Customer orders for the all-new Toyota Prius Plug-in have started and the first UK deliveries will commence in July. What should new owners expect of this third-generation plug-in hybrid electric model, and what will the UK range consist of? Below are some early details you need to know about the 2024 Toyota Prius Plug-in.
Please note: the availability of vehicle features described in this article may be dependent on the grade of vehicle. Consult your local Toyota centre or visit toyota.co.uk for more information.
2024 Toyota Prius Plug-in
From its original launch in 1997 and through each successive generation, the Prius has continued to push the boundaries of electrified mobility. It should come as no surprise that the all-new 2024 Toyota Prius Plug-in delivers even greater fuel economy, emissions efficiency and EV driving capability. But this time the model’s signature wedge shape is more desirable than ever with sharp, World Car Design of the Year-winning styling.
The new car is powered by a 2.0-litre plug-in system that benefits from our fifth-generation hybrid technology. This powertrain delivers a maximum combined output of 220bhp for strong, responsive acceleration – significantly more than the 121bhp of the previous Prius Plug-in.
The 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows up to 53.4 miles of EV driving range. But for longer trips, or when charging is not practical, the hybrid system’s enhanced output delivers CO2 emissions as low as 12g/km – the lowest yet for a Prius.
Balance and handling have also been enhanced, thanks to an evolved platform that brings lower weight and higher rigidity for a more stable ride. A lower centre of gravity, helped by placing the EV battery under the rear seat and moving the fuel tank lower and further forward, contributes to enhanced driving dynamics and agility.
Inside, the cabin offers clean design and plenty of space. The interior is constructed from stylish, high-value materials, accentuated by harmonious design elements which highlight a dynamic feel.
UK model range
The launch line-up for the 2024 Toyota Pruis Plug-in consists of two familiar grades: Design and Excel. Pricing is shown on the model chapter on the Toyota UK website.
Design grade will include 17-inch alloy wheels, smart entry, rear privacy glass, the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system with both cloud-based and embedded navigation, fully digital driver’s combimeter, parking sensors with obstacle, vehicle and pedestrian detection, and dual-zone air conditioning with nanoe-X air quality system. The latest generation Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems are also provided as standard.
Excel grade (shown in these images) rides on 19-inch wheels and comes with eight-way power adjustable front seats with memory setting and integrated heating and ventilation. A digital rear-view mirror and powered rear hatch are also included in the specification.
See more: Build your new Prius Plug-in using our online configurator
It’s a pity that the new Prius isn’t available with the 15″ wheels that the previous generations of Prius were able to be supplied with, the smallest size is now 17″ on the Design model. Larger low profile tyres fitted to larger wheels give a harder ride, have higher rolling resistance and cost more. That comment aside, the new Prius looks to be a great car.
Currently driving my fourth Toyota Hybrid (Gen 4 2016 on 15 ” ) they have always been better, and more economical, on smaller 15 inch wheels. 17″ are a good compromise, 19″ are just stupid, but Toyota may not give an option for higher spec models. I sold my Auris TS Excel because of stupid wheel size supplied.
I am still trying to see this new one as it is the only Toyota plug in below the supercar tax. It looks good. I test drove my Gen 2 but my others were ordered before release off spec. Loved first and last. Not the middle two.
Does the marketing department think about VED when setting prices? Cost of the Excel model looks reasonable at £39,955, but metallic paint takes this to £40,610, making the effective cost £2,705 over 6 years. Expect to see a lot of Excels in boring Lunar Shadow!
I was told by the dealer that the VED is calculated based on the base RRP, so adding an optional colour choice is not supposed to change the VED band. I’ll see…
Ordered mine on the opening day 4.4.24 and was told the colour price does affect the price so lunar shadow it is. Don’t know when it’s coming now the re call and stop of production due to back doors.
Hi Nick, thanks for your comment.
It’s great to hear that you have a new Prius on order, we hope you enjoy it. Each colour option has a different price tag, that’s correct. We’ll get your new purchase to you as soon as possible, thanks for your patience!
Toyota UK
Agree with you about Toyota marketing setting prices. It’s quite ridiculous to set a base price for the Excel version just below the VED luxury threshold with one (bland and boring) paint option and then have all other colours as a cost option to break the threshold. Makes no sense to me and I’m sure that will influence some buyers. I also ordered my Prius on the opening day but had already convinced myself (with reluctance) that it was more important to get the colour I wanted and not be influenced by the VED which comes into effect from year 2 for 5 years. So, mustard it is.
After a bit more digging I’ll add a bit more on the £40,000 VED Luxury threshold as it has a direct relevance to some Prius buyers who want an Excel with a different colour. It doesn’t matter what a dealer says or even what the DVLA says. What matters is what the actual published legislation states and it makes for interesting reading. It can be located here https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1994/22/schedule/1 . Paragraph 1GF(1) states how to calculate the price of a vehicle in relation to Paragraph 1GE(1)(a) which refers to vehicles costing more than £40,000. The calculation is the list price of the vehicle plus “the price of any non-standard accessory which is attached to the vehicle when it is first registered”. Can anyone argue that a different colour of paint is a non-standard accessory that needs to be attached? Is paint an “accessory”? Is paint “attached”? I seem to remember that originally, some accessories could be attached by the dealer to avoid being included in the price for VED threshold purposes. It looks like that’s no longer the case either.
Why plug in? we want this new Prius in non plug in.
Plug in is hassle & UK is way behind with on street charging points. If Im going to buy plug in then I will buy full electric.
Hi.
Does anyone know if the new Excel will have a sunroof. All the images show it with one but never seen it in the specs.
Hi Andrew, thanks for getting in touch.
There is no sunroof option for the UK specification of the Prius Plug-In at the moment. We’ll be sure to pass your suggestion along to our team though.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
I agree this is very disappointing. All the early publicity pictures show the Excel model with the sky view roof. The motoring equivalent of ‘shrinkflation’?