Blog / 2021 Toyota Prius

What's the Difference Between the 2021 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime?

Whats_the_Difference_Between_the_2021_Toyota_Prius_and_Prius_Prime_Salisbury_NC_Cloninger_Toyota
Since 1997 the Toyota Prius has provided drivers with a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to a standard gas engine. The Prius Prime was released in the U.S. in 2017 and offers even more variety to those who are concerned with fuel efficiency and emissions. The 2021 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime both had significant updates this year, and they also have some unique aspects that make them different. 

2021 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime

The main difference between the Prius and the Prius Prime is that the Prius is a hybrid and the Prius Prime is a hybrid plug-in. The Prius and the Prius Prime both have 1.8-liter four-cylinder engines and seat five passengers. Both models offer excellent gas mileage, safety features, and technology upgrades, but there are several factors that distinguish one from the other.  

Trims and Price

The 2021 Prius comes in seven trims starting with the L Eco at $24,525 MSRP, up to the Limited trim which starts at $32,650 MSRP. Additionally, new for 2021 is the 2020 Edition trim which has a starting price of $29,875 MSRP.   The 2021 Prius Prime only comes in three trims, the LE starting at $28,220 MSRP, the XLE which starts at $30,000 MSRP, and the Limited at $34,000 MSRP.  

Fuel Efficiency

Both vehicles score highly for being eco-friendly and fuel-efficient, but the Prius will get you a few more miles per gallon between city and highway driving. Comparing the base models of each line, the Prius L Eco is expected to average 56 combined MPG, while the Prius Prime LE comes in slightly lower at an estimated 54 combined MPG.   The difference is that if you only drive short distances using the Prius Prime as an entirely electric vehicle, you can expect to get up to 133 MPGe.  

Interior Space

Another difference between the 2021 Prius and the Prius Prime is the room in the trunk. The basic trim of the Prius can carry 24.4 cubic feet of cargo in the back. Plus, with the seats folded down a substantial 50.7 cubic feet of space is made available. The larger battery of the Prius Prime however brings its capacity down to 19.8 cubic feet of cargo space.   Passengers also get a bit more room in the Prius with an average of 93.1 cubic feet per passenger compared to 91.5 cubic feet per passenger in the Prius Prime.  

Functional Differences

The deciding factor of which vehicle is right for you will ultimately depend on your driving habits. The 2021 models of both cars include top-of-the-line driver assistance, standard safety features, and advanced technology including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the function of each will determine which one suits you best.   The Prius is a better choice for driving long distances because it uses the electric motor in tandem with the gas engine to save fuel. The Prius Prime on the other hand is the perfect choice for someone who normally drives short distances because the electric motor is able to take you up to 25 miles before using any gas.   Both the Prius and the Prius Prime offer the reliability of a Toyota and the fuel efficiency of a hybrid engine. The 2021 models have been upgraded to include the latest safety features and infotainment systems. Aside from their positive similarities, the differences between the two become clear when you take into consideration your driving habits and needs. For more information on the Prius and Prius Prime, contact Cloninger Toyota today.
Posted in:

Related Posts

Park

5 Top Photo Spots for Taking Pictures in Driving Distance of Salisbury, NC

Ready for your Instagram-worthy close-up or to snap some shots of local wildlife? Salisbury, NC has tons of eye-catching, spectacular photo opportunities waiting for you in your own backyard. Don't stress searching for the perfect spot for your next profile pic. Here are the top five photo spots around Salisbury! 5 Top Photo Spots for Taking Pictures in Driving Distance of Salisbury, NC 1. Waterworks Visual Arts Center The Salisbury nonprofit museum is an incredible place to appreciate local art and delve into the art and culture scene. The museum boasts a wide array of art inside and outdoors. The Waterworks' outdoor sculpture garden is a great way to explore art with exhibits and sculptures ranging from abstract contemporary to renaissance gothic. ​Stop ​by Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. more 2. Hurley Park The 18-acre public park is perfect for scenic, enchanting shots. The park is filled with trails, streams, gardens, and woodlands. Visitors love the rustic wooden bridge that crosses over a small brook, an ivy-covered gazebo, and more. During the spring, visitors to the park can enjoy the daffodil gardens and the vibrant red and oranges of the changing leaves in the fall. 3. Crossroads: Past Into Present Mural The Past into Present Mural is one of Salisbury's most famous attractions. Painted by Salisbury's own Cynvia Arthur Rankin, the painting immerses you in the city's past. The whimsical, fun mural features over 100 locals dressed in period costumes and has been featured on NBC, in newspapers, and in magazines. 4. Salisbury City Park The 41-acre park features a 4.25-acre scenic lake. The rustic wooden dock that juts out onto the center of the lake is perfect for photo ops and duck-watching. The park also features pickleball courts, picnic tables, a climbing wall, and two play structures. Visitors enjoy the park's gorgeous trails that take you through city woodlands full of greenery. 5. Old Stone House Less than five miles from Salisbury sits the Old Stone House in Granite Quarry. The two-story Georgian-style house was built by German immigrant Michael Braun in 1766 and is the oldest structure in Rowan County. The old-stone home surrounded by woods makes you feel like you are stepping back in time. The house is open to tours every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM April through November. Whether you are looking for an artsy photo or to capture wildlife, you don't have to go far with these great spots. Hop in your Toyota RAV4 that can take you through any on or off-road terrain, turning heads. The sleek and sporty RAV4 will have jaws dropping whether you are on asphalt or dirt. Stop by Cloninger Toyota today and find the picture-perfect vehicle for your needs.

