2021 Toyota Prius Prime
MSRP range: $28,200 - $34,000 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2021 Toyota Prius Prime





+80
average
7.2/10
Edmunds Rating
The Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid is comfortable and easy to drive, just like the regular Prius. And if you can regularly recharge the battery, it's easy to take advantage of the car's 25 miles of all-electric range. The Prime's larger battery reduces cargo capacity somewhat, and "fun!" is not an adjective in the car's vocabulary, but otherwise it's good where it matters.
Total MSRP | $29,225 |
---|---|
Edmunds suggests you pay | $28,352 |
What Should I Pay
2021 Toyota Prius Prime Review

byChristian Wardlaw
Correspondent
Christian Wardlaw is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Outstanding fuel economy, with 25 miles of electric-only range
- Comfortable front seats
- Priced lower than most other plug-ins
Cons
- Slow acceleration and noisy engine
- Smaller cargo area compared to the regular Prius
- Ride can get unsettled on bumpy roads
What's new
- Enhanced capability of some advanced driver aids
- Base LE model now includes Android Auto connectivity
- Part of the fourth Prius generation introduced for 2016
Caution is a prudent approach to life, and sometimes it is better to dip your toes into the pool rather than to dive right in. If you've been thinking of giving an electric vehicle a try, a plug-in hybrid is a good way to find out if EV ownership could work for you. And the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime is one way to sample EV living without committing to it completely — or spending a bunch of money.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded and $0.15 per kWh for electricity in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$58/mo
Prius Prime XLE
vs
$182/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Distanced from the more popular Prius hybrid, the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid wears unique styling details but uses the same five-door hatchback body style that's characterized Toyota's fuel-sipper for nearly 20 years. The two cars share interiors and equipment, though only the standard Prius offers an electronic all-wheel-drive system as an upgrade from front-wheel drive.
The primary difference between a Prius and a Prius Prime is the powertrain. With the Prime, you get an estimated 25 miles of electric driving range at speeds up to 84 mph. This is good for shorter commutes and running errands near home, and, according to Toyota, you can easily recharge the battery in 5.5 hours using a standard household outlet. If you're out driving and the Prime uses all of its electric range, it automatically switches to gas-electric hybrid operation just like a standard Prius.
If you're wondering if you can live with an electric car, a Prius Prime is a good way to find out. But it's not the only affordable plug-in hybrid, and you might find some of the alternatives more appealing. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth take on the 2021 Prius Prime.
Edmunds Expert Rating
average
7.2/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid is comfortable and easy to drive, just like the regular Prius. And if you can regularly recharge the battery, it's easy to take advantage of the car's 25 miles of all-electric range. The Prime's larger battery reduces cargo capacity somewhat, and "fun!" is not an adjective in the car's vocabulary, but otherwise it's good where it matters.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Performance
6.5/10
How does the Prius Prime drive? You're not buying a Prius Prime for its performance. In Edmunds' testing, our Prius Prime Limited test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 10.8 seconds, which is slow no matter how you look at it. Merging onto the highway or passing at higher speeds takes quite a bit of time, throttle and determination. We also tested its emergency braking performance. It stopped from 60 mph in 128 feet, which is slightly below average for a vehicle of this type. The Prime is also pretty tepid when it comes to agility and handling precision.
On the upside, the Prime has an easy-driving nature and smoothly transitions from EV mode to hybrid gasoline-engine power. And should you do most of your driving in EV mode, you'll find there's adequate acceleration for city traffic.
On the upside, the Prime has an easy-driving nature and smoothly transitions from EV mode to hybrid gasoline-engine power. And should you do most of your driving in EV mode, you'll find there's adequate acceleration for city traffic.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Prius Prime? The front seats are softly padded and should be comfortable for the long haul. Taller drivers, or those with long legs, might find the seat bottoms to be a few inches too short. The cabin is generally quiet unless you floor the gas pedal, at which point the underpowered engine gets rather raucous.
Another downside is the Prius' ride quality over broken pavement and concrete expansion joints. The impacts from these types of bumps can make the car feel jittery. Since the car is so quiet, this road noise is more noticeable than it would otherwise be in a non-hybrid. The climate control works well and has clever touches such as the ability to isolate the system in favor of the driver to aid in fuel efficiency.
Another downside is the Prius' ride quality over broken pavement and concrete expansion joints. The impacts from these types of bumps can make the car feel jittery. Since the car is so quiet, this road noise is more noticeable than it would otherwise be in a non-hybrid. The climate control works well and has clever touches such as the ability to isolate the system in favor of the driver to aid in fuel efficiency.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $1,052 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.
2021 Toyota Prius Prime pricing
in Ashburn, VA
LE
1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT
Edmunds suggests you pay
$28,352

