Plug-in Toyota Prius Prime is worth the wait

motor provides 121 total horses for acceleration. It’s not dreadfully slow, but we definitely are down in small car territory.

On the road: Just like the regular Prius, the Prius Prime is a delight. The car offers a smooth ride over bumps, and while handling is not fun, it’s definitely competent and secure. (The heavy batteries under the rear seat probablyhelp.)

Shiftless: Power is transferred to the wheels through a CVT, so the power comes smoothly, although a golf cart breaks out when pushed. The odd transmission joystick sits under the radio.

Driver’s Seat: Cooled seats are not available in a Prius Prime. This may or may not be a deal breaker, because the super-soft leathery SolTex trimmed front seats really hold in the heat and moisture.

Otherwise, the seat is comfortableand supportive.

Keeping warm and cool: One drawback to small cars everywhere tends to be weak HVAC systems, and the Prius Prime is no different. Though Mrs. Passenger Seat will enjoy heated seats when the cold weather comes, Mr. Hot-Blooded Driver’s Seat must suffer in the heat of September. Wouldn’t cooled seats offer a more efficient cooling method?

In the end: The Prius Prime is certainly no hot rod or sports car, but it does so many things so well and offers fuel economy other plug-in hybrids can only dream about. Sure, more companies are going down this road, but with Toyota’s quality reputation and decades of hybrid experience, this car would make an excellent choice for almost everyone.

Up next: Hyundai Ioniq.