Toyota Prius or Prius Prime: Which is Best for You?

If you’re in the market for a hybrid vehicle, there really aren’t many better than the Toyota Prius. Its name is widely known as one of the best on the market. But in 2017, Toyota released the Prius Prime, offering plug-in capability. Yup, that’s right. America’s #1 name for hybrid is now even better with the added capability to get up to 133 mpg with the Prius Prime. OK, yes, in 2012 Toyota released a plug-in Prius, so this isn’t the brand’s first foray into the plug-in world.

But both the 2017 Prius and the 2017 Prius Prime have much to offer. Of course, when most consumers hear the word Prius, the first thing they think of is exceptional mileage, but what should come to mind is seriously updated style.

Mileage

All of the Prius models get you 50+ miles a gallon, which with gas prices going up and down, offers you more time away from the pump and more time to do what you want to do. With the Prime, you get a combined average of 54 mpg city/highway. And of course, as mentioned, 133 mpg when using the electric option.

So obviously with its extended EV range, the Prime model is top notch. It also offers the option to put it in “Recharge” mode, which will charge the battery as you are driving. However, the Prius model still offers similar capabilities, similar drive trains, and can probably get close to the gas mileage of the Prime.

Style

With the 2017 models, Toyota has totally flipped the script when it comes to the look. These Prius models are sleeker, more aerodynamic, and truly attractive cars. With the Prius you have seven trim options, ranging from the ‘One’ to the ‘Four Touring.’ You’ll notice fewer options with the Prime. You get the ‘Plus,’ ‘Premium,’ and ‘Advanced.’ The Prime’s got an 11.6-inch touch screen display (in the Premium and Advanced models only), but the Prius has two 4.2-inch displays, which Toyota claims were designed to prevent eye redirection.

The higher end models come with Advanced Safety Technology as a standard option, which is great if you have the extra cash. That gets you lane departure warning and automatic braking, just for starters.

The big difference? Size and seating options. The Prius can seat up to 5 people and provide 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space, where the Prime only seats 4 and has 19.8 cubic feet of cargo room. That’s a huge difference. The Prius is the best option here.

The Choice is Easy

Really, when looking at these Prius models side-by-side, the choice comes down to whether you’re looking for longer range or extra space. Whether you opt for a Prius model to accommodate your growing family, or to take a road trip across the country, you can rest easy knowing that you have the dependability of Toyota on your side. There is a reason that there are still original models of the Prius on the roads. In the end, go with what your gut tells you is right - either way, you’ll be more than happy to be a part of the Prius family.