XLE
1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT
Edmunds suggests you pay
$30,097

Limited
1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT
Edmunds suggests you pay
$33,973
Was this pricing information helpful?
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The Prius is a fundamentally easy car to get into and drive. Aside from the puzzling shifter design, all other controls are immediately familiar. The driver's seat has a wide range of adjustability, but taller drivers will likely want a bit more range of adjustment from the steering wheel. Space up front is expansive. Tall rear passengers will feel a little more cramped because of the Prius' sloping roofline.
Visibility is a mixed bag. Forward visibility is excellent, but the view over your shoulder is hampered by the thick roof pillars. Some drivers might also not like the view out back because of the split rear window design. The instrument cluster is also quirky because it's mounted in the center of the dash rather than being right in front of you.
Visibility is a mixed bag. Forward visibility is excellent, but the view over your shoulder is hampered by the thick roof pillars. Some drivers might also not like the view out back because of the split rear window design. The instrument cluster is also quirky because it's mounted in the center of the dash rather than being right in front of you.
Technology
6.5/10
How’s the tech? Our test Prius Prime had the upgraded 11.6-inch touchscreen display, which is a lot of screen real estate for a car in this price range. Unfortunately, it suffers from cluttered virtual buttons, unsophisticated graphics and clumsy menus — you'll be fine sticking with the base 7-inch screen. The native voice control system is unintuitive to use too.
On the upside, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, and sound quality from the upgraded JBL audio system is better than average. The Prime comes standard with a full suite of advanced driving aids too. Most of them work well, but the adaptive cruise control is very conservative. It's both slow to accelerate and quick to brake for other vehicles.
On the upside, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, and sound quality from the upgraded JBL audio system is better than average. The Prime comes standard with a full suite of advanced driving aids too. Most of them work well, but the adaptive cruise control is very conservative. It's both slow to accelerate and quick to brake for other vehicles.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The Prius Prime's cargo area is compromised due to the larger battery pack, which raises the floor and makes its 19.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats merely adequate. You can always fold the rear seats down if you need more cargo area; just be aware that the load floor isn't flat like it is in a standard Prius. Inside, there's enough in-cabin storage for the daily odds and ends. If you tend to fill your cupholders with personal items, you'll appreciate the large door pockets, which can double as water bottle holders.
Child safety seats are fairly easy to load in and out of the Prius Prime. LATCH points are easy to find, but the low rear roofline means you might have to stoop quite a bit to get seats and infants in and out.
Child safety seats are fairly easy to load in and out of the Prius Prime. LATCH points are easy to find, but the low rear roofline means you might have to stoop quite a bit to get seats and infants in and out.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Prius is known for its frugality, and the Prime adds the ability to travel an estimated 25 miles on electric power alone. After the battery runs out, you can expect to get 54 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We took our Prius Prime on our standardized evaluation route and traveled 27 miles on electric power and then averaged 63.3 mpg over the remaining miles on the gasoline engine. Both results indicate that the EPA estimates are easily attainable.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Prius Prime a good value? Our Limited trim test car stickered for around $35,000 and came with the larger touchscreen, a head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield), the upgraded audio system and a few additional driver aids. Overall, we think you get an appropriate number of features for your money.
