Are there enough enhancements to make the 2020 Prius Prime noteworthy?

The very first time I spotted a Prius was in Scottsdale, at the gas pumps of a C-Store. Not knowing the make, but noticing the steering wheel on the right-hand side, I knew something was amiss. Knowing that manufacturers always were spotted testing prototype vehicles in and around Phoenix, I went over to the gentleman filling the tank. Inquiring what I was seeing, he basically said if he told me he would have to kill me. Lol

Since then, the Prius has made a serious mark on the automotive landscape and has given Toyota a huge leap into hybrid technology. The next time I was in the Phoenix area on business was in January 2005, for the Barrett-Jackson Auction. At the same time Toyota was unveiling the brand-new Highlander Hybrid, as well as the revamped Avalon.

During the Great Recession and near 5-buck a gallon gas, you couldn’t even obtain a Prius, unless you already had your name on a list, or was just damn lucky.

However, that’s all changed nowadays. We may in another Great Depression (even greater than the last) due to this Coronavirus pandemic, but gasoline is cheap, to the price that was common a quarter century ago; so now Prius’ are basically a dime a dozen. There’s even talk that since Toyota now has an array of hybrid models, including the budget-minded Corolla, there’s no real need for the Prius brand to continue. So far in its portfolio, the Prius C and Prius V have been discontinued.

The primary difference between the regular Prius and the Prius Prime is that the Prius is a hybrid vehicle, while the Prime is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV); which in essence means you can charge it daily for extra range in EV mode. In terms of performance, the Prius Prime can offer slightly better fuel efficiency than the regular Prius, although fuel efficiency for both is impressive.

The 2020 Toyota Prius Prime's #11 ranking is based on its score within the Hybrid and Electric Cars category. Currently the Toyota Prius Prime has a score of 7.8 out of 10, which is based on an evaluation of 27 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

While the Prime has some undeniable strengths, there are other vehicles in this segment that may be better suited, Toyota’s own Corolla Hybrid for one. The Prime is a solid pick among plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles, which includes the Hyundai Ioniq, Honda Clarity and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Prime achieves excellent fuel economy, maneuvering up to 25 miles on electric power alone. It also earns an above-average predicted reliability rating. Still, it’s no longer a standout in the hybrid and electric car class.

The Prius is a traditional hybrid with excellent gas mileage, more passenger and cargo space, and available all-wheel drive. However, the Honda Clarity gives the Prius Prime a run for its money. It has just as many standard features as the Prime, including Apple CarPlay. It also boasts a longer electric-only range (47 miles with the Clarity versus 25 miles with the Prius Prime) and a higher-quality cabin. On the other hand, the Prius Prime has better fuel economy and a higher predicted reliability rating than the Clarity. Personal preference should guide your decision making.

The 2020 Prius Prime dates back to the 2017 model year, so there have been no significant changes until this year. The Prime now has Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, two rear USB ports, and a fifth seat. So, my advice is to look for an older model (if you can find one) provided you don’t need any of these features.

Starting at $27,750, the base Prius Prime LE's price is on par with several other hybrid and electric vehicles. The midlevel XLE trim starts at $29,650, while the top-of-the-line Limited trim goes for $33,650. You may also qualify for available tax credits of up to $4,500.

The regular Prius isn't as efficient as the Prime edition but it's a more well-rounded vehicle overall. Not only does the regular model have a lower price than the Prime, it also has more cargo and passenger space, due to the allocation of the battery pack; along available all-wheel drive, and similar standard safety features to the Prime.

The 2020 Prius Prime can seat up to five people, which is one more than previous Prime models could handle. The seats are supportive, and there’s a decent amount of passenger space. Cloth upholstery and heated front seats are standard. An eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and synthetic leather upholstery are available. There are two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors for this Toyota's rear outboard seats.

The Prius Prime features modern cabin styling and quality interior materials. In contrast to the 2019 Prius Prime, the 2020 model features black accents that make it look richer than before.

There's 19.8 cubic feet of cargo space in the Prius Prime, which is fairly roomy compared to its rivals. Every Prius/Prime comes with 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added cargo flexibility. That said, reviewers note that the standard Prius has more space thanks to its smaller battery pack.

