2018 Toyota Prius vs. 2018 Toyota Prius Prime | St. Louis, MO

The Toyota Prius is the most popular and best-known hybrid car in America, but what is the Prius Prime? Since its debut, the Toyota Prius has expanded into its own hybrid lineup and now includes several models with different body styles and powertrains. One of those is the Toyota Prius Prime. If you are in the market for a hybrid vehicle and aren’t sure whether to get a Toyota Prius or Toyota Prius Prime, this review has all the information you need to decide.

If you’d prefer to talk to a product specialist at Seeger Toyota about your options, please call (314) 453-2377 or fill out our contact form.

Similarities between the Prius and Prius Prime

The Prius Prime is based on the Toyota Prius, so the two models are very similar not only in appearance, but in the features and equipment they offer. Both also come with a generous hybrid system warranty. Read more about the two models in the tables below.

Warranty

Warranty Type	Warranty Length
Basic	36 months/36,000 miles
Powertrain	60 months/60,000 miles
Hybrid System	96 months/100,000 miles
Corrosion	60 months/unlimited miles

Features

Comfort	Technology	Safety
Fabric and SofTex® upholstery options 6 or 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, 4-way adjustable front passenger seat Split-folding rear seats with center armrest	Entune® infotainment with app suite Navigation system Bluetooth® calling and steaming Push button start Wireless charging Color Head-Up Display	Rain-sensing windshield wipers Backup camera and parking sensors Star Safety System™ Safety Connect® Toyota Safety Sense™ P Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Differences between the Prius and Prius Prime

While the Prius is a standard hybrid, the Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid. Plug-in hybrids provide the benefits of hybrid-electric and full-electric vehicles without the drawbacks. The 2018 Prius Prime has excellent fuel economy, but never needs to be plugged in if you prefer hybrid mode. If you do have access to regular charging and a short commute, the Prius Prime can also operate solely on electric power for up to 25 miles and never need to be fueled up! However, the larger battery in the Prius Prime requires means it has less interior space than the Prius.

Powertrain Specs & Fuel Economy

2018 Prius	Model	2018 Prius Prime
1.8L I4 w/ electric motor	Powertrain	1.8L I4 w/ electric motor
121 HP	Net Horsepower	121 HP
54 MPG/50 MPG/52 MPG; 58 MPG/53 MPG/56 MPG (Prius Two Eco)	Fuel Economy – Hybrid Mode (City/Highway/Combined)	55 MPG/53 MPG/54 MPG
N/A	Fuel Economy – Electric Mode	133 MPGe

Dimensions

2018 Prius	Model	2018 Prius Prime
5	Seating Capacity	4
93.1 cu. ft.	Passenger Volume	91.5 cu. ft.
24.6 cu. ft.; 27.4 cu. ft. (Prius Two Eco, Prius Four, Prius Four Touring)	Cargo Volume	19.8 cu. ft.

Features

Feature/Model	2018 Prius	2018 Prius Prime
Headlights	Bi-LED	Quad-LED
Moonroof	Available	Not available
Touchscreen	6.1-in., 7-in., or 11.6-in. options	7-in. or 11.6-in. options
Heated front seats	Available	Standard
Heated steering wheel	Not available	Available

Schedule a Test Drive in St. Louis, MO

Now that you have a better idea about the similarities and differences between the Prius and Prius Prime, you can test-drive your favorite at Seeger Toyota in St. Louis, MO! Select the model you want to drive from our used Prius inventory, and then schedule a visit to our showroom.