In the 2024 Prius Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV), Toyota has changed the narrative of what a fuel-efficient hybrid car can be. The Prius Prime’s sleek exterior can almost be described as exotic, which certainly could never be said about earlier generations of the Prius. Even better, Toyota has given the Prime a more powerful engine, larger batteries, and a greater all-electric range, making it the most efficient Prius to date.
The Prius Prime is a reasonably affordable plug-in hybrid, with a base price starting just shy of the $35,000 mark. However, the non-plug-in Prius hybrid (reviewed separately) has a lower price and better fuel economy when running solely on gas, minus the ability to run exclusively on electric power for any great distance.
Besides the Kia Niro PHEV and larger Kia Sportage and Ford Escape PHEVs, there’s no direct competition for the Prius Prime. So, let’s take a closer look at the Prius Prime SE, XSE, and XSE Premium and see which trim works best.
What’s New:
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime PHEV carries over from 2023 with no significant changes.
Our Recommendation:
The Prius Prime XSE seems to have all the right features at a fair price, with a few optional upgrades allowing for greater customization. However, if a good stereo is a priority, only the XSE Premium offers the JBL audio system.
These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) and include the $1,095 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge). Prices are current at the time of publishing.
Prius Prime SE
Starts at $34,070 | See listings
- 44-mile all-electric range
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- Heated steering wheel
- Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- Blind-spot monitor
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Smart Key keyless entry
- 17-inch wheels
- Available front and rear parking assist
- See more
Prius Prime XSE
Starts at $37,320 | See listings
- 39-mile all-electric range
- 19-inch wheels
- 8-way power driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- SofTex upholstery
- Wireless charging pad
- Automatic headlights
- Front and rear park assist with automatic braking
- See more
Prius Prime XSE Premium
Starts at $40,765 | See listings
- JBL audio
- Fixed glass roof
- Digital Key
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Power hatchback door
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Available heated rear seats
- Available Advanced Park parking assistant
- See more
2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE: $34,070
The SE is the most efficient of the three trims, with an estimated all-electric range of 44 miles. (The XSE and XSE Premium can only travel up to 39 miles.) It’s still super efficient when running on gas; it gets 52 combined after depleting the hybrid battery.
The SE trim comes in just under $35,000, placing it in the range of most new car shoppers. Although this is the entry-level trim, we think buyers who are uninterested in lots of bells and whistles will feel right at home.
The SE standard equipment roster begins with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) suite of driver-assist systems. It includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-change assist, front cross-traffic detection, road sign detection, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Additional safety systems include a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, rear seat reminder, Safe Exit Assist (warns when it’s not safe to open the door due to traffic or bicyclists approaching from behind), and Traffic Jam Assist, which can steer and brake the Prius Prime in stop-and-go situations with limited driver interaction.
The Prius Prime SE features eight airbags, including rear seat side-impact airbags.
A quick walk around the SE reveals bi-LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated power side mirrors, and active grille shutters. The Smart Key keyless entry system allows one-touch driver’s door unlocking and push-button start activation without having the key fob in hand.
The SE interior features cloth upholstery, manual front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a heated tilt/telescoping steering wheel, single-zone climate control, and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster.
An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment setup includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a rearview monitor, and access to Toyota connected services.
A 6-speaker audio system comes standard, as do six USB-C charge ports, extendable sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, and a rear cargo cover.
Optional on the SE is front and rear park assist with automatic braking for a whopping $35.
Some dealer-installed accessories include an integrated dashcam, paint protection film, a roadside emergency kit, a first-aid kit, and all-weather floor liners.
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE monthly payment starts at $643. See 2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE models for sale near you
2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE includes:
TSS 3.0 – Toyota’s complete package of safety and driver aids includes several systems that are optional for some competitors.
Heated steering wheel – Another high-end feature rarely available, let alone standard, on a base model.
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – The SE’s wireless connectivity feature lets you stream directly from your phone without having to plug in.
2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE: $37,320
The Prius Prime XSE adds a few thousand dollars to the bottom line, but in return, you get a few more creature comforts that most buyers won’t do without. It’s less efficient than the SE trim, but according to EPA estimates, the difference in fuel costs is less than $10 monthly. It gets a 39-mile all-electric range and 48 combined mpg with a depleted hybrid battery.
Picking up where the SE leaves off, the XSE adds an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, SofTex simulated leather upholstery, auto on/off headlights, 19-inch wheels, heated front seats, and the Smart Key entry system operational on all four doors.
The XSE gains a folding rear seat armrest with cup holders, a wireless charging pad, an auto-dimming interior mirror, and front and rear park assist with automatic braking.
Options for the XSE include Digital Key ($275), an app that turns your phone into a key with the ability to share with other phones so friends and family can drive your Prius Prime. Other options include a fixed glass roof ($1,000) and an upgraded 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen ($610).
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE monthly payment starts at $704. See 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE models for sale near you
2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE includes:
8-way power driver’s seat – The XSE’s power driver seat provides greater range and includes power lumbar support for better lower back support.
Wireless charging pad – A quick and easy way to keep your phone charged without plugging in.
Front and rear park assist with braking – Front and rear bumper sensors warn the driver when getting too close to a stationary object and can activate the brakes to prevent a collision.
2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium: $40,765
The XSE Premium is the most luxurious 2024 Prius Prime. It features all the XSE features plus a fixed glass roof, a power hatchback, driver’s seat memory, and heated and ventilated front seats.
The Premium comes standard with Digital Key, the 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, and an 8-speaker JBL audio system with an amplifier.
Premium buyers can upgrade their cars with a digital rearview camera mirror ($200), heated rear seats ($350), and a solar-charging roof ($610). An Advanced Technology Package ($1,085) adds a 360-degree camera and an Advanced Park self-parking assistant. However, you must add the digital mirror and heated rear seats to unlock this option package.
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium monthly payment starts at $769. See 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium models for sale near you
2024 Toyota Prius Prim XSE Premium includes:
Fixed glass roof – The Premium fixed glass roof includes a sliding sun shade.
Power hatchback door – The Premium trim’s power hatchback makes it easy to access the trunk when your hands are full.
JBL audio – Music lovers will want this upgrade, which features eight strategically placed JBL speakers powered by an 800-watt amp.
