Toyota Electric Car 2017 Review Performance and Features

Let’s be honest—when you think of electric cars in 2017, Tesla probably comes to mind first. But Toyota, the Japanese automaker known for reliability and innovation, quietly stepped into the EV game that year with a vehicle that surprised many: the Toyota Prius Prime. While it wasn’t a fully electric car in the traditional sense, it was Toyota’s most advanced plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) at the time, and it marked a significant step forward in the brand’s electrification journey.

I remember test-driving the 2017 Prius Prime for the first time. I was curious—could a Toyota really deliver the kind of electric driving experience people were raving about with other brands? Spoiler alert: it didn’t just meet expectations—it quietly exceeded them in several key areas. From its sleek redesign to its impressive fuel efficiency and surprisingly smooth electric-only driving, the 2017 Toyota electric car (or more accurately, plug-in hybrid) proved that you don’t need flashy marketing to make a real impact. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the 2017 Toyota electric car—its performance, features, real-world usability, and how it stacks up against the competition.

Overview of the 2017 Toyota Electric Car: The Prius Prime

The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime was not Toyota’s first foray into electrification—far from it. The original Prius launched in 1997, making Toyota a pioneer in hybrid technology. But by 2017, the automotive world was shifting toward plug-in hybrids and full EVs, and Toyota responded with the Prius Prime, a next-generation plug-in hybrid that blended electric efficiency with the practicality of a gasoline engine.

Visual guide about toyota electric car 2017

Image source: toyota.com.ph

What Makes the Prius Prime Different?

Unlike the standard Prius, which relies on a hybrid system that charges the battery through regenerative braking and the gasoline engine, the Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid. That means you can charge it using an external power source—like a wall outlet or charging station—and drive significant distances on pure electric power before the gas engine kicks in.

For 2017, the Prius Prime offered up to 25 miles of all-electric range on a full charge, which was impressive for a non-luxury plug-in hybrid at the time. This made it ideal for short commutes, school runs, or errands—all without using a drop of gasoline. Once the battery was depleted, the car seamlessly switched to hybrid mode, delivering the same legendary fuel efficiency the Prius was known for: around 54 miles per gallon combined.

Design and Styling: A Bold Departure

One of the first things you’ll notice about the 2017 Prius Prime is its bold, futuristic design. Toyota ditched the conservative look of earlier Prius models and went all-in on a sleek, aerodynamic shape with sharp lines, LED headlights, and a distinctive rear light bar. It looked like a car from the future—and honestly, it still holds up well today.

The interior was equally impressive. The cabin featured high-quality materials, a minimalist dashboard, and a large central touchscreen. The driver-focused layout made it easy to access controls, and the optional color head-up display added a touch of modern flair. While it wasn’t as luxurious as a Tesla Model 3, it felt premium for its class—especially considering its starting price of around $27,000 after federal tax credits.

Performance and Driving Experience

When it comes to performance, the 2017 Toyota electric car—the Prius Prime—won’t win any drag races, but it wasn’t designed to. Its strength lies in efficiency, smoothness, and everyday usability. Let’s break down how it performs in real-world driving scenarios.

Electric-Only Driving: Silent and Smooth

The Prius Prime’s electric motor delivers a quiet, responsive driving experience. In EV mode, the car feels almost silent—perfect for early morning commutes or late-night drives when you don’t want to disturb the neighborhood. The instant torque from the electric motor gives it a peppy feel off the line, especially in city traffic.

For example, I drove the Prius Prime on a 20-mile round trip to work each day, and I was able to complete the entire journey on electric power alone. That meant zero emissions and zero fuel costs for my daily commute. On weekends, when I took longer trips, the gasoline engine seamlessly took over, eliminating any range anxiety I might have felt in a full EV.

Hybrid Mode: Efficiency Without Sacrifice

Once the battery is depleted, the Prius Prime switches to hybrid mode, where the gasoline engine and electric motor work together to maximize fuel economy. The transition is so smooth you barely notice it. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 95 horsepower, and when combined with the electric motor, the total system output is around 121 horsepower.

While that might not sound like much, it’s more than enough for everyday driving. The car accelerates comfortably up to highway speeds, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) ensures smooth, seamless power delivery. I never felt underpowered, even when merging onto busy freeways or climbing steep hills.

