2020 Toyota Prius Prime Overview
As the plug-in hybrid iteration of the standard Toyota Prius, the 2020 Prius Prime offers everything you want in an efficient vehicle plus an added touch of luxury. The Toyota Prius Prime features distinct exterior styling and an interior to match, boasting a massive 11.6-inch touchscreen on select models. With a powertrain capable of getting up to 55 mpg, what’s not to love about the Prius Prime?
The 2020 Toyota Prius Prime is available at three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited.
Go Big: Check out the impressive Toyota SUV lineup for more spacious options
What’s new for the 2020 Toyota Prius Prime?
For the 2020 model year, Toyota focused on updating the Prius Prime’s interior. When it comes to comfort, an extra fifth seat is now available for more friends (or cargo). For a more premium feel, a black interior with black accents is present and a sun visor extender has been added for improved visibility while driving. On the tech side of things, the 2020 Prius Prime now comes with standard Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility as well as two new USB ports for the rear passengers.
Exterior
Unless you’ve got an incredibly keen eye for lighting differences, you won’t notice many changes between the Prius Prime’s three trims on the exterior. Standard across the board are LED Daytime Running Lights; LED taillights; heated, power outside mirrors; and 15-inch wheels. When you upgrade to the XLE and Limited trims, the Prius Prime is equipped with quad-LED projector headlights while the top Limited trim has integrated LED fog lights, accent lights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Interior
Among the three 2020 Prius Prime trims, you’ll be choosing your level of comfort and convenience. The LE trim has fabric-trimmed heated front seats, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, four-way front passenger’s seat, a cargo area cover, and a smart-flow climate control system. However, comfort is elevated on the XLE and Limited trims, which come with SofTex-trimmed heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a push-button start, and a heated steering wheel (on the Limited trim only).
The standard infotainment system on the 2020 Prius Prime is a 7-inch touchscreen with AM/FM radio, CD player, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, two USB charge ports, voice recognition, Bluetooth, and six speakers. The XLE trim gets the large and in charge 11.6-inch touch-screen display with HD Radio, a Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging area, and Predictive Fuel-Efficient Drive. Extra tech on the Limited trim includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink and a JBL sound system.
Performance and efficiency
The Toyota Prius Prime has one powertrain across its three trims. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid system is paired with an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission to get a combined 121 horsepower. But that’s not what Prius Prime drivers are typically looking for in this vehicle; what really matters is its efficiency. Across the board, the 2020 Prius Prime can get an estimated 55 mpg in the city, 53 mpg on the highway, and 54 mpg combined. Prius Prime MPGe sits at 133 while it’s noted to get an EPA-estimated 640 miles of range. EV Mode driving range is 25 miles (up to 84 mph).
What is ToyotaCare? Here’s what is covered with this helpful plan from Toyota
Safety
Of course, as with any vehicle, the 2020 Toyota Prius Prime is equipped with a suite of airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and other features like Hill Start Assist and a security alarm. However, every Prius Prime is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P, which includes driver assistive systems like Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Finally, the 2020 Prius Prime comes with two years (or 25,000 miles) of ToyotaCare, the brand’s no-cost maintenance plan with roadside assistance.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.