Buy This Instead Of An EV! - Toyota Prius Prime SE Base Model Review

[@HelloRoad]

What do you think of this new Prius Prime? Is the base model the sweet spot? Is the Prius actually cool now?

[@rightlanehog3151]

This car is an ergonomic mess, the last Prius was a paragon of practicality in comparison. This excellent powertrain deserves a far better home. 🤨

[@toyotaprius79]

F NO

[@toyotaprius79]

​@@rightlanehog3151💯🎯

[@toyotaprius79]

​@@rightlanehog3151 💯🎯

[@HugoPerez]

You are the only car reviewer on youtube who has a sober take on car dependency.

[@computerweenie]

I have a 2023 AWD Prius Limited that consistently gets the upper 40's low 50's MPG. I wouldn't spend the extra money for the Prime because I don't see the benefit for me. I've had two Hybrid Highlanders and two other Prius's. Completely satisfied with Toyota and love the new Prius.

[@markburley3418]

Looks nice, very quick & inexpensive. I think this Prius is the closest in thought, that I’ve had to wanting an electric vehicle

[@kiefershanks4172]

One thing that I would like to know is if there is an odometer for engine that is seperate from the vehicle odometer. It would be good to know exactly how far the engine has run (basically an odometer for hybrid mode) for so you can time oil changes properly. It is conceivable that the Prime could go a long time without an oil change provided the engine isn't constantly cold started/never allowed to warm up to its operating temperature and you are charging the battery as much as possible. Just changing out the oil annually might be a waste if the car has only travelled a few thousand miles using gasoline.

[@TomLawlor-iq6gm]

I'm sure, embedded in the software, there's a counter that tracks engine run time. Wish it was visible to us sans an OBED reader. Our 2024 Prime has driven 7,200Km (around 4,500 m), and we have yet to fully burn 2 tanks of fuel. We're scheduled for an oil change at 10,000 m. I doubt it will be necessary, but, to maintain warranty we'll have to spend a coupe of hundred dollars to change the lubricant and filter that don't need replacing. Over the last few days whenever we start the car a message appears in the cluster saying, "service required soon". So ya, it's counting. BTW, with this car, when it starts in hybrid mode with a "cold" engine, the RMP is limited until the fluids reach operational temperatures.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ethan, As far as I know, there is a 'stop sale order' affecting the Prius until back door handle issues are corrected. In regard to the car itself, I am awaiting the return of the awe-inspiring Prius v. 🤩

[@HelloRoad]

Yes correct. I was under the impression the stop sale could be lifted very soon (sometime this quarter). And funny I did edit out a long rant about how the Prius would be better as a wagon! Prius V needs to make a comeback

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@HelloRoad Put that rant back in!!😆

[@tkmedia3866]

@@HelloRoadPrius wagon, more rear headroom, a bit more vertical cargo. Perfect efficient for taxi, rideshare drivers.

[@Buy-n-large]

I just got a 2016 V a few months ago. It makes me so sad that they don't make them anymore, so jealous of the 7 seater too.

[@DrRussPhd]

@@HelloRoad Amen to Prius V. I have one atm and wish Toyota would make an AWD plug in Prius V. Toyota shot themselves in the foot when they stopped making them.

[@Opeth12341]

Such a balanced review. Love your vibe.

[@tonywellington7854]

cannot believe how good looking this design is 😮

[@lawnmowerdude]

14:13 need to keep in mind here that that’s a fully depleted battery. I see a lot of car reviewers talk about plug in hybrids and electric cars as in It’s gonna take X amount of hours to charge one neglecting how much you’re gonna charge. I always liked when people talk about how many miles you’ll get charged in an hour.

[@ApolyonTheSoulRender]

Thanks for commenting on pedestrian safety and outward visibility I like the style and power a lot, but losing rear headroom is not good (comparing it to my gen 4 Prime)

[@users4007]

One of the best looking economy cars on the market right now imo, the exterior design is very straightforward and clean

[@boopers1962]

When you removed the rear headrests, was you view out the back window any better? I've heard its hard to see out the back, but removing the headrests my help?

[@jeremysomeone]

I’ve enjoyed not buying gas for the last 5 years. Hard to go back.