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

A Closer Look at the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Blending strong performance with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a unique find on today's roads. Few vehicles can combine these qualities while also offering all-wheel drive and room for up to eight passengers. This is all complemented by a stylish, comfortable interior and cutting-edge technology inside and out, making this versatile SUV well worth a closer look. A Closer Look at the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Performance The 2023 Highlander Hybrid, which offers both front-wheel (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), comes with an impressive 2.5-liter I-4 engine that pairs with an electric motor to deliver 243 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain system is combined with an electronically controlled transmission that provides the vehicle with smooth, seamless shifting at both low and high speeds. more Also adding to this vehicle's performance is Drive Mode Select, which gives you four different driving modes in FWD models (Normal, Eco, EV, and Sport), as well as a fifth mode, Trail, in AWD-equipped models. As for fuel economy, the gas-electric powertrain helps the vehicle achieve an estimated 36 mpg on highways. Interior This edition's interior comes with a wide array of features to keep you and your passengers comfortable on every drive, like a tri-zone climate control that divide's the cabin's temperature into separate zones with a separate control console for rear-seat passengers. Leather-trimmed seats are available and offer a heating setting for second-row passengers, as well as both heating and ventilation settings for the front passenger and driver seats, and to minimize headlight glare, select models come with an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Technology Combining convenience with entertainment, the vehicle's Toyota Audio Multimedia System has an available eight-inch touchscreen and allows you to either use that or your voice to make and take phone calls, access select media files and apps from your smartphone, and listen to music and podcasts on SiriusXM radio channels, in addition to many other functions. The intuitive Dynamic Radar Cruise Control keeps you distanced from others on the road while also maintaining a pre-selected speed when possible, and for long trips, everybody can jump on the Internet with their smartphones or laptops, thanks to the Wi-Fi hotspot option. Safety The 2023 edition also comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of hi-tech safety features designed to monitor your surroundings while driving. This includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which uses radar technology to monitor the path in front of you while alerting you whenever vehicles or pedestrians are in your way. The 2023 Highlander Hybrid is not only fuel-efficient but also versatile and ready for adventures with its available AWD and sophisticated cabin. Come see what else this impressive Toyota SUV has to offer by getting in contact with us today at Cloninger Toyota.

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

4 Great Weekend Getaways You Can Drive to Near Salisbury, NC

Summer is coming, which means it's time to start planning the best weekend getaways near Salisbury, NC. Start mapping out your top trips with our go-to destinations within a few hours' drive (or less!) 4 Great Weekend Getaways You Can Drive to Near Salisbury, NC 1. Durham, NC A weekend trip to Durham takes about 2 hours from Salisbury, NC, but it's well worth the journey if you're intrigued by the history behind the city's revitalized downtown area. You'll be able to stay in your choice of trendy hotels within walking distance of top-rated restaurants, eclectic boutiques, and modern cocktail spots. If the weather cooperates, stroll through the lush plant displays at Sarah P. Duke Gardens or take a walking tour of Durham's historic African American communities. more 2. Chapel Hill, NC Consider Chapel Hill for another great weekend getaway within a 2-hour drive of Salisbury. This destination will appeal to visitors who enjoy outdoor recreation, with attractions like the Riverwalk in Hillsborough and hiking trails at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. You may want to plan your visit around one of Chapel Hill's many community festivals, from Arts on Market to weekly wine tours. 3. Myrtle Beach, SC You can be enjoying the sun and sand of Myrtle Beach in just under 4 hours, so make it a long weekend and fully enjoy this popular surfside resort city. If you're not planning on spending most of your time on the shore, you'll also find tons of activities from go-karts and amusement parks to mini golf and boardwalk shopping. For a bit of adventure and an unforgettable view, ride the SkyWheel at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The city also has some of the country's best golf courses. 4. Charlotte, NC Charlotte is the perfect place to spend a few days if you don't want to venture too far from Salisbury. Although it's less than an hour's drive away, the city has so much to offer all types of travelers. You can stay in a quaint bed and breakfast or a luxury hotel while enjoying some of the best restaurants in the region. Charlotte is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Discovery Place science museum. You can also spend an exciting day at Carowinds theme park. 5. Knoxville, TN Located about four hours from Salisbury, Knoxville gives you the chance to explore vibrant Southern nightlife, a cool art scene, and lots of incredible food. It's also an enjoyable destination for outdoor lovers, with miles of hiking and biking trails within city limits. You need plenty of space to pack your road trip essentials, so it might be time to upgrade your ride to the expansive Toyota Highlander SUV. Contact Cloninger Toyota and make your appointment to see it in person today.