REVIEW | 2017 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME | EXTREMELY CONVINCING

EV Channels Review

The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime represents a significant leap forward for the model, transforming it from a car often criticized for its driving dynamics into a genuinely enjoyable and competent vehicle. The reviewer highlights substantial improvements in chassis, steering, and overall handling, making it feel like a nimble compact car rather than a floaty hybrid. The ability to operate as a true EV for daily commutes, offering around 25-28 miles of range on a full charge, is a major plus, contributing to impressive fuel economy figures of up to 1,000 miles per tank and 90 MPG. The reviewer also praises the comfortable cloth seats, the physical HVAC controls (a rarity and a strong reason to choose this trim over higher ones), and the excellent visibility. However, the car is not without its drawbacks. The interior design is described as quirky and potentially off-putting, with a slippery white dashboard and poorly placed controls, particularly the seat heater buttons. The cargo space is compromised by the battery pack, and the lightweight carbon composite liftgate, while innovative, comes with a steep $3,000-$3,600 replacement cost. Most notably, the car remains slow, lacking the acceleration expected from a modern EV or even a regular compact car, which may deter driving enthusiasts. Despite these negatives, the reviewer is highly impressed, calling it one of the year's biggest surprises and recommending a test drive, suggesting it could even sway buyers away from traditional compacts.