2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium: Review, Specs & More
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium. If you're thinking about snagging a plug-in hybrid that's both eco-friendly and packed with features, this could be the ride for you. We're going to break down everything from its performance and interior to its tech and overall value. Let's get started!
Overview of the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium
The 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium is the mid-level trim in the Prius Prime lineup, slotting between the base model and the top-tier Advanced trim. This sweet spot offers a blend of sought-after features without breaking the bank. You get the plug-in hybrid efficiency that the Prius Prime is known for, along with some extra comfort and tech goodies that make the driving experience that much better. Think of it as the perfect balance of practicality and luxury. Under the hood, you'll find a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and an 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup gives you a combined output of 121 horsepower, which is more than adequate for city driving and efficient highway cruising. The Prime Premium stands out because it allows you to drive solely on electric power for about 25 miles, making it ideal for those shorter commutes. This can significantly reduce your fuel consumption, especially if you charge regularly. Speaking of charging, it takes around 5.5 hours to fully charge the battery using a standard 120V outlet, or about 2 hours with a 240V charger. The exterior design of the Prius Prime is, let's say, distinctive. It features a unique front grille, quad LED headlights, and a sleek, aerodynamic profile designed to maximize efficiency. The Premium trim adds some nice touches like alloy wheels and heated front seats, enhancing both its appearance and comfort. Inside, the Prius Prime Premium boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display, navigation, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay. The cabin is spacious enough for five passengers, although the rear seats might feel a bit tight for taller adults on longer trips. Safety features are also a strong point, with Toyota Safety Sense P coming standard. This includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. Overall, the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium is a well-rounded plug-in hybrid that offers a compelling combination of efficiency, features, and value. It's a great choice for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to performance and fuel efficiency, the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium really shines. Let's dive into what makes this plug-in hybrid tick. The heart of the Prius Prime Premium is its hybrid powertrain, which combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. Together, they deliver a total system output of 121 horsepower. Now, that might not sound like a lot, but it's more than enough for the kind of driving most people do every day. The electric motor provides instant torque, giving you quick acceleration from a standstill, which is perfect for zipping around town. One of the biggest draws of the Prius Prime is its ability to drive on electric power alone. The Premium trim comes with an 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides an EPA-estimated 25 miles of all-electric range. This means you can potentially complete your daily commute without using any gasoline, especially if you have access to charging at home or work. When the battery runs out, the car seamlessly switches to hybrid mode, where the gasoline engine and electric motor work together to maximize fuel efficiency. Speaking of fuel efficiency, the Prius Prime Premium gets an EPA-estimated 55 mpg in the city, 53 mpg on the highway, and 54 mpg combined when in hybrid mode. But here's the kicker: when driving on electric power, it achieves an impressive 133 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market. The driving experience in the Prius Prime Premium is smooth and refined. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and providing a relaxed ride. The regenerative braking system helps to recapture energy and recharge the battery, adding to the overall efficiency. The car also offers different driving modes, including EV Auto, EV, and Hybrid, allowing you to customize the driving experience based on your needs and preferences. For example, in EV mode, the car will prioritize electric driving as much as possible, while in Hybrid mode, it will balance the use of the gasoline engine and electric motor for optimal fuel efficiency. Overall, the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium delivers a compelling combination of performance and fuel efficiency. It's perfect for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on gas, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or taking a road trip, the Prius Prime Premium is up to the task.
Interior and Technology
Alright, let's step inside the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium and check out what it has to offer in terms of interior and technology. This is where the Premium trim really starts to shine, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and advanced features that make the driving experience more enjoyable. First off, the interior design is modern and functional. The dashboard is dominated by a 7-inch touchscreen display that houses the infotainment system. The layout is clean and intuitive, with easy-to-reach controls and a logical menu structure. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with heated front seats adding an extra touch of luxury. The Premium trim also includes SofTex synthetic leather upholstery, which is both durable and easy to clean. In terms of technology, the Prius Prime Premium comes standard with a range of features that enhance connectivity and entertainment. The infotainment system includes navigation, which is a welcome addition for those who frequently travel to unfamiliar places. It also supports Apple CarPlay, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your iPhone and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts. Other standard tech features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. The Prius Prime Premium also comes with Toyota's Safety Connect system, which provides access to emergency assistance, roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle locator services. This adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind. One of the standout features of the Prius Prime is its energy monitor display, which shows you how the hybrid system is working in real-time. This allows you to see when the car is using electric power, when the gasoline engine is running, and how energy is being regenerated through braking. It's a cool way to stay informed about your driving habits and optimize your fuel efficiency. The cabin of the Prius Prime Premium is spacious enough for five passengers, although the rear seats might feel a bit tight for taller adults on longer trips. The cargo area is also relatively small, due to the placement of the battery pack. However, the rear seats can be folded down to create more space when needed. Overall, the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium offers a well-equipped and comfortable interior, with a range of technology features that enhance the driving experience. Whether you're commuting to work or taking a road trip, the Prius Prime Premium has you covered.
