2024 Toyota Prius & Prius Prime Review

Toyota engineers focused on the overall driving experience. The result is a car that’s more fun to drive. It starts with enhanced battery performance, continues with increased horsepower and finishes off with smooth acceleration. 

This updated hybrid system creates 194 horsepower for fast take-offs and ample passing power. A front-wheel drive 2024 Prius can achieve the 0-60 mph sprint in 7.2 seconds.

If you choose the all-wheel drive Prius, the total horsepower output slides up to 196 horses. This helps reduce the sprint time to 7 seconds. A rear-mounted electric motor gives it all-weather traction without sacrificing fuel economy.

The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is even more impressive. This new plug in hybrid powertrain can make the 60 mph sprint in 6.6 seconds. Combined output is 220 horsepower with 152 lb-ft of torque.

Forbes has cited the continued popularity of these models as a result of Toyota's leadership in hybrid technology. Sales reports show hybrids surging in popularity with car shoppers. Meanwhile, Top Speed has praised the Prius Prime for its cool new looks as well as its affordability and electric driving range.

The 2024 Toyota Prius offers best-in-class fuel efficiency. Standard front-wheel drive models achieve 57 mpg combined efficiency. That’s a Prius-best number, and it’s better than any rival hybrid in the 2024 marketplace. According to recent EPA estimates, a 2024 Prius LE earns 57 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway.

Amazingly, the available all-wheel drive Prius does almost as well. The e-AWD Prius earns an estimated 54 mpg combined. EPA estimates show 53 mpg city and 54 mpg highway.

Prius XLE or Limited trim levels earn slightly less, but the numbers are still excellent. Higher FWD trims are rated at 52 mpg city and 52 mpg highway. AWD higher trims are rated at 49 mpg city and 50 mpg highway.

All 2024 Toyota Prius models have an Eco mode to allow the driver to save energy and an EV mode to utilize electric-only power for short distances. A brake hold mode helps reduce fuel waste at redlights. Regenerative braking recaptures energy again and again.

To compare efficiency, we utilized the fuel economy calculator offered by the US Department of Energy. This calculator indicates that the FWD Prius LE saves $5,250 over five years. The AWD Prius LE saves $5,000. Higher trims save $4,500 or $4,750, varying with all-wheel or front-wheel drive.

These numbers are based on 15,000 miles per year of 55 percent city driving and 45 percent highway driving. The calculator shows that at current prices, it costs only $1.67 to drive the FWD Prius LE for 25 miles.

A 2024 MINI Cooper would need $4.10 for that same 25 miles. An owner could expect to spend an extra $2,000 over five years. That’s a spread of $7,000 difference between the Prius and that particular car. It’s just an example of the way this hybrid car lets the owner save big money over time.

The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime offers best-in-class electric driving range for plug in hybrids. With a few hours of home charging, the Prime covers an amazing 45 miles on one charge before it needs its gas engine. That’s better than any other plug in hybrid today.

Then, in another best-in-class move, these hybrid electric vehicles can earn 52 mpg in combined driving. Most plug in hybrids today can’t claim anything near that figure.

As for miles-per-gallon-equivalent ratings, the EPA estimates that the new Prius Prime can claim 127 mpg in combined driving. According to the plug in hybrid fuel calculator, the Prius Prime saves $6,750 over five years.

A newly sculpted exterior wears an impressive front grille and LED headlights. Its distinctive silhouette gives it real curb appeal. 

A lower stance helps it achieve a 0.27 coefficient of drag. Front grille shutters control air inflow to assist with cooling and aerodynamics. Underbody panels reduce drag even more.

For its hybrid system, every Prius utilizes an inline four-cylinder gas engine, a planetary-type variable transmission (CVT), and two motor-generators. A compact drive motor is a high-output, low-loss unit connected to the transaxle.

To manage drivability, the transaxle motor utilizes six magnet and electromagnetic steel plates. To keep the lithium-ion battery charged, the Prius utilizes two electric motors. These work in concert with the hydraulic braking system to recover electric energy whenever possible.

2024 Toyota Prius LE base models offer an array of impressive tech features and a touch of luxury with items like the SofTex leather steering wheel. The heart of the cockpit is Toyota's 8-inch touchscreen, delivering advanced connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Moreover, this system boasts Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM connectivity, and optional WiFi Connect. An electronic parking brake is a smart touch that streamlines the interior while enhancing ergonomics.

The Prius XLE introduces some upscale features, including SofTex faux leather and power-heated front seats. The driver enjoys an 8-way power-adjustable seat and the convenience of a wireless charger.

Owners will appreciate the Smart Key for effortless entry and quick locking, along with rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and HomeLink integration. Additionally, there are more conveniences like direct light illumination and two additional cupholders in the rear seats.

The Prius Limited adds a 12.3-inch touchscreen system. Owners can opt for cloud navigation or take advantage of live-agent destination assist. The "Hey Toyota" intelligent assistant is part of Connected Service Drive Connect.

For cold weather, the 2024 Toyota Prius Limited comes equipped with heated front seats, available heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. It also features a power rear door for added utility.

Prius Prime models are equally well-appointed. Shoppers can choose leather upholstery, a wireless charger, and other top amenities. 

With Remote Connect, you can remotely lock and unlock your vehicle via an app. It also allows you to perform functions like turning on headlights and air conditioning the cabin on a hot summer day. Your smartphone acts as a Digital Key, adding yet another layer of convenience to the extensive list of available systems and features.

A forward pre-collision system provides a warning and an autobrake, monitoring vehicles and pedestrians. 

To prevent side-swipe incidents, the Prius offers a blind spot monitor, a lane departure warning and lane assist. You can opt for extra features like a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive headlights.

The rearview camera comes with a companion, a rear cross traffic alert that minimizes the chances of reversing into oncoming side traffic. Prius XLE models have an autobrake system that responds to front or rear hazards during slow maneuvers. 

In contrast to many other brands, adaptive cruise control is a standard feature. This full-speed system utilizes dynamic radar for pinpoint accuracy. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control coordinates with a lane tracing assist for maintaining lane discipline.

The road sign assist is a clever feature that can influence cruise control based on changes in the speed limit. This year, it recognizes even more signs, including certain markings at intersections.

Proactive Driving Assist helps maintain safe following distances, anticipate curves, and identify cyclists. Another innovative feature is emergency driving stop, which intervenes if it detects that the driver isn’t capable of operating the vehicle.

For Prius Limited models, there's the option to add a hands-free Advanced Parking System, simplifying parallel or perpendicular parking.

Better than ever, the Prius covers the best aspects of ownership. There’s more room for passengers, more room for cargo, more horsepower for driving fun, and more technology. The use of premium materials completes the package.

To truly appreciate how the Prius and Prius Prime cater to today's busy drivers, we invite you to schedule a test drive and experience their cutting-edge features for yourself.