get. The large rear door openings are convenient, but the low roofline toward the rear of the door may make accessing rear-facing seats harder.

technology

3
The large center screen may draw most of your attention, but you'll find it's not efficient at displaying pertinent information. Many of the icons and subpages are excessively large, and some of the data is repeated in the instrument panel. Too much data is split between the dash and center screen.

audio & navigation

3
The audio interface is fairly easy to use, and the JBL sound system is adequate. The touch panel volume adjuster is atrocious; use the steering controls instead. The navigation system is excessively restrictive about what you can do while in motion, and its fonts and graphic design are old.

smartphone integration

3
It has Bluetooth streaming audio, a cover art display, and a USB jack for iPhones and Android devices. But Toyota does not support the newer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces, preferring instead to use its own proprietary Entune system, which isn't nearly as intuitive.

driver aids

3.5
The Prime has effective blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert systems. It's also equipped with adaptive cruise control, but it turns off automatically as the car slows down past 23 mph with just two subtle beeps. Use it only for highway cruising.

voice control

3.5
The Prime's voice control system is slow, but ultimately it's easy to use if you take the time to let it learn your voice. Once you know what words and phrases to use for each function, it can be very accurate for navigation, entertainment and even climate settings.

Top consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime.

1 reviews
30 miles of pure EV
Byoung , 8/10/2018
The only difference between a 2017 and 2018 is that the infotainment screen sings a melody tone when you start the ignition. After owning a 2017 Prius Prime over 20k miles we traded in for a 2018 Prime just wanted a different color. PP never had one issue and the battery charged to 100% every time at home and at public charging stations. $35k minus $4.5k federal minus Colorado $5k rebate your looking at around $25k for a top of the line Prius. Sometimes on top of all tax incentives Toyota cash incentives can be upwards of $5k in northwest region in NY and NJ. Google Honda Clarity charging problems and you will see Honda is not quite there yet compared to Toyota. Get off the couch and go buy it already!
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Features & Specs

MSRP
$33,300
MPG
55 city / 53 hwy
Seats 4
Continuously variable-speed automatic
Hybrid
121 hp @ 5200 rpm
MSRP
$29,000
MPG
55 city / 53 hwy
Seats 4
Continuously variable-speed automatic
Hybrid
121 hp @ 5200 rpm
MSRP
$27,300
MPG
55 city / 53 hwy
Seats 4
Continuously variable-speed automatic
Hybrid
121 hp @ 5200 rpm
See all 2018 Toyota Prius Prime features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Prius Prime safety features:

Toyota Safety Sense
Bundles a variety of standard driver safety aids, including forward collision warning and mitigation.
Safety Connect
This subscription-based emergency assistance telematics system includes a variety of services.
Blind-Spot Monitoring
Alerts the driver if a car is in an adjacent lane when a turn signal is activated.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
  • Side Impact Test
    Good
  • Roof Strength Test
    Good
  • Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
    Good
  • IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
    Good
  • Moderate Overlap Front Test
    Good

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Imagine the new possible with the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime. And its cabin features a modern design throughout. And the customizable 4.2in color dual multi-information display lets you keep track of your cars vitals at a glance. The Prius Primes 60/40 split fold-down rear seats fold to maximize cargo space and versatility, with 19.8 cu. ft. of space. This cars plug-in hybrid vehicle system works to achieve a driving range of 64- miles and an EPA-estimated 133 MPGe, while EV, HV and EV Auto drive modes help maximize the batterys efficiency. The Prius Primes double-wishbone multi-link rear suspension also helps you master those tight corners with ease. Need to charge? No problem. The available charging cable lock gives you peace of mind when you charge at a public station, powered by your smart key. At home, the charging cable in included, and it takes less than 5 and a half hours to get a full charge. The Prius Prime is packed with cutting-edge technology, including remote climate control, app suite access, wireless charging, backup camera and a color head-up display. It also offers a suite of safety features, including intelligent clearance sonar with intelligent parking assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and more.
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More about the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime

The 2018 Toyota Prius Prime answers the age-old question: "What can I get if I want a Prius that plugs in?" The Prius Prime is the new name for the old Prius plug-in. And just like the car it replaces, the Prius Prime adds some electric range to one of the market's most popular hybrids. The Prime also has a much more appealing styling, with a bigger front grille and a unique front fascia.