Safety Features
Safety is always a top priority when choosing a car, and the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium doesn't disappoint. This plug-in hybrid comes packed with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers on the road. One of the key safety features of the Prius Prime Premium is Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which comes standard. This suite includes a range of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that help to prevent accidents and mitigate their severity. TSS-P includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, which uses a radar and camera to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians. If a collision is imminent, the system can provide an audible and visual warning, and even apply the brakes automatically to help avoid or reduce the impact. Another important feature of TSS-P is lane departure alert with steering assist. This system uses a camera to monitor the car's position within its lane, and if it detects that the car is drifting out of its lane, it will provide an audible and visual warning. If the driver doesn't take corrective action, the system can also apply a gentle steering input to help keep the car in its lane. TSS-P also includes automatic high beams, which automatically switch between high and low beams depending on the presence of other vehicles. This helps to improve visibility at night without blinding other drivers. Finally, TSS-P includes dynamic radar cruise control, which allows you to set a desired speed and following distance, and the car will automatically adjust its speed to maintain that distance. This is especially useful on long highway drives. In addition to TSS-P, the Prius Prime Premium also comes standard with a rearview camera, which helps you to see what's behind you when backing up. This is especially useful for avoiding collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles. The Prius Prime Premium also includes a full complement of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. These airbags are designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Other safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control. These systems help to keep the car stable and under control in slippery or emergency situations. Overall, the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium offers a comprehensive suite of safety features that provide peace of mind on the road. Whether you're commuting to work or taking a road trip, you can feel confident that the Prius Prime Premium is working to keep you and your passengers safe.
Pricing and Value
Now, let's talk about the bottom line: pricing and value. The 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium aims to give you a lot of bang for your buck in the plug-in hybrid market. When it was new, the Prius Prime Premium had a starting MSRP of around $29,000. Of course, that price could vary depending on options and packages. But compared to other plug-in hybrids, it positioned itself as a pretty attractive option. Now, since we're talking about a 2018 model, you'll likely be looking at used prices. And that's where things get interesting. Depending on the condition, mileage, and location, you can probably find a 2018 Prius Prime Premium for somewhere in the range of $18,000 to $25,000. Keep an eye on those online marketplaces and local dealerships to snag a good deal. So, what makes the Prius Prime Premium a good value? Well, first off, you're getting a plug-in hybrid with decent all-electric range. That 25 miles of EV range can save you a ton on gas, especially if you have a short commute and can charge regularly. Plus, even when you're running in hybrid mode, you're still getting excellent fuel economy. The Prius Prime Premium also comes with a good set of features for the price. You get things like a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation, heated front seats, and Toyota Safety Sense P, which includes a bunch of safety tech like lane departure alert and automatic emergency braking. These features add to the overall value and make the driving experience more enjoyable. Another thing to consider is the reliability of the Toyota Prius. Priuses (Prii?) have a reputation for being dependable cars, and the Prime is no exception. That means you're less likely to encounter major repair bills down the road, which can save you money in the long run. Of course, like any used car, it's always a good idea to get a pre-purchase inspection to make sure everything is in good working order. Overall, the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium offers a compelling combination of features, fuel efficiency, and reliability at a reasonable price. Whether you're looking to save money on gas, reduce your carbon footprint, or just want a practical and comfortable car, the Prius Prime Premium is definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, a comprehensive look at the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium. This plug-in hybrid offers a compelling blend of fuel efficiency, features, and value, making it a great choice for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort or convenience. With its 25 miles of all-electric range, you can potentially complete your daily commute without using any gasoline, saving you money and reducing your emissions. And even when the battery runs out, the Prius Prime Premium still gets excellent fuel economy in hybrid mode. The Premium trim adds some nice touches like heated front seats, SofTex upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation, enhancing both comfort and convenience. And with Toyota Safety Sense P coming standard, you can feel confident that you're protected by a comprehensive suite of safety features. Of course, the Prius Prime Premium isn't perfect. The rear seats can be a bit tight for taller adults, and the cargo area is relatively small. But overall, the Prius Prime Premium is a well-rounded and practical car that offers a lot of value for the money. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or taking a road trip, the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Premium is up to the task. If you're in the market for a plug-in hybrid, be sure to give the Prius Prime Premium a look. You might just find that it's the perfect car for you.