Even though the Prius' interior feels well built, some cabin materials are a little too plasticky for its price. We're not particularly fond of the shiny plastic trim either — it tends to collect dirt, scuffs and fingerprints. As for warranties, Toyota gives you its regular coverage, which includes eight years/100,000 miles for the hybrid components. You also get Toyota's two free years of scheduled maintenance, and as a Prime owner, you get roadside assistance for three years.
Even though the Prius' interior feels well built, some cabin materials are a little too plasticky for its price. We're not particularly fond of the shiny plastic trim either — it tends to collect dirt, scuffs and fingerprints. As for warranties, Toyota gives you its regular coverage, which includes eight years/100,000 miles for the hybrid components. You also get Toyota's two free years of scheduled maintenance, and as a Prime owner, you get roadside assistance for three years.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The Prius is not fun to drive, and it's doesn't feel particularly upscale. But it's easy to drive, practical, comfortable in the daily commute, and of course highly fuel-efficient. The Prius has become an icon representing an eco-conscious lifestyle and has defined what you should expect from a fuel-efficient car.
Should you find fuel economy data entertaining and want to turn the Prius into a first-person driving game to see if you can beat your driving efficiency score, you're likely to find the Prius Prime endlessly entertaining.
Should you find fuel economy data entertaining and want to turn the Prius into a first-person driving game to see if you can beat your driving efficiency score, you're likely to find the Prius Prime endlessly entertaining.
Which Prius Prime does Edmunds recommend?
Within the Prius Prime lineup, we recommend the XLE trim level. For a modest bump in price over the base LE trim, the XLE installs synthetic leather seats, an upgraded infotainment system with an 11.6-inch display, and a navigation system. It also offers longer free trial periods to connected services and a driving coach that learns your habits and recommends ways to improve efficiency.
Toyota Prius Prime models
Toyota sells the Prius Prime in three trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited. Each version shares the same body style and powertrain, differing only in equipment. A 1.8-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine pairs with a plug-in hybrid system to make a total of 121 horsepower, but the electric drive motor supplies immediate torque to make the car feel lively as you accelerate from a stop.
LE
Highlights of the Prius Prime LE include:
- 15-inch alloy wheels with wheel covers
- LED headlights and taillights
- Heated outside mirrors
- Automatic climate control
- Cloth seats
- Heated front seats
- Hands-free keyless entry for the driver's door
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Amazon Alexa compatibility
- Satellite radio
- Toyota Connected Services (with free trial plan)
- Charging cable for a 120-volt power outlet
Every Prius Prime also comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This package of safety technology includes:
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Prius Prime and the car in front)
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
- Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
XLE
The Prius Prime XLE trim level adds several upgrades, such as:
- Automatic-on headlights
- Synthetic leather seats
- Hands-free keyless entry for all four doors
- 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display
- Navigation system
- Voice recognition technology
- Wireless smartphone charger
- Predictive Efficient Drive (driving coach to improve efficiency)
- Charging cable lock
Limited
Choose the Prius Prime Limited for all of the extras, including:
- Foglights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Heated steering wheel
- 10-speaker premium sound system
- Head-up display
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
- Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
- Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