[@TomLawlor-iq6gm]

EV's are great, and ya, not burning gas is wonderful. We thought about getting a BEV but, the pricing did not work for us when we were car shopping two years ago. At that time, an entry level electric around here was $60,000. A lot more than we wanted to spend. So, we opted for a Prius Prime to replace our 12 year old Model C at a cost of over $20,000 less than a BEV. Add in the $5,000 rebate and a Prime made a lot of sense. The car was ordered in 2021 and did not pitch until 2024, a 21 month wait. This car is actually our third Prius, the first two always delivered between 4 and 5 liters per 100Km. Since mid-March, we have burned less than 2 tanks of gas after over 7,100Km (around 4,500 miles), of driving. Toyota claims an EV range of 44 miles (70.4 Km), but, we were getting more than that even in March when it was still very cool here. With summer temperatures we are seeing 90+Km on a charge. The other day, after a overnight charge, the computer estimated a 98Km (61.25 miles), range. Fantastic. Regular fuel here is $6.75 a gallon but, hydro is only .1325kwh. So, (from dead to fully charged), we go close to 100Km for $1.80. Burning gas would cost over four times as much. We are also blessed by the fact almost all of our hydro is generated without fossil fuel, so our carbon footprint is quite low, an important consideration for us. I know not everybody enjoys our circumstances, we can get by with an EV range of 90Km day to day. And, are able to charge at home. For us, this car really is an EV. The only gas we have burned in 4.5 months was in aid of two (unexpected), highway trips (where the hybrid system delivered over 60mpg). Barring anymore road trips we don't expect to be visiting a gas pump for a long time.

[@pauljayvlogs489]

Its crazy to think a disqualifer for some is lack of power tailgate for a car. Wow.

[@lawnmowerdude]

At that point you might as well walk to work.

[@toyotaprius79]

Yanks are lazy

[@pibble3962]

My XSE Prime has the power lift gate

[@Tarkov.]

Funny that they make the parking package so cheap instead of just making it standard.

[@ryannatividad3137]

I'm glad they committed to the sleeker styling. They really needed something to differentiate it and justify the Prius' existence from their other hybrid/plug-in hybrid sedans and crossovers. If the lowest price and fuel efficiency are your number one goal, Toyota already has the Corolla hybrid. If you need more space, Toyota already has other hybrid and plug-in cars with larger backseats and/or cargo areas. The Rav4 hybrid, Rav4 Prime, and Camry hybrid would be more practical options for carrying taller passengers in the rear. Prius is still perfectly adequate for shorter people or if you only occasionally carry rear passengers. The Prius is also a nice, convincing upgrade in interior space, looks, comfort, and hatchback practicality over the Corolla hybrid.

[@sezuawn3861]

Ethan it would be really sick if you made some POV driving videos in the Nova SS, miss seeing the older cars more often:)

[@HelloRoad]

Absolutely! That one has been in the shop for a while, hopefully soon I can make more videos with it.

[@mrjsv4935]

Prius is pretty good looking car again. Liked the 2nd and 3rd gens, but after that their design went too wild for me. This newest one looks more moderate and nice again.

[@toyotaprius79]

I'd agree But this 5th gen is arguably the worst design by sacrificing the practical beauty of the cabin for some one-trip-pony party trick of looking like a Lambo for internet brownie points. I driven this new Prius in rural Ireland, the A pillar blind spot is atrociously bad, as bad as a giant nose of a BMW or Audi at a junction.

[@ms_cartographer]

If my Volt got totaled, I'd buy the Prius Prime.

[@stevenjsummerville9743]

Team Prius woooo. Also nice thingamajigs

[@dave11686]

Great video

[@Redrally]

The infamous Prius got a sequel!

[@TomLawlor-iq6gm]

Bet, you can't find the most discrete "Easter egg " on this car. The rest suck, but one of them is an instant classic. Brilliant.

[@HelloRoad]

Haha yeah the “hidden compartment” one is pretty funny

[@TomLawlor-iq6gm]

@@HelloRoad Oh ya, Their all over the place. I agree, "The Hidden Compartment" is the funniest one. I can live with the label behind the rear licence plate that you'll only, probably, see once (if that), I sort of like the Prius "script" on the rear defogger . But the rest of the them........ehhhh. There is one though, and it makes-up for all the rest. It is so classy.

