EVERYTHING I LIKE AND DISLIKE ABOUT THE TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME

EV Channels Review

The reviewer found the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE to be a compelling package, particularly praising its driving dynamics and acceleration, noting the 220hp powertrain delivers a surprising 0-60 time of around 6.5 seconds. The standard six-speaker audio system also exceeded expectations for an entry-level trim. Driver assistance technology, including Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, was highlighted as a strong point, functioning very well. However, significant drawbacks were identified. The primary dislike is the steering wheel's placement, which obstructs the view of the digital instrument cluster, a design flaw the reviewer found hard to overlook. The absence of automatic headlights on the SE trim, despite having rain-sensing wipers, was also a point of contention, raising safety concerns due to the shared beam pattern between DRLs and low beams. Furthermore, the packaging of the SE trim was deemed peculiar, with features like proximity entry only on the driver's side and a heated steering wheel but no heated seats. Finally, the vehicle was noted to be slow to warm up the cabin in cold weather. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer suggests the XSE trim offers a more well-rounded experience and applauds Toyota for offering the base SE for review, deeming the Prius Prime a decent value proposition for those who can consistently charge and utilize the electric range.