Ojai, California- Toyota's first generation effort of its plug-in style Prius hybrid never connected much with hearty Midwesterners, in part because dealership sales were limited to left and right coastal regions of the continental U.S. when debuting in 2012.
The plug-in Prius built upon successes gleaned from the popular Prius Lift Back (a vehicle needing no wall socket plug-in introduced to the U.S. in 1999) and adding another layer of fuel-extending technology with substantial all-electric range capabilities (requiring nightly plug-ins).
In the 2017 model year, Toyota hits all 50 states from the get-go with its second-generation Prius Plug-in hybrid rebranded "Prius Prime."
"We gave this vehicle the name 'Prime' because it represents the best," according to Bill Fay, Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager at a press launch in the resort enclave of Ojai, California east of Santa Barbara.
When arriving by November's end, Prius Prime will sell side by side with the trend-setting Prius Lift Back at area Toyota dealers.
"It's the most technologically advanced hybrid in the world," Fay added. "Between Lexus and Toyota brands, we now offer 13 hybrid models representing almost 70 percent of hybrids sold today."
Consider the first generation Prius plug-in a beta test, as Prius Prime represents a significant leap forward. After fully charging a larger-capacity 8.8 kilowatt, 265-pound lithium-ion battery pack (double the output of Gen One), Prius Prime can travel 25 miles in all electric mode, more than double the first-generation effort, before the gas-electric hybrid engine kicks into play. The battery pack supplies energy to dual motor/generator system designed for greater EV(electric vehicle) range and smoother EV-mode acceleration than the Patriarch Prius Lift back.
Prius Prime can reach a top speed of 84 miles per hour in electric mode, also up from Gen 1 with a travel range of 640 miles when full charged and gassed. These improvements join a starting price thousands lower than Generation One.
Prius Prime builds upon updates honed in the fourth-generation Prius Lift back introduced in the 2016 model year adopting double wishbone suspension, greatly improving handling and a 60 percent increase in structural rigidity.
Boil all this technology down to MPG speak and Prius Prime delivers an average 55 city and 54 highway combined MPG. Drive 25 miles or less between full charging, and MPG grows boundlessly.
All but one of the fourth-generation Patriarchal Prius Lift Back's six trims come with the lighter-weight lithium-ion batteries taking the place of a heavier nickel metal hybrid type used during the first three generations.
Of special note to Chicagoans and others residing in cold-weather climates, Prius Prime includes a warming device operational during the plug-in phase keeping the lithium-ion battery pack at temperatures above 32 degrees. This helps assure starts without activating the gas engine, saving fuel while optimizing all-electric driving range. Lithium-ion batteries operate optimally in temperatures above freezing.
Heating and air conditioning have been tweaked to interact more efficiently when operating in all-electric model. Many all-electric vehicles labor as if they're in labor when blowing hot or cold air when outside temperatures reach extremes.
As with Prius Lift Back, Prius Prime gets classified as a mid-sizer, although tilting towards the smaller end of the spectrum. While 4.2-inches longer than the 2016 Prius Lift Back, Prius Prime remains a four seater with second-row fold-down council and two dedicated buckets with backrests folding down in 60/40 fashion extending cargo-carrying options into the hatch region. Both adorn four side doors and a hatchback lift. Prius Prime now frames the hatch with lighter weight carbon fiber materials while the hood continues with light-weight aluminum.
Prime's gas engine and transmission remain identical to the Prius Lift Back's Synergy Drive powertrain. A 1.8-liter four cylinder engine connects with a fuel-extending electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). Other eco-friendly technology borrowed from the Lift Back; an aerodynamic design and regenerative braking, occurring during normal driving activity by capturing up to 30 percent of electrical energy that otherwise would be lost as heat and stored for later use.
Active front grille shutters also return, opening and closing for optimal aerodynamics. With the gas engine in use, shutters open for a cooling effect. In EV mode, shutters close improving aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Prius Prime includes a plug-in port behind a swing-out, door located on the driver's side rear fender with illuminating insides. The high-capacity lithium-ion battery location is under the flat-floored cargo region. A fuel door on the driver's side rear fender accepts regular, 87-octane fuel to fill an 11.3-gallon tank. Charging time with a standard 110-volt household outlet takes approximately five-and-a-half hours. Opt for a 240 volt outlet (washing machine types and most public chargers) and time reduces to two hours and ten minutes.
The front end includes an acrylic overlay with LED-style turn-signal indicators. A dual wave rear glass design aids the aerodynamic cause. Five-spoke 15-inch wheels with two-tone wheel covers are standard.
Three trims include the entry Prius Prime Plus, mid-level Prime Premium and top-shelf Prime Advanced. All come equipped in mono-spec fashion (few factory options). About the only decision once selecting a trim; interior and exterior color schemes.
Pricing starts at a tempting $27,100 for Prime Plus, $28,800 for Prime Premium and $33,100 for Prime Advanced; all prior to factoring Federal tax incentives of up to $4,500, applicable when filing annual April 15 paperwork.
All three trims were briefly tested on twisty roads meandering 5,100 feet above sea level and back down again through Los Padres National Forest. While never to be confused with a sporty or sports car, Prius Prime's rear suspension planted the vehicle adequately during curves with an improved, more responsive steering feel. Prius Prime delivered similar 0-to-60 mile-per-hour readings of about 11 seconds found in the Prius Lift Back, but accelerated quicker in the zero to 45 mph range thanks to electric motor presence.
Wind noise remains low during highway travel.
Push-button start comes standard. When pressed, Prius Prime's electric motors emit sounds of silence. The electronic transmission shifter, lower center column dashboard located, operates similar to an arcade joy stick: gently move or even tap the stubby knob up for reverse, down for drive with a mid-point neutral. The 'park' option is a separate button to the left, and takes a bit of brain rewiring to remember activating before exiting the vehicle. When in reverse, Prius Prime 'beeps' with the note of a large work truck or cargo van.
Like earlier Prius editions, the info-packed instrument panel adorns the top center dash in narrow, stretched uni-brow fashion. A digital speedometer resides far left with displays and calculations throughout.
The two upper trims, Prime premium and Prime Advanced, include the one of the LARGEST multi-function, high resolution touch screens, vertically oriented and measuring 11.6 inches; hard to miss and resembling a Smartphone on steroids with pinch, zoom and swipe finger features. Flanking the screen; popular function buttons providing quick access to favorite stops. Prime Plus offers a more conventional six-inch touch screen resembling one recently tested in a 2016 RAV4 crossover.
2017 Prius Prime
Starting Price: $27,100
Gas engine: 1.8-liter four cylinder (DOHC)
Combined horsepower: 121
Overall length: 182.9 inches
Overall Height: 57.9 inches
Overall Width: 69.3 inches
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Hybrid related component warranty: 8-years/100,000 miles
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