[@101spacecase]

Would like to have one.

[@wizettv3531]

If I drive really smooth in city environment with the eco mode I can do 90km

[@ChickensAndGardening]

If I had this car, I'd never burn a drop of gasoline, except about 2-3 times a year for out of town trips.

[@HoffmansHoopties]

This is top of the list to replace my 2018 Chevy Volt. Eventually. Voltec system is still the GOAT. Probably worth a video on it's own, or maybe that's more Engineering Explained territory haha

[@TomLawlor-iq6gm]

I still see a nice white Volt in our little town once and a while. Must be stored in winter as it's pristine. Every time I see it approaching me I think, "wow, another Pearl Prime", just like ours............ why did GM stop production.

[@terrancecloverfield6791]

Had I been able to buy a Prius Prime in the trim that I wanted, I would've been a proud owner. But since it's so hard to get one, I settled on a Model Y lease in the mean time. C'mon Toyota!!!!

[@TomLawlor-iq6gm]

We finally got our Prime in March, 21 months after ordering. It's been worth the wait. Close to 7,500Km (4,600 M), now and we've burned less than 2 tanks of fuel. I'm sure your Model Y is a nice car, but, what will it be worth in 15 years (the length we will run our Prime). We traded our "ragged" 12 year old Prius C for the 2024 Prime and got over half what it cost new.

[@terrancecloverfield6791]

@@TomLawlor-iq6gm it'll be worth less than a McDonald's Big Mac meal. I love the Model Y but I harbor no delusions about it. I just hope when my lease is up, the battery tech improves so much we get a Prius Prime that can do 100 miles of EV mode and still weigh the same.

[@TomLawlor-iq6gm]

@@terrancecloverfield6791 Well, with the way things are going a McDonalds take-away in 15 years might just be the same cost as a good used car. I've admired Tesla's and other EV's since their inception, but, the price always kept them further than "arms-reach" for us. When we asked for our new car, two+ years ago, an entry level EV here was $60,000 CAD. My wife and me had not spent over $25,000 for a new car since we met 25 something years ago. The high 30's we paid for the new Prime was a huge step for us two. But, we figured it was a good investment. Regular gas here is (down !), to $6,75 a gallon post COVID, hydro is currently at.1325kwh. The math is undeniable. With luck, the battery Tech. will advance in every automotive avenue and finally move us toward eliminating our emissions in a meaningful way. Your Y and our little Prime are baby steps, but they are steps. Kind Regards

[@nubetre]

“Hybrid Reborn” only looks cheesy because it’s too subtle. Own it, Toyota! I want a big door decal like the DOHC one on old Integras!

[@TomLawlor-iq6gm]

I'm not a big fan of the hash tags, except for the one I found the other day. I've watched many videos here that point out all the "easter eggs" found scattered through-out the car. But, nobody it seems has discovered the one I mention here. It truly is very cool. I won't divulge its location, I don't want to spoil the finding of it by others. It's a very classy addition.

[@Youtubeuseritis]

Does your head touch the roof when you drive?

[@HelloRoad]

No, but it's close

[@Youtubeuseritis]

@@HelloRoad this or model y (both are at same price )? Which one will you recommend.

[@marc01781]

@@KZbinuseritis Prius!!!

[@BobQuigley]

Hybrids have higher failure rates and fires than any other vehicle type. They have every part needed for an internal combustion and every part needed for an EV. We owned a 2005 Prius for years. It was better on gas although lackluster in drivability. Switched to a used Model 3 four years ago. Added a used Leaf. We would never go back to internal combustion! Convenient quiet quick more road hugging. Maintenance is a breeze. Wake up to 300 miles daily when needed. We save over $1,000 on fuel for Tesla and $500 on fuel for Leaf annually.

[@LightTheForgiving]

"Hybrids have huger failure rates and fires than any other vehicles". I'm 98% certain you're making this up.

