Prime LE fuel economy in hybrid mode is estimated at 55 city / 53 highway / 54 MPG combined and around 133 MPG at full charge. In EV Auto Mode, it prioritizes electric capabilities, but in situations where the petrol engine is more efficient – climbing hills, for example – the petrol engine kicks in.
Photo courtesy of Toyota
Toyota introduces Prius Prime 2022: their latest plug-in hybrid with a gas-free EV mode when charging, a 640-mile driving range and an estimated 25-mile EV driving range (when fully charged).
The Prius Prime is offered in LE, XLE and Limited grades, each with successive additions of amenities and technology. The LE comes standard with heated fabric front seats with armrests and seat pockets, power windows with auto up/down, smart climate control with pollen filter, integrated navigation and backup camera, dual sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors and electrically heated exterior mirrors.
The Prius Prime hits a top speed of 84 mph on battery power (up to 25 miles). When the battery reaches a certain reduced state of charge in EV mode, the Prius Prime switches to hybrid mode, which then combines the output of the gasoline engine and electric motor through a planetary continuously variable transmission. The Prius Prime plugs into a standard household outlet to charge. (Toyota recommends using a dedicated GFI 15A socket.) Fully charging the battery with a standard 120v outlet takes approximately 5.5 hours, with time decreasing when using a 240v power source.
Prime resembles the rest of the Prius family with a number of unique features, such as low profile LED headlights, large acrylic grille, “dual wave” rear windows, full-width LED rear light panels , full-width tempered glass. dashboard below the rear spoiler, a standard backup camera and 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels painted in two tones. Aluminum components, including the hood and brake calipers, help keep the vehicle’s weight under control. The 1.8-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine used in all current Prius liftback models is 40% thermally efficient. The combined net power of the Prius Prime is 121 hp.
Prius Prime models are equipped with 10 additional restraint system airbags, including Advanced Driver and Front Passenger Airbag System, Driver’s Side Airbag and Front Passenger Seat with Side Airbag, front and rear curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag and two rear side airbags.
2022 Prius Prime price *
*MSRP excluding shipping, handling and handling charges of $1,025 (subject to change). Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment. Dealer prices are subject to change.
Originally posted on Fleet Forward
