How Much Does a Fully Loaded 2023 Toyota Prius Prime Cost?
The Toyota Prius is one of the most well-known hybrid cars in the world, and it has an even more efficient sibling that’s a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). That version of the Prius is called the Prius Prime, and it has a lot of advantages over the regular Prius. That being said, the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime won’t be a cheap car, and here’s a look at what drivers can expect to pay if they want the most out of their Toyota PHEV.
An overview of the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime’s trims
Toyota redesigned the Prius Prime for the 2023 model year, and the Japanese auto giant currently offers three trims on the PHEV hatchback. The base trim is the SE, which starts at about $32,000. The middle trim is the XSE and goes for about $35,600. Finally, the top trim is the XSE Premium, which starts at just over $39,000. The Prius Prime comes with the same powertrain regardless of which car shoppers choose.
It has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with two electric motors to get a combined 220 hp. The powertrain is paired to a CVT, and Toyota only offers front-wheel drive. The electric motors have a 13.6-kWh battery, and once again, it’s the same across all Prius Prime trims. However, the PHEV’s range numbers will vary based on the trim.
The standard trim can go 44 miles in battery-only mode, while the other trims get 39 miles. There’s a similar drop in terms of their fuel economies. The standard Prius Prime gets 127 MPGe, while the other two trims get 114 MPGe.
How much does a fully loaded 2023 Toyota Prius Prime cost?
One of the main reasons for that drop in fuel economies has to do with what comes standard with the $39,000 XSE Premium trim. It gets 19-inch wheels instead of the standard 17-inch wheels, and those bigger wheels make the car’s fuel economy worse. Although that loss in fuel economy is a downgrade, the XSE Premium has plenty of upgrades elsewhere in the vehicle.
For example, it’s the only Toyota Prius Prime trim that comes standard with heated and ventilated front seats. It also starts with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which is several inches bigger than the standard 8.0-inch touchscreen. On top of that, the Japanese automaker has several options and packages available for the car. Toyota offers two paint colors that cost $425 each: Supersonic Red and Wind Chill Pearl.
In terms of tech features, shoppers have the option of buying them individually or as a bundle. The XSE Premium trim is the only trim that can be equipped with solar panels on its roof. That feature can cost $610, but it can be bundled with heated rear seats, a digital rearview mirror, and more for $2,245. Toyota also offers 25 accessories, including a $375 integrated dashcam. All said and done, a fully loaded Prius Prime can cost upwards of $47,000.
The best trim for the Prius Prime isn’t the most expensive one
While many of the fully loaded Toyota Prius XSE Premium’s features sound nice, they won’t be necessary for most drivers. Its $39,000 starting price tag is already fairly expensive for the average household, and the extra money isn’t paying for a more efficient vehicle. In fact, it’s paying for a less efficient car.
Since most car shoppers are interested in the Toyota Prius Prime for its efficiency, sticking with the standard trim is the best bet. It’s capable and comfortable enough, and like all Toyotas, it’s a great car in terms of safety and reliability.
