Toyota is taking the plug-in hybrid segment by storm with today’s launch of the new Prius Prime, which first appeared in this teaser last week.
According to Toyota, the car achieves an estimated 120+ MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent), which is roughly 1.96Le/100km (official ratings in Canada have yet to be announced). It’s a 26% improvement over its predecessor. Furthermore, the Prius Prime is expected to offer two times the electric range of the previous model ― 22 miles or about 35 kilometres ― at speeds up to 84 mph (135 km/h).
When the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime arrives in U.S. and Canadian showrooms late this fall, it will boast a wide array of desirable features such as a giant 11.6” touchscreen, head-up display, navigation, heated front seats, as well as Toyota Safety Sense including a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams. Additionally, available Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) will use ultrasonic wave sensors to size up a parallel parking space and then, when activated by the driver, steer the car into it.
The 4-passenger Toyota Prius Prime relies on the same 1.8L Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine as all 2016 Prius hybrid models. More specifications including pricing info will be provided closer to its on-sale date.