2024 Toyota Tacoma Patent Images Leak Onto the Internet

The Best Car I Drove in 2022: Toyota GR Corolla

Tested: 2023 Toyota Prius Is No Longer a Snooze

First Drive: 2023 Toyota Prius Puts a Priority on Style, But at What Cost?
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime.
5 star reviews: 63%
4 star reviews: 21%
3 star reviews: 3%
2 star reviews: 5%
1 star reviews: 8%
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4/5 stars, Snazzy looking! Some pluses and some minuses
Bill Albany, NY,
LE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Great looking car. Ran wonderfully in EV mode when I left the dealer. Range was about 30 miles. Pretty good. I have yet to get the EV mode fully charged since then. 3 weeks in my MPG is about 48.5 mpg. Looking for Santa to buy me a Level 2 110 charger. Should be able to charge the car overnight every night.
For Toyota engineers, some recommendations: The LE info display is less … distracting than on the other models, but c'mon -- it's positioned too far below the windshield and to far from the driver for safe driving. Real buttons are also safer than touch screens, too. I'm very concerned. Would like to see that ergonomically safety engineered so that it takes less attention away from the business of driving! Also, the location of other buttons and utilities in the interior are awkward to find when driving, and worse at night. The USB location is really dumb and hard to find in daylight, even harder at night!
Blind spot visibility is better than on the RAV-4 but still not great, and the side mirrors must double duty to compensate for the small range of view out the rear windshield.
Also, NO REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER? In a snow storm last week, the lack of a rear wiper was a bother, and the rear window heater couldn't melt the snow -- it kept shutting off every 4 minutes, too! This is the first Toyota I've had in 20 years without a rear wiper! WTx?
Under gas, the gearing seems inconsistent. Not sure I've figured out why. I'll pay more attention and see if the service folks can fix something.
Finally, the voice command system is slightly better than the system on the 2017 RAV-4s, but very flawed compared to what I had on my 2014 Prius. Is Toyota's voice recognition technology falling behind what it was six years ago? How could that be?
Another drawback is the Prime's shrunken cargo capacity. I understand the room needed for the EV battery, and accept the compromise. But it does limit the utility of the vehicle. If the model had a sun roof, however, then at least I could feel a bit less claustrophobic, and maybe even bring back taller items from my landscape supply store occasionally.
Finally, the car swings wide when parking! Oy! Have some sort of warning when the fenders are getting near an obstruction. I was very surprised at the space needed to safely parallel park or to pull out of head-in parking spaces when there were other cars or obstructions alongside. Check out the Volvo and Nissan surround vision and alert system. If Nissan can have it, why not Toyota?
Recommendations: For future models --engineer the interior so knobs and switches and displays are located closer to the driver and in safer, less distracting locations. Also, add a rear wiper, a better read defroster, and better warning systems of what's at risk of damaging the car's side and front and rear fenders and of what's in the blind spots
5/5 stars, Great Car for the Money
Great Car for the MOney,
Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
WE mouth the Limited version in order to get the advanced screen and electronics. With the $2,000 credit and the $4,500 federal tax credit, the price of this car dropped to $25,000. The plug in works easily and gives a good 26 miles on electric only power. The range with the hybrid is wonderful. The interior is clean in design and comfortable. The screen takes a little getting use … to, but once you learn it, it's great. It may not be as exciting to drive as a Tesla, but for less half the price of a Model 3, you get a great and environmentally responsible vehicle. The only little niggle is that you can't adjust the heads up screen right or left, only up or down. Also, they should add auto park assist instead of just vehicle warning. A little better color selection would be nice, but we are happy with the Silver.
5/5 stars, Highly recommended
Dave in Florida,
XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Bought this car because I wanted something that reduced my gasoline consumption substantially, but wasn't ready to go all-electric. Suits my setup very well. I charge overnight in the driveway on a regular plug (schedule easily with the in-car timer), then drive to and from my office, a total of 21 miles round trip. When the car first arrived, it would indicate 22 miles of electric … range. Now a few weeks later it's up to 28.5 miles. Running in electric mode is far quieter than in a normal car - you can hear the radio, the other cars going by and that's it. So far I've traveled 500 miles and used 1.3 gallons of gas. So the odometer says I'm averaging 390 mpg, something like that. With the federal income tax rebate of $4,500 it's the easiest decision ever to purchase this car, compared to a non-plug Prius or any other vehicle. The big screen GPS and infotainment system is fun and there are lots of ways to 'gameify' your commute. Trunk is a bit small due to extra space needed for larger battery, that's the only drawback I've found so far.
5/5 stars, 101 mpg over 12000 miles.
SuperHerm,
Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
The greatest hybrid ever built is even better for 2020. Don't bother with a Tesla. You can go to Niagara Falls, Massachusetts and Washington from New Jersey and you won't need a 2 to 3 hour break to charge (assuming others haven't beat you to the charger).
Helpful shopping links
Features & Specs
- Pricing
- Total MSRP: $29,225
- Federal EV Tax Credit: Not available Based on income
- MPG & Fuel
- Electric + Gas (Combined City & Hwy): 133 MPGe
- Gas Only (Combined City & Hwy): 54 MPG
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.4 gal. capacity
- EPA Battery & Range
- Time To Charge Battery (At 240V)This can be tough to pin down, but we assume for simplicity that the 240V power source will enable the vehicle's onboard charger to operate at full capacity, and that the battery is fully depleted and will be recharged to 100%. Given those assumptions, the value provided is simply the battery's capacity divided by the onboard charger's power rating. For example, a battery rated at 100 kWh will need 12.5 hours to recharge fully using an 8.0-kW charger.: 2.0 hr.
- EPA Electricity RangeThis value is the estimated number of miles that a vehicle can travel in combined city and highway driving (using a mix of 55% highway and 45% city driving) before needing to be recharged, according to the EPA's testing methodology.: 25 mi.
- Gas Range in Miles (Cty/Hwy): 627.0/604.2 mi.
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 121 hp @ 5,200 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 182.9 in. / Height: 57.9 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 69.3 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,365 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 19.8 cu.ft.

