The Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid is a road trip marvel. Its driving range is an EPA-estimated 640 miles. During a week-long test drive, this driver frequently saw an instantaneous fuel economy reading of 199 MPGe. Just seeing a triple-digit mileage equivalent number underscores Prius Prime’s efficiency mantra. The car’s infotainment system will resonate with tablet users as an 11.6-in tall center dashboard display provides an interface point (including pinch and zoom capability) for navigation, climate, and audio. There are also capacitive touch switches on both side of the screen. (The base model Prius Prime Plus is fitted with a 7-inch touch screen.)

Prius Prime harnesses its power output from a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine, an electric drive motor, a generator, and a continuously variable transmission. The car’s all-electric driving range is up to 25 miles/up to 84 mph. A re-charge of the 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack via a standard outlet takes around 5 1/2 hours. (A 240 volt outlet requires about 2 hours of charging time.) The 106.3-inch wheelbase Prius Prime comfortably seats four adults. For luggage and other large items, the car provides 19.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Prius Prime is sold in 3 trims: Plus, Premium, and Advanced. MSRP of the test driven Toyota Prius Prime Advanced is $33,100.