2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE

As everyone knows, the Toyota Prius transformed from an ugly duckling into a swan in 2023—and retained nearly all of its virtues nonetheless. The Prius Prime, of course, is its plug-in hybrid variant. It has 3 trim levels; we tested the base-level SE. There’s a lot good to say about the Prius Prime. For example, its plug-in hybrid powertrain (220 hp) delivers respectable performance, with good low-end pickup and nimble handling—all in all, a relaxed, easygoing daily driver. Among hybrids and PHEVs, the Prime also provides unsurpassed fuel efficiency—127 MPGe and 52 mpg in combined driving. Its electric-only range is a useful 45 miles; overall range is 600 miles. Even the base Prime comes well equipped, with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry and start, a heated steering wheel, and the automaker’s well-regarded Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 advanced safety features (including traffic-jam assist). The tab for all this? Less than $35,000, which qualifies the Prime as an bona fide good value. Still, we had a few gripes. The drivetrain is noisy under load, and the steering wheel blocks a view of the instrument cluster. The sloping roofline reduces cargo space, makes back-seat entry and exit cumbersome and, along with the wide roof supports, restricts rear visibility. Finally, the cabin’s decor could benefit from a little less hard plastic.