Check a dealer's price
Bring back a dealer's quote, and we'll tell you if it's a good price!
Check your price quote
Price:
$ -
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Prius Prime safety features:
- Toyota Safety Sense
- Bundles a variety of standard driver safety aids, including forward collision mitigation.
- Safety Connect
- This subscription-based emergency assistance telematics system includes a variety of services.
- Blind-Spot Monitor
- Alerts the driver if a car is in an adjacent lane when a turn signal is activated.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
---|---|
Overall | 4 / 5 |
Driver | 4 / 5 |
Passenger | 5 / 5 |
Side Crash Rating | Rating |
Overall | 5 / 5 |
Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
Overall | 5 / 5 |
Driver | 5 / 5 |
Passenger | 5 / 5 |
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
Rollover | Rating |
Rollover | 4 / 5 |
Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
Risk Of Rollover | 10.7% |
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 | Not Tested |
Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Toyota Prius Prime vs. the competition

2021 Toyota Prius Prime

2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid
Toyota Prius Prime vs. Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid
The Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid has a lot going for it. It has more electric driving range and more cargo space, and it comes with complimentary scheduled maintenance and connected services plans for a full three years. Plus, it offers more generous warranty and roadside assistance plans, though Toyota does promise 150,000 miles of battery performance compared to Hyundai's 100,000-mile warranty.
Toyota Prius Prime vs. Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
If you prefer more conventional styling, the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid is a great alternative to the Toyota Prius Prime. Cargo space and electric driving range are comparable between the two, but the Prius Prime is more efficient when used as a hybrid. Kia offers a superior standard warranty, but it can't match the Toyota’s high-mileage battery warranty. Choosing between the two boils down to styling, comfort and equipment preferences.
Toyota Prius Prime vs. Subaru Crosstrek
Did you know Subaru offers a plug-in hybrid version of the popular Crosstrek? Many people don't. And here's another fun fact: It uses the Prius Prime's plug-in components. The marriage between a Subaru inline four-cylinder engine and Toyota electrification results in a paltry 17 miles of range, and when driven as a hybrid the Crosstrek delivers just 35 mpg. But with standard all-wheel drive, plenty of ground clearance and rugged SUV looks, the Crosstrek Hybrid might be worth its numerous trade-offs, including compromised cargo space.
FAQ
Is the Toyota Prius Prime a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Prius Prime both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.2 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Prius Prime has 19.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Prius Prime. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime:
- Enhanced capability of some advanced driver aids
- Base LE model now includes Android Auto connectivity
- Part of the fourth Prius generation introduced for 2016
Is the Toyota Prius Prime reliable?
To determine whether the Toyota Prius Prime is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Prius Prime. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Prius Prime's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Prius Prime and gave it a 7.2 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Prius Prime is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?
The least-expensive 2021 Toyota Prius Prime is the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime LE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $28,200.
Other versions include:
- LE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) which starts at $28,200
- XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) which starts at $30,000
- Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) which starts at $34,000
What are the different models of Toyota Prius Prime?
If you're interested in the Toyota Prius Prime, the next question is, which Prius Prime model is right for you? Prius Prime variants include LE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT), XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT), and Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT). For a full list of Prius Prime models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
More about the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime
2021 Toyota Prius Prime Overview