The Prime's trim level structure is as simple as it comes, with three basic trim levels to choose from: Plus, Premium and Advanced. Plus, the base trim level, comes with a small amount of equipment, including a smaller touchscreen than the other models, manually operated seats and cloth upholstery. You'll want to opt for the Prius Prime Plus only if you're OK with its focus on efficiency rather than creature comforts.

The middle trim level, the Premium, adds equipment that is more amenable. Features for Premium include a power driver's seat, an 11.6-inch central touchscreen and upgraded multimedia system, premium synthetic leather (SofTex) upholstery, automatic headlights, keyless entry on three doors, satellite radio and wireless smartphone charging. If you're looking for all the optional safety features, move up to the Advanced. It comes with blind-spot monitoring and a smartphone app with remote charge management.

The Prius Prime doesn't have optional packages or equipment groups — just the three trim levels and whatever dealer-installed items you choose to purchase.

As for the driving experience, the Prius Prime is underwhelming. With economy as the mission, that's not exactly a surprise, but it's a drawback nonetheless. The steering and handling are subpar, and cargo space is limited because of the large battery pack that sits underneath the trunk. Passenger capacity is limited to four, while other plug-in rivals can seat five. But if you're drawn to the Prime for its robust electric range and high fuel economy ratings, those factors shouldn't be deal-breakers.

When you consider the Prius' already excellent fuel economy, the Prime is definitely a good deal. EPA fuel economy ratings are still above 50 mpg, even if you never plug it in, and depending on your commute, you could do your daily drive without ever using gasoline. This is an exceptionally tempting proposition if value is your top priority. Most of the Prime's competitors are significantly better to drive, and several have longer EV ranges, which all comes at a cost. Whether you go with the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime or one of its rivals, Edmunds can help you find the perfect plug-in hybrid that fits your needs.

2018 Toyota Prius Prime Overview

The 2018 Toyota Prius Prime is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include Advanced 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Premium 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT).

What do people think of the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Prius Prime 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Prius Prime.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Prius Prime featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall3.0 / 5.0

Driving

2.5 / 5.0

Acceleration2.0 / 5.0
Braking2.5 / 5.0
Steering2.5 / 5.0
Handling2.5 / 5.0
Drivability3.0 / 5.0

Comfort

4.0 / 5.0

Seat comfort4.0 / 5.0
Ride comfort3.0 / 5.0
Noise & vibration4.0 / 5.0
Climate control3.5 / 5.0

Interior

3.0 / 5.0

Ease of use2.5 / 5.0
Getting in/getting out4.0 / 5.0
Driving position3.0 / 5.0
Roominess4.0 / 5.0
Visibility3.0 / 5.0
Quality4.0 / 5.0

Utility

3.0 / 5.0

Small-item storage4.0 / 5.0
Cargo space2.0 / 5.0

Technology

3.0 / 5.0

Audio & navigation3.0 / 5.0
Smartphone integration3.0 / 5.0
Driver aids3.5 / 5.0
Voice control3.5 / 5.0
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.

What's a good price for a New 2018 Toyota Prius Prime?
2018 Toyota Prius Prime Advanced 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

The 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Advanced 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $34,752. The average price paid for a new 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Advanced 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $2,271 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $2,271 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$32,481.

The average savings for the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Advanced 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is6.5% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 28 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Advanced 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

The 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $30,447. The average price paid for a new 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $2,183 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $2,183 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$28,264.

The average savings for the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is7.2% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 32 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

Which 2018 Toyota Prius Primes are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Toyota Prius Prime for sale near. There are currently 115 new 2018 Prius Primes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $29,695 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $3,217 on a used or CPO 2018 Prius Prime available from a dealership near you.

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.

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