2019 Toyota Prius Prime

With the inclusion of the plug-in battery's weight, the balance of the Prius Prime feels quite different to other hatchbacks on the road; there is a sense of heaviness to the vehicle, which isn't improved by lack of power going uphill. The engine also protests vehemently when pressed too hard, although the EV drive is superbly quiet by contrast. Wind and road noise makes its way into the cabin as well, especially when the whispering EV mode is engaged.

A gentle, relaxed, and arguably lethargic ride, the Prius Prime has a rather average steering feel; the car follows directions but doesn't connect the driver to the road or provide good feedback. It has good composure, though, taking turns and bends with a small amount of body roll. The suspension is adequate, absorbing small bumps without a hitch, whereas larger or more erratic jolts are fed through to the cabin. Winding roads, in particular, are not the best arena for the Prius Prime and with less competent handling abilities than many of its main rivals, the Prime is rather bland, to say the least. Braking composure is sufficient, although emergency brake test results showed a lot of careening side-to-side when hard-pressed. The Prius Prime manages open roads just fine, but stop-and-go traffic is where it is more at home.

With near-perfect reliability ratings, superior fuel economy statistics and a generally alright engine, the Prius Prime is a good vehicle to purchase if you are looking for a hatchback with a preference for town driving. The added bonus of tax incentives for choosing an electric vehicle makes this an even more attractive option. However, the hatchback segment is very competitive, and with numerous rivals offering better performance, the Prius Prime will only keep you happy if the intended buyer is not after a powerful engine and dynamic driving. While the Prius Prime offers a stodgy, yet committed, powertrain, the benefits of this plug-in hybrid outnumber the negatives. A far greater number of safety features are available as standard on the Prius than what competitors have to offer, and cargo space (although not class-leading) is suitable for the humdrum of daily tasks.

One of the most respected plug-in hybrid hatchbacks in the segment is the Chevrolet Volt, which - with remarkable fuel ratings such as a combined 106 MPGe/42 mpg gas-only - is one of the vehicles offering the best value for money. Able to travel nearly double the distance on electric power alone, the Chevrolet Volt also offers a more powerful gas engine, better acceleration and handling, and the ability to seat five. The back seat is equally restrictive as in the Prime, however, and has even more dismal cargo space. It offers a much more engaged drive, but is sadly being discontinued after the 2019 year model. For those committed to electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, the Chevrolet Volt is a worthy investment over the Prius Prime, although the price difference is over $8,000.

Honda's contribution to the plug-in segment is the Honda Clarity, a hybrid with a comfortable, well laid out and high-quality cabin. With a much higher rated driving experience than the Prius Prime, the Clarity also offers a stronger engine and more miles of range on the electric engine (47 miles compared to the Prime's 25). When switching to the hybrid gas propulsion however, the 54 combined mpg of the Prius Prime is substantially more than the 42 mpg resulting from the Honda. While both offer rather dull infotainment systems, at least the Honda offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which the Prius doesn't provide for at all. In terms of space in the back seat, the Honda has more legroom, whereas the Toyota boasts better cargo space. At a cheaper price, the Prius Prime is still the better option.