[@TomLawlor-iq6gm]

We just bought our third Prius, this time a Prime. Our first two carried us everywhere for 16 years and neither ever failed us. Ever. Neither car required any sort of service to the hybrid side of things, zero. The Prime has far less ICE components than any engine I'm aware of. No belts, no alternator and a far, far less complicated transmission. I have never seen a burning Prius on a roadside. Also, I've never seen a rusty Prius. Ok, ya, our first 2 Prius cars were not fast, but fast enough, we're not racers. But, our 2024 Prime hits 60 in 6.48 and goes around 62 miles in EV Mode.

[@RetroCarsForever]

I wouldn't say the new Prius is COOL, but it has taken major strides towards being LESS uncool! BTW what's that weird little screen/cluster thats mounted on the steering column?

[@1mom69]

Driver monitoring alert. Tracks your eye movements & pings when it senses you are distracted. You can disable it ofc but I guess a generation of distracted drivers prove otherwise 😅

[@HelloRoad]

I think you're referring to the driver monitor camera. If you want to use Toyota's Traffic Jam assist, the system will confirm the driver's eyes are on the road, and then hands-free operation can be enabled.

[@HelloRoad]

@1mom69 just saw your reply, 5 hours later 🫠

[@toyotaprius79]

It has taken more strides in being unpractical

[@1mom69]

@@toyotaprius79 The entire crossover market is a long time trend in impracticality.

[@thebluexb]

Best Prius because it has clear tails!

[@toyotaprius79]

And a deadly blind spot front and rear?

[@kc0lif]

i like cadillac escalade hybrid😅

[@HelloRoad]

🤔

[@toyotaprius79]

Try the ELR for size

[@rp9674]

$33-40k for a plug-in hybrid, doesn't make sense, you can get a real EV for that price

[@genericreference6969]

I share your confusion. Why not get a Bolt instead? Especially if the new one is as cheap as the last

[@rp9674]

​@@genericreference6969I got a 23 bolt EV for 20,500 net. To see people lose their mind over this Prius is perplexing, it's good-looking, but wow

[@tjh7797]

@@genericreference6969if it’s your only car you might need the ability to take long distance trips

[@dorinvesa1109]

Sorry,but you dont know a .....!😁

[@terrancecloverfield6791]

"Real EV"s would have you hooked up to the limited chargers that are available. In 10 years, you'll still be driving the Prius for anything and everything that you may need. It has been around for nearly 15 years in every conceivable part of the world. It's good and solid. Can't say the same for "real EVs" that are glorified taxis. I got a "real EV" but I'm not deluded into thinking EVs are anywhere ready for every person.

[@GregOughton]

Just add AWD for us northern climates and this would replace the Subaru in my driveway.

[@TomLawlor-iq6gm]

In Canada, every non-Prime Prius (2023 and later), has AWD as a standard feature. Sadly, with our Prime, there's just not enough room for a rear motor due to the large battery.

[@thndr_5468]

44 miles ev only is really awesome. For now hybrids are the best options.

[@David_Journey]

It looks good in isolation. EVs offer 2x the efficiency of plug in hybrids.

[@toyotaprius79]

Weird how folks with opinions like yours are warming up to hybrids in the 2020s when they used to curse hybrids back in 2005-2015

[@David_Journey]

@@toyotaprius79 I drive a PHEV with 56 mpge, I can only dream of reaching 2+ x efficiency of EVs. Experience > opinion.

[@thndr_5468]

@@toyotaprius79 they weren't really up to snuff imo back then. The ones I drove were unrefined

[@LightTheForgiving]

​​@@David_JourneyIf I'm someone who drives under 40 miles on a daily basis, how?

[@toyotaprius79]

That clickbait tittle is utter bollocks

[@HelloRoad]

If you don't drive that many miles per day, a PHEV is a great option for some people. 🤷‍♂️

[@TomLawlor-iq6gm]

Conceivably, drive it like an EV........... Our 2024 Prime has 7,000+Km on the OD. It has used LESS than 2 tanks of fuel.

[@Shorkshire]

I just bought a 2024 base model se and it definitely does not come with navigation. Plus EVERYTHING is a fucking monthly subscription including navigation and even REMOTW START ffs