by Aiden Eksteen
Toyota pioneered the mainstream hybrid electric vehicle classification all the way back in 2008 with the well-known Prius hatchback, which did fairly well in the USA. The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime is the Japanese automaker's PHEV option and, despite the ever-improving and growing competition in the market, it hasn't changed much since its debut in 2016. Even so, it remains one of the most affordable and economical PHEVs on the market, which along with its Toyota-inherent safety and reliability perks, keep it mostly relevant. It's rivals include plug-in cars such as the Hyundai Ioniq, Honda Clarity, and Kia Optima PHEVs. Propelling the front wheels of the Prius Prime is a 1.8-liter inline-4 engine that, together with a single electric motor and small battery, generates a combined 121 horsepower.
Despite having spent the last few years behind the competition, the second-gen Prime has not made a significant effort to improve for the new year. However, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 now replaces the previous system, adding road sign assist, lane tracing assist, and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control. The infotainment suite has also received minor updates in the form of Android Auto, which has been lacking for far too long. Strangely enough, access to this function is restricted to the base LE trim, as the premium audio systems still don't support it.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE |
1.8L Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$28,220 |
| XLE |
1.8L Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$30,000 |
| Limited |
1.8L Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$34,000 |
If you're looking for a 5-door car that is relatively affordable for a PHEV and that prioritises its performance around fuel economy above all else, then the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime is most definitely one of the better options on the market. It may not be the most exciting car to drive, nor the most luxurious, but it doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is - a budget family PHEV. It's straightforward and pleasant enough for city and suburban driving and comes with all the creature comforts, conveniences, and safety features a budding family could possibly need. In review, the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime PHEV is an ideal family runabout, a claim the NHTSA and the IIHS support with their consummate crashworthiness ratings. The core competition are definitely more contemporary and a lot better looking, and they offer more features and superior practicality, but none are quite as economical. The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime, with its starting price of just $28,220, will save you money on the purchase and over time.
All three trims in the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime PHEV lineup share the same powertrain and deliver identical performance and mileage showings, so choosing a model comes down solely to what features you want. The LE, despite being the entry-level trim, comes reasonably outfitted with a fairly good selection of desirable features including heated front seats and steering wheel, a modern and comprehensive infotainment system, and Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which comprises numerous advanced driver-assist systems. It's also the only model in the lineup that offers Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Toyota Prius Prime:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Automobili Pininfarina
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Ineos Automotive
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo