2017 Prius Prime Wins KBB Best Buy of 2017 Award

Toyota has introduced a new Prius Hybrid Plug-In for the 2017 model year – the new Prius Prime. Already, the Prius Prime is earning praise from Kelley Blue Book, an auto industry consumer group.

KBB.com recently named the Prius Prime the Best Buy in 2017 in the Hybrid/Electric Class. Each year, Kelley Blue Book determines the best vehicles by value in 12 categories. Each model is rated on initial cost, cost to operate, and resale value.

The 2017 Prius Prime – which is capable of traveling 22 all-electric miles and receives an estimated 120 MPGe efficiency rating – earned high marks in all categories. In fact, KBB.com said the Prius Prime would bring PHEV technology to the masses, thanks to its affordable price point. Plus, Toyota has a strong track record of their vehicles holding resale value, which helped the Prius Prime nab the award.

The Best Buy award is certainly reason for celebration, and it’s likely more industry awards are on the way. The reason? The 2017 Prius Prime has greatly advanced PHEV vehicles, and it’s loaded with a range of innovative features.

Hybrid-Electric Technology in the 2017 Prius Prime

The Prius Prime has simplified plug-in electric technology for drivers, and that’s another reason it was a Best Buy in 2017, KBB said. Unlike other PHEV vehicles, the Prius Prime can plug into traditional three-pong wall outlets. Using an existing plug in your garage, the Prime’s 8.8 kWh battery achieves a full charge in 5.5 hours. With a 240V outlet, the battery charges in about 2.75 hours.

Beyond the battery though, the 2017 Prius Prime is equipped with newly introduced PHEV features. All models, for example, are powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder, as well as an electric drive system. Plus, Toyota has introduced a Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2017 Prius Prime. The HSD system enables the Prime to draw energy from both sources in EV, which Toyota says, greatly improves the Prime’s acceleration. Another eye-popping stat: The Prius Prime has an estimated gas/electric range of 600+ miles.

An Array of Advanced Technology and Polished Styling

There’s more to the 2017 Prius Prime than impressive hybrid technology. The four-door sedan has also been restyled and refitted compared to predecessors. First, the Prius front fascia has been completely redesigned. A new blacked-out grille and LED lights give the Prius Prime a distinctive new look.

Yet, even though it’s new, the Prime still has the Prius profile, including an aerodynamic, sloping roofline and a taut rear-end. With the 2017 Prime, though, Toyota says the drag co-efficient – a measure of aerodynamics – has been cut to 0.24, which ranks among the best in the industry.

Inside the cabin, the Prius gets all the connected technologies. The console-topping 11.6-inch infotainment screen delivers a range of connectivity options. Navigation, smartphone syncing and more are all possibilities. The cabin is also fitted with an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat and rear-seat spaciousness has been improved for the model year.

Plus, Toyota has advanced its Safety Sense P active safety technologies, which are all available in the 2017 Prius Prime. Safety options include:

1. Collision warning and crash-avoidance braking
2. Smart cruise control with autonomous adjustments
3. Lane-keeping assistance
4. Automatic high beam lights

Additionally, drivers can upgrade to add safety features like blind spot detection and alerts.

Visit Toyota of Knoxville today and test drive this year’s Best Buy of 2017 – the Prius Prime. Schedule a test drive online, visit us in-person or contact our sales team for more information.

Tags: Awards, KBB Best Buy, Prius Prime
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