Trims and Powertrain

The ’21 Prius Prime is a front-wheel drive hatchback sold in three trim levels: the LE, XLE, and Limited. The hybrid system is comprised of a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor that’s mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). With the basic power outlet, the ’21 Prius Prime can reach a full charge in 5.5 hours, but if you get the available 240-volt outlet, charging time drops to two hours.

According to EPA listings, the ’21 Prius Prime has an all-electric driving range of 25 miles and achieves 55 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway when in hybrid mode. Its total driving range is approximately 640 miles. What’s more, the ’21 Prius Prime has a regenerative braking function where energy created by the braking process is routed to the battery to extend electric range.

Standard Amenities

The LE comes with auto-off LED headlights, LED taillights, heated side mirrors, Toyota’s Smart Key System on the driver’s side door (which doesn’t require you to use the key fob), push-button start, a USB media port, two USB charge ports, a rearview camera, fabric-upholstered heated front seats, a SofTex-wrapped steering wheel, and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback. The XLE gets auto on/off LED headlights, a smart charging cable lock, Toyota’s Smart Key System on three doors, a Predictive Efficient Drive system that helps you optimize efficiency, a wireless smartphone charger, and SofTex-upholstered heated front seats. The Limited delivers LED fog lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a head-up display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, a heated steering wheel, and a cargo area cover.

Safety and Technology

All three trims provide the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle of driver-assist technologies: a pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist. The Limited adds Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Intelligent Park Assist and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

The LE has an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth capability, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. The XLE loses Android Auto in favor of a voice recognition infotainment system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, navigation, HD radio, and a premium six-speaker audio system. Like the XLE, the Limited does without Android Auto, but it’s set up with a premium ten-speaker JBL audio system.