2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Overview
2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Exterior
The 2015 Prius Plug-In shares most of its exterior looks with the regular Prius hybrid. The main difference is the addition of an electric charging port. The hatchback features that instantly recognizable shape that everyone associates with the Prius. Unlike the hybrid version, the Plug-In offers just two trim levels: Base, and Advanced.
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In the Base model, standard exterior features include 15-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, and keyless entry. Upgrading to the Advanced model adds automatic headlights, as well as an optional Technology package that includes automatic LED headlights, and foglights.
2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Performance
Both the Base and the Advanced trim levels are fitted with 1.8-liter four-cylinder engines combined with a pair of electric motors. The engine is powered by a continuously variable transmission, which is good for 134 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard; there is no option for all-wheel drive.
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The Prius Plug-In features a larger lithium-ion battery than its hybrid counterpart (4.4 kWh compared to 1.3 kWh in the hybrid). The battery takes around three hours to charge using a 120-volt power source, or about an hour and a half using 240 volts. Unlike the regular hybrid Prius, the Prius Plug-In can go up to 11 miles using electric power only, so those with short commutes will enjoy far fewer trips to the gas station.
2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Efficiency
Efficiency is where the Prius Plug-In really stands out. In hybrid mode, the hatchback’s mpg rating matches that of the Prius, at 51 mpg city, 49 mpg highway, and 50 mpg combined. However, the Prius Plug-In has a second rating of 95 MPGe, which could go much higher for drivers who plan on using their vehicles for local errands and short trips.
2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Interior
One of the best features of the Prius Plug-In’s interior is its sheer size. Due to a compact battery pack, the car boasts 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space—and that’s with the rear seats up. Standard features in the Base model include keyless ignition, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and Entune infotainment.
Choosing the Advanced model will also get you simulated leather seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a premium eight-speaker JBL sound system.
2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Safety
Standard safety features in the 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In include seven airbags, rearview camera, traction control, stability control, antilock disc brakes, and hill start assist. In the Advanced trim, you’ll also find Toyota’s Safety Connect service, featuring emergency assist, stolen vehicle locating, and automatic collision notification. These features, as well as the high-strength body of the vehicle, earned it four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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