2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Review - The Ultimate Commuter Car?

Ryan gets behind the wheel of the 220-hp Prius Prime plug-in electric hybrid. With it's extended all-electric driving mode and futuristic looks, is this the ultimate daily driver for school and work?

#toyota #hybridcar #bestcar

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[denault]

The biggest problem for the Prime vehicles is poor availability and huge dealership markups.

[margolehman]

Just got mine (in the same grey color) last week. So, for those who feel the cost is just too much (and to be clear, I had sticker shock initially), I went with a Prius Prime because I wanted fully EV and my husband did not. We also have an 18-year-old 2nd generation Prius with 277K miles on it that is still running fine and still getting 55mpg even when I run the AC. It's been hands down the most reliable car needing almost no maintenance. It has never left me stranded. With the very long warranties that both Toyota and the dealer offer on this vehicle, I have no doubt that I'll get another 18 if not 20 years out of the 2023 PP, even as my trusty 2005 starts to show signs of age. THATs where the true savings comes in, in addition to the efficiency. I do realize that the price tag may be out of reach for many but do consider the reliability and the longevity of the vehicle when considering.

[theunown]

In 22 hours this has as many views as the Silverado video has over the past 8 days. I guess people want to see Ryan reviewing Toyota's.

[mickeybrumfield]

Plug-in hybrids make so much more since than an all electric vehicle where we are today. It would seem like the auto manufacturers would offer a little more versatile in the plug-in options when it comes to battery size and engine size.

[marcprobin]

I have the Prius Hybrid AWD and I noticed that when I cruise at speeds of 80 to 100kmh it will run in EV mode as long as it's reasonably flat and you have enough battery juice.

[carlostavaresjr]

Toyota hit the design out of the park. Looks great. Price wise I'm out. I feel they programmatically limited the car by the price and that is why I hate modern cars. Great video as always!

[funnybeingme]

This new Prius looks amazing, looks futuristic without going over the top. I had a Prius 5 years ago before I got a used FJ Cruiser, which on my daily commute I miss because it's simple to drive and gets over 50 mpg easily (compared to my 15 mpg FJ). Oh on your future reviews, can you happen to mention if your feet/shoes fit under the front seat whenever you're sitting in the back? It makes a big difference as far as comfort. Thanks!

[JWFas]

I can't get past the 19-inch wheels. They jack up the price, reduce the MPG, and provide a rougher ride due to having low-profile (and expensive) tires. Those Michelin Primacy's are $262 apiece at Tire Rack. The only other option for that specific size are Toyo Extenzas at $172 apiece.

[jimc]

Great review. Realistic assessment of the Prius Prime and the real needs and expectations of the car-buying public. I'm thinking seriously about ordering one BUT I need to get past the idea of parting with my 17 year-old Porsche 911 (122, 000 miles) and my 16 year-old V8 4Runner LTD (115, 000 miles) -- two of the best vehicles I've ever owned. I'm a senior citizen now and I think I need just one car and the Prius Prime makes a great deal of sense.

[tonyw]

I can’t agree more that PHEVs are underrated, that is why I’m truly enjoying the Kia Sorento PHEV I’m now driving. I filled up about once every two months, a 11 gallon gas tank.

[adventureforesterblog]

Great review! My Prius Plug-in (the EU spec) is arriving in 2-3 weeks. So excited!

[Danny-psfd]

PHEVs are the way to go for the near future. I have a ‘21 Prius prime and I live in an apartment with no charging. I maybe charge at the mall once every 2 months. I drive in hybrid mode 100% of the time while maintaining roughly 50-60% battery on the larger traction battery. I get 60-65mpg on the highway (with a roof basket and bike mount) and 75+mpg on local routes. Utilize regen braking as much as possible without being an ass on the road

[LiquidTurbo]

Dang, was looking forward to seeing you take this on the off-road course! 😂

[CarazyDiamond]

I guess it’s the car that I needed the most on trip as a rental, esp in the Europe where the fuel prices are just too high.

[nightriderk]

My mom has one and its hella fun to drive daily, excellent car

[plop]

people who are commenting on the price, are you considering that that is basically fully loaded? you can get lower trim levels with fewer extras

[marcprobin]

Speaking of the electric hummer, my boss bought one and it was about 6 months old when he decided to take a road trip. He regretted that. First he had range anxiety, then the Hummer broke down. Apparently the battery went on him and he had to get it towed to the dealership. They said it would cost 30k (Canadian) to replace the battery but luckily it was under warranty. He ended up buying a Land Rover Defender.

[thedorkknight]

Love the new design of the Prius. Looking to getting one in the future but hearing that Toyota is severely limited in the production (at least for NA). Good luck trying to find one in many parts of the country that don't have a 5K or even 10K+ dealer adjustment.

[palakaman]

I'm currently drive a gen 1 Volt. Unless a better option presents itself in a year or 2 this new Prius will be my new car.

[stevealvarado]

And this is why the Chevy Volt was underrated. I got 45+ electric only miles in my 2017 and 40+mpg in hybrid mode. Was a great commuter car and had a 10yr head start over this one. And only now people are starting to realize all the advantages to them over pure EV.