Like Optimus Prime was to the Transformers, the 2020 Prius Prime is the leader of its kind. The new Prius Prime now comes in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited, more closely aligning with other vehicles in the Toyota fleet. The new Prius Prime goes on sale the summer of 2019 and there are some great upgrades to one of the most popular hybrid vehicles on the market.
Power
The 2020 Prius Prime isn’t making any major changes to its powertrain. This year’s model is similar to its predecessor with its electric motor powered by an 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack pairing with the 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder motor. This configuration produces a combined output of 121 horsepower.
While only moderately improving horsepower, the 2020 Prius Prime greatly improves efficiency. Landing ratings of 53 miles per gallon city, 55 miles per gallon highway, and 54 miles per gallon combined, the new Prius Prime will go the distance. It even has a 25-mile range for electric-only operation.
Technology
The new Prius Prime now comes with Apple CarPlay, a feature many felt was long overdue. No more paying extra for plug-ins. The Prius Prime also comes with Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio standard. The 11.6-inch multi-media display is loaded with intuitive design features that make it feel like your smartphone, but it’s the size of your computer.
Toyota’s Smart Key System is available on all three doors. Qi compatible smartphone charging is available along with front and rear 12-volt outlets and USB ports.
Interior
One of the biggest upgrades to the 2020 Prius Prime is the addition of a rear bench seat which will now allow Prime owners to carry four passengers. The old captain’s chair style bucket seats with drink holders and a center console configuration offered superior room for two rear passengers but there was no way a third adult would fit comfortably. You can still get the captain’s chair rear seat, but it’s good to know you can upgrade for that fifth person.
More upgrades include black interior accents replacing the old white accents, which adds to the premium look. SofTex trimmed seats and armrests, a new extended sun visor, and relocated seat heater buttons for better front-seat passenger convenience are among other tweaks Toyota has made to the interior.
Safety
The 2020 Prius Prime comes with Toyota’s suite of safety features including Pre-collision warning with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Intelligent Parking Assist, Vehicle Proximity Notification System, Hill Start Assist Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems.
It also includes a safety connection suite including Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance, and Automatic Collision Notification systems.
There are so many great features on the 2020 Prius Prime. Come out to Smart Motors Toyota and test drive one today and see for yourself what the new Prius Prime is all about.
“Prius Prime” via Flickr by chumlee 10. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original
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