The 2017 Prius Prime Promises a Whopping 120 Miles Per Gallon

That’s all well and good, but in a world with more luxurious hybrids and EVs popping up left and right, Toyota needed to up the Prius’ game.

Clear also is the Japanese automaker is showing pride in having addressed an otherwise competent car’s Achilles’ heel – EV range for the 2012-2015 Prius PHV was as low as 6 miles or 11 miles electric-plus-gas. By focusing on cars capable of combining both electric power sources and gasoline-powered engines, Toyota Motor Corporation faces a great challenge to defeat by their competitors.

When the Prime goes on sale late this fall – in all 50 states no less – it will face an uphill battle.

There is also a larger, 8.8kWh lithium ion battery that, despite its extra capacity, takes just two hours and 20 minutes to charge. As expected from the teaser shot released last week, the back also gets a different treatment to the standard Prius.

The new vehicle is way more efficient to help avoid this problem, using its solar roof to charge, a better engine and smart grille system all to save power. Infotainment is available via an 11.6-inch HD display with its top Entune multimedia system.

Another energy saver is a climate control system with electric compressor, that directs airflow only to seated occupants. The Intelligent Parking Assist will not only slide into a parallel parking spot, but will also move itself out of the parking spot without additional assistance from the driver.

Like the standard Prius, the Prime’s gas engine is a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder mated to a planetary-type continuously-variable transmission.

The vehicle has rested on the Prius’ laurels, and USA and global sales were respectable despite being dead last in the e-range category.

The new Prius PHEV gets a front end inspired by the Toyota Mirai with sleek LED headlamps, and stylized LED DRLs. In hybrid mode, the Prius Prime is targeting a hybrid MPG equal to or better than the Prius liftback. The gasoline-electric vehicle will be sold in Japan, Europe and the USA for a yet-undecided price. “And you still have the longer combined range for interstate journeys”.

The driver-orientated theme continues with “more precise and responsive handling” thanks to a new double wishbone rear suspension, revisions to the familiar Prius’s MacPherson strut front end and a lower centre of gravity, which also reduces body roll, improves stability and sharpens the steering. We see that as being the most important.