The Prime's standard Entune infotainment system is easy to use, with its intuitive 7-inch touch screen and handy physical controls. While the 11.6-inch touch screen, which was standard on my Limited model, may not compete with the Tesla Mode S and X, it is at least in the same category as Ram’s enlarged touchscreen.

Standard features include a six-speaker audio system, navigation, satellite radio, a USB port, and Bluetooth. A premium 10-speaker JBL stereo, HD Radio, and wireless device charging are available.

The Prime's powertrain consists of a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that produce a combined 121 horsepower. It's paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Prius Prime smoothly transitions from gas to electric power, although acceleration can be a little sluggish.

With EPA ratings of 133 MPG (equivalent) and 54 mpg combined city/highway, the Prius Prime is one of the most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrids on the market. Reaching a full charge only takes 5.5-hours with a 120-volt household-style power source, and 2-hours and 10-minutes with a 240-volt outlet.

For such tiny rims and wheels the Prime has stable handling, and the ride is smooth enough that few road imperfections make their way into the cabin. Its regenerative brakes have good stopping power but gauging how much pressure you need to apply can be difficult. There's also minimal steering feedback from the road.

The Prime has a good predicted reliability rating of four out of five from J.D. Power. Toyota covers the Prius Prime with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid component warranty.

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2020 Prius Prime. The IIHS gave the similar 2019 Prius Prime the highest rating of Good in five crash tests and the second-best rating of Acceptable in the passenger-side small overlap front test.

A rearview camera and Toyota Safety Sense P are standard. Toyota Safety Sense P comes with lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Available safety technology includes front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a head-up display, and parallel park assist.

The Prius Prime is about 15.2 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 3,365 to 3,375 pounds.

The Prime comes in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. All models have front-wheel drive and a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that make 121 horsepower. The base LE trim has plenty of safety, technology, and comfort features. However, no packages are available. Therefore, you'll have to opt for a higher trim level to get certain features.

The base LE trim starts at $27,750 and comes with cloth upholstery, heated front seats, push-button start, proximity keyless entry, a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Siri Eyes Free, six speakers, a USB port up front, two rear USB ports, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and satellite radio. The package also comes with a rearview camera and the Toyota Safety Sense P safety suite, which includes forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Starting at $29,650, the Prius Prime XLE features an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, synthetic leather upholstery, HD Radio, navigation, an 11.6-inch touch screen, and wireless device charging.

My tester, was the Limited (base MSRP: $33,580) which added a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a 10-speaker stereo system, front and rear parking sensors, a head-up display, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and parallel park assist. Options included the Supersonic red color upgrade ($395); Carpet floor/trunk mats ($259); rear bumper applicate ($79); Glass breakage Sensor ($359); and 15-inch alloy wheel ($599). Add to that designation charges ($955) gives a grand total $38,448. That may sound a little strong when adding a mid-size PHEV hybrid to the mix.

However, there’s a new Prius 2020 is coming for 2021. Huh?

Toyota is marking 20 years (2001-2021) of selling the Prius on these shores with a special-edition version for the 2021 model year, confusingly dubbed the 2020 Edition. It’s essentially an appearance package for the 2021 Prius' XLE FWD (the AWD is not available), and comes in either Supersonic Red or Wind Chill Pearl. It features black trim for the wheels, badges, mirrors, B-pillars, and several interior components, as well as darkened headlight trim and a body-color rear spoiler. The key fob and floor mats receive "2020 Edition" insignias.

All 2021 Prius’ also add a few new features, including an upgraded suite of driver-assistance systems that now includes capabilities such as pedestrian and bicyclist detection and automatic high beams. Android Auto will now be standard across the board, except for in the top Limited trim which has a larger vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen display that's apparently not yet capable with the Android smartphone-mirroring software.

Toyota has yet to release pricing for the 2021 Prius, but it should represent just a small uptick from the 2020 Prius, which starts at $25,280. 2020 units of the 2020 Edition model will be produced in total and it should go on sale later this year.