2024 Toyota Prius Prime

A perfect first Prius

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

I bought this car in December 2023 because I found a dealer that did not have an upmark/market price, wanted the $4500 rebate for qualified lessees, and wanted a phev to take advantage of my oversized solar system. Cons first: you only get one key due to the chip shortage--we may get another one in the future(?), rear visibility is like driving around with a bag over your head which justifies spending the $200 for the digi-mirror. For a $43k car (XSE Premium) it really needs auto dimming side mirrors and 240v cable standard. You cannot fit chains to the 195/50R19 wheels. This unique tire size leaves two variants (Toyo & Michelin) and neither have an AA tread rating--for a FWD car with more power than a VW GTI. Interesting decision there... Neither of these variants last more than 50k miles--we deserve something with at least an A rating and a 75k tire warranty since this is a supercommuter car. Not looking forward to that 30,000 mile expense or the hydroplaning/tire squeal. Toyota's dealer network leaves a lot to be desired too--from price gouging and lack of transparency "well we don't get calls from out of state often--you okay with a $5k upmark?" Pros: looks slick "that's the new Prius!", luxe car vibes (nothing rattles--this is not a Kia), moves with gusto, seats fold flat, 95% Japanese part content (incl the 120v charger) and Japanese final assembly, 55+ mpg on a depleted battery, efficient real world EV performance when it isn't (3.7mi/kwh with same driving style), and oodles of optional goodies (JBL stereo, glass roof, ventilated seats, 3D camera, automated parking, aformentioned digi-mirror, wireless phone charger, heated steering wheel, big screen, and lots of buttons you can actually press). Overall, a supercommuter's dream (other than the bizarre tires. Get an SE trim for more tire options)--look no further than if you brave the traffic that plagues our car-centric metropolises on a daily basis.

An EV without the charge anxiety

Friday, October 18, 2024

I am able to drive my daily 60 mile commute on electric mode! I read that the average EV uses 3-3.5 Kw/h per mile, but I am able to get over 5, if I am careful but keep up with traffic. With the gas engine I get over 50 MPG is mixed driving. After one month I still have the full gas tank that came with the car! It takes 4 hours for a full charge using a Level 2 charger, paying $0.37 per Kw/h. This is my third Prius, and it is in another league! I had a hybrid Lexus 300Hs and the Prius Prime rides as nicely over the bumps (but not as quietly). The acceleration is amazing. It really feels like a sports car, since you sit so low with your legs almost parallel to the floor. Getting in and out reminds me of my Miata! I need to hold on to the steering wheel to get in and out. The visibility is a weak point, specially to the right (2 o'clock) because of the very low A pillars. Also I removed the rear seats headrests to improve rear visibility (I never have any grownups in the rear...)