Toyota has introduced the second generation Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid as the Toyota Prius Prime at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. Here's how it differs from the fourth generation 2016 Toyota Prius.
Exterior
The plug-in hybrid variant is vastly different from the hybrid variant in the new generation. The Prius Prime has a notably more aggressive front-end with the quad-LED headlights that are inspired by those of the Toyota Mirai, vertical LED daytime running lights and unique grille design, foglights and bumper design. The side profile is more or less the same, save for the longer LED turn indicators in the door mirrors. At the rear, the the plug-in hybrid variant stands-out with a tweaked liftgate and unique LED combination lamps and bumper.
Interior
The interior is more premium and futuristic-looking compared to the hybrid variant, thanks to a vertically-positioned 11.6-inch HD display for the infotainment system with standard satellite navigation and full colour head-up display. The Prius Prime will be available with an exclusive suite of Prius Prime Apps for smartphones to allow remotely managing the car's charging schedule and status, locating charging stations, tracking and comparing eco driving score with others on social media, remotely controlling the car's climate system and more.
Powertrain
Both 2016 Toyota Prius hybrid and Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid are powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain which combines the output of a 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. Where the plug-in hybrid variant most significantly differs, is with its larger, 8.8 kWh battery pack which can be charged simply by plugging in a charger.
The Toyota Prius Prime features a Toyota-first dual motor generator drive system, with which both electric motor and the generator are used simultaneously for driving in EV mode. Using the supplied cord at a standard household outlet, the all-new Prius plug-in hybrid can be charged in approximately 5.5 hours. When charged using a 240 volt source charging takes place over 50% faster.
Efficiency
Toyota estimates that the Toyota Prius Prime will offer a driving range of 22 miles (35 km) and is capable of being driven at speeds up to 84 mph (135 km/h) in pure electric mode. The 2016 Toyota Prius can be driven for less than a mile (1.61 km) in pure electric mode.
Toyota estimates a combined driving range of over 600 miles (965.61 km) and and MPGe rating of 120+ miles (193.12 km) for the Toyota Prius Prime. The 2016 Toyota Prius's best fuel economy rating is 58 miles (24.66 km/l) city, 53 miles (22.53 km/l) highway and 56 miles (23.81 km/l) combined.
Price
The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime will go on sale in late fall this year but its pricing hasn't been disclosed yet. The 2016 Toyota Prius is now on sale with prices starting at US$24,200 and going up to US$30,000.