The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime is offered in the following submodels: Prius Prime Hatchback. Available styles include XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT), LE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT), and Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT). Toyota Prius Prime models are available with a 1.8 L-liter plug-in hybrid engine, with output up to 121 hp, depending on engine type. The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.
What do people think of the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2021 Prius Prime 4.3 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 2021 Prius Prime.
Pros
- Outstanding fuel economy, with 25 miles of electric-only range
- Comfortable front seats
- Priced lower than most other plug-ins
Cons
- Slow acceleration and noisy engine
- Smaller cargo area compared to the regular Prius
- Ride can get unsettled on bumpy roads
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 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.
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 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?
2021 Toyota Prius Prime LE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT)
The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime LE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $29,225. The average price paid for a new 2021 Toyota Prius Prime LE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) is trending $873 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $873 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $28,352.
The average savings for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime LE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) is 3% below the MSRP.
2021 Toyota Prius Prime XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT)
The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $31,025. The average price paid for a new 2021 Toyota Prius Prime XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) is trending $928 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $928 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $30,097.
The average savings for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) is 3% below the MSRP.
2021 Toyota Prius Prime Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT)
The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $35,025. The average price paid for a new 2021 Toyota Prius Prime Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) is trending $1,052 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,052 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $33,973.
The average savings for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) is 3% below the MSRP.
Which 2021 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) 2021 Toyota Prius Prime for sale near. 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 AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime.
Can't find a new 2021 Toyota Prius Primes you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Toyota for sale.
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.
What is the MPG of a 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?
2021 Toyota Prius Prime XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded
54 MPG compined MPG,
55 city MPG/53 highway MPG
2021 Toyota Prius Prime LE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded
54 MPG compined MPG,
55 city MPG/53 highway MPG
2021 Toyota Prius Prime Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded
54 MPG compined MPG,
55 city MPG/53 highway MPG
EPA Est. MPG | 54 |
Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
Drive Train | front wheel drive |
Displacement | 1.8 L |
Passenger Volume | 111.3 cu.ft. |
Wheelbase | 106.3 in. |
Length | 182.9 in. |
Width | N/A |
Height | 57.9 in. |
Curb Weight | 3375 lbs. |
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Toyota Prius Prime?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Toyota lease specials
Related 2021 Toyota Prius Prime info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Volkswagen Golf 2004
- Used Subaru Legacy 2004
- Used Maserati Quattroporte 2019
- Used Bentley Continental 2004
- Used Audi A8 2016
- Used HUMMER H2 2008
- Used Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2007
- Used Jeep Patriot 2007
- Used Dodge Durango 1998
- Used Honda Clarity
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2021 Nissan GT-R
- 2023 Chrysler Pacifica
- 2023 Sonata
- 2023 Enclave
- 2023 Tucson
- 2023 GMC Yukon
- BMW 3 Series 2023
- 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost
- 2023 Lucid Air News
- 2023 Jeep Compass
Vehicle rankings by type
Other models to consider
- 2023 Tundra
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2022
- Toyota RAV4 2023
- 2023 Toyota Prius
- Toyota Camry 2023
- 2023 Toyota Tacoma
- 2023 Corolla
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2023
- 2023 4Runner
- 2023 Toyota Venza
Research Similar Vehicles
- Acura Integra 2023
- 2023 Polestar 2
- Ford Mustang Mach-E 2023
- Chevrolet Bolt EV 2023
- Nissan Kicks 2023
- 2023 3
- 2023 Civic
- Subaru Impreza 2023
- Nissan LEAF 2023
- Honda Civic 2022