Topic: Test Drive: 2017 Toyota Prius Prime

[dkaz]

If you can't afford the top trim, maybe don't get the top trim? 

[ArticSteve]

too bad about the higher interest rate though (6.34%)...a red Prius Prime with the tech package, all in, is $574.03/month for 84 months...the new Leaf SL (top trim) in blue is $478/month for 84 months (2.99%)...full EV and $100/month cheaper...I know looks are subjective, but I think the new Leaf looks better too.

The way to work a purchase on one of these Prime's is to pay the 4.5% on the 3 year lease and then either turn it back in, sell it, or drive it after the lease expires.  Me thinks auto prices will increase significantly in 3 years.  If the CONS take control this summer then the green subsidies on these battery cars are toast.

Consequently, if anyone wants one of these units the time to move is now.  The mid level Prime leases at $450 mth/3 years.   What a deal.   

6 min review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2O-h3L95Bc

[EV-Light]

If you can't afford the top trim, maybe don't get the top trim? 

sometimes it's not a question of affordability. Does it make sense to pay $$$ more for it VS the competition?

I can afford to drive a Porsche Cayenne but I can never justify spending $$$ more for one...I simply don't see the value.

[dirtyjeffer]

I saw one of these this morning, doing 60 in an 80. Causing chaos. F****r.

i was reading about this and it seems the max speed is 130...i know it's faster than we need to go, just odd seeing such a low top speed in a new car.

[EV Dan]

I saw one of these this morning, doing 60 in an 80. Causing chaos. F****r.

i was reading about this and it seems the max speed is 130...i know it's faster than we need to go, just odd seeing such a low top speed in a new car.

Most likely EV speed (ICE off)
The Prius Prime is powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) powertrain, combining a 1.8 L gasoline 4-cylinder port-injected inline-4 Atkinson cycle engine coupled with a dual motor generator drive system powered by an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery.[88] The second generator motor is allowed to play the role of a supplemental traction motor while in all-electric mode.[91]

Unlike its predecessor, the Prime is capable of running entirely on electricity in charge-depleting mode (EV mode) in more situations. The improved technology allows the Prius Prime to achieve a maximum of 68 kW (91 hp) from the electric motor system in EV mode.[93] It also allowed Toyota to raise the maximum all-electric speed from 62 mph (100 km/h) to 84 mph (135 km/h), achieving a performance that is nearly as strong in electric mode, and quell concerns with the previous generation car that wouldn’t have enough torque for safety if the gasoline engine were entirely kept out of the power flow.

[dirtyjeffer]

I saw one of these this morning, doing 60 in an 80. Causing chaos. F****r.

i was reading about this and it seems the max speed is 130...i know it's faster than we need to go, just odd seeing such a low top speed in a new car.

Most likely EV speed (ICE off)
The Prius Prime is powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) powertrain, combining a 1.8 L gasoline 4-cylinder port-injected inline-4 Atkinson cycle engine coupled with a dual motor generator drive system powered by an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery.[88] The second generator motor is allowed to play the role of a supplemental traction motor while in all-electric mode.[91]

Unlike its predecessor, the Prime is capable of running entirely on electricity in charge-depleting mode (EV mode) in more situations. The improved technology allows the Prius Prime to achieve a maximum of 68 kW (91 hp) from the electric motor system in EV mode.[93] It also allowed Toyota to raise the maximum all-electric speed from 62 mph (100 km/h) to 84 mph (135 km/h), achieving a performance that is nearly as strong in electric mode, and quell concerns with the previous generation car that wouldn’t have enough torque for safety if the gasoline engine were entirely kept out of the power flow.

that makes more sense...perhaps i misread it, or the wording of the article wasn't 100% clear on its intention...in the end, it isn't a big deal, since we really shouldn't be going faster than that anyway...it was just funny to see.

[Guy]

The Toyota Prius Prime is now available across Canada.

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/with-hybrid-sales-soaring-toyota-canada-inc-sees-best-march-on-record-678680643.html

[Blueprint]

The Clarity, with its bigger battery, looks pretty interesting money-wise (bigger incentives) when compared to this.

[johngenx]

Plug in hybrids are far more versatile than an EV.  I'd buy a Prius far ahead of a Tesla 3.  It can easily work as an only car, has outstanding quality, Toyota isn't going bankrupt, and support for the product will be there for as long as I own it.

Most days we could easily use EV only.  But, the car could anywhere we needed it to.

[Arctic_White]

Plug in hybrids are far more versatile than an EV.  I'd buy a Prius far ahead of a Tesla 3.  It can easily work as an only car, has outstanding quality, Toyota isn't going bankrupt, and support for the product will be there for as long as I own it.

Most days we could easily use EV only.  But, the car could anywhere we needed it to.

Well said.  One of the reasons why we're also considering a Prius Prime as well as an Ioniq Electric Plus. 

Prius Prime is actually cheaper than the Ioniq!