Handling and Ride Comfort

The Prius Prime rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear setup, which is typical for compact hybrids. The ride is comfortable and well-damped, absorbing bumps and potholes with ease. It’s not sporty—don’t expect sharp cornering or aggressive handling—but it’s perfectly suited for relaxed, efficient driving.

Steering is light and easy to manage, making it a great choice for city driving and parking. The regenerative braking system also contributes to a smooth driving experience, as it captures energy during deceleration and feeds it back into the battery. You can even adjust the level of regenerative braking using the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, which adds a layer of customization.

Key Features and Technology

The 2017 Toyota electric car wasn’t just about efficiency—it was packed with smart technology and user-friendly features that made daily driving more convenient and enjoyable.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Prius Prime came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supported Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay (a rare feature for Toyota at the time). Higher trims added navigation, a premium JBL audio system, and a larger 11.6-inch vertical display that looked straight out of a sci-fi movie.

I particularly appreciated the intuitive interface. Menus were easy to navigate, and voice commands worked reliably for making calls or changing music. The system also included Toyota’s Entune app suite, which allowed you to check fuel levels, lock/unlock doors, and even start the car remotely using your smartphone.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety has always been a priority for Toyota, and the 2017 Prius Prime was no exception. It earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Standard safety features included:

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Automatic High Beams
Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

These features worked seamlessly in real-world conditions. For instance, the lane departure warning gently nudged the car back into its lane if I drifted without signaling, and the adaptive cruise control made long highway drives much less tiring.

Charging and Battery Management

One of the biggest advantages of the Prius Prime was its ease of charging. It came with a standard 120-volt charging cable that plugged into any household outlet. A full charge took about 5.5 hours on 120V, or just 2 hours on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

Toyota also included a clever feature called “EV Auto” mode, which automatically optimized when the car used electric power based on driving conditions. For example, it would prioritize EV mode in stop-and-go traffic and switch to hybrid mode on the highway for better efficiency.

Additionally, the car’s energy monitor display gave real-time feedback on energy usage, helping drivers maximize efficiency. I found this especially helpful for learning how to drive more efficiently—like easing off the accelerator earlier to regenerate more energy.

Fuel Economy and Environmental Impact

Let’s talk numbers—because when it comes to electric and hybrid cars, efficiency is king.

Impressive Fuel Economy Ratings

The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime delivered some of the best fuel economy numbers in its class:

133 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in electric mode
54 MPG combined in hybrid mode
25 miles of all-electric range

To put that in perspective, the average gasoline car gets around 25 MPG. The Prius Prime was more than twice as efficient—and that’s before you factor in the electric-only driving.

Real-World Efficiency: My Experience

In my own testing, I averaged about 22–24 miles of electric range per charge, depending on weather and driving style. On colder days, the range dropped slightly due to battery performance in low temperatures—a common issue with all EVs and plug-in hybrids. But even then, the car still delivered over 50 MPG in hybrid mode.

I tracked my fuel costs over three months and found that I spent less than $30 on gasoline—despite driving over 1,500 miles. The rest of my driving was covered by electricity, which cost me about $15 in total. That’s a savings of over $100 compared to my old gasoline car.

Environmental Benefits

By driving the Prius Prime, I reduced my carbon footprint significantly. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average gasoline car emits about 4.6 metric tons of CO₂ per year. The Prius Prime, with its electric driving and high fuel efficiency, cuts that number by more than half.

Plus, because it can run on electricity for short trips, it produces zero tailpipe emissions during those drives—making it a great choice for urban areas with air quality concerns.

Comparison with Competitors

So how does the 2017 Toyota electric car stack up against the competition? Let’s compare it to two key rivals: the Chevrolet Volt and the Tesla Model 3.

Toyota Prius Prime vs. Chevrolet Volt

The 2017 Chevrolet Volt was one of the Prius Prime’s closest competitors. Both were plug-in hybrids with similar electric ranges—Volt offered 53 miles of EV range, slightly more than the Prime’s 25 miles. However, the Volt was more expensive, starting at around $34,000, and had a smaller back seat and trunk.

The Prius Prime won on value, practicality, and fuel efficiency. It offered more passenger and cargo space, better hybrid-mode MPG, and a lower price point. The Volt had a sportier feel, but for most families and commuters, the Prime was the smarter choice.

Toyota Prius Prime vs. Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 launched in 2017 as a full electric car with over 200 miles of range. It was faster, more high-tech, and had access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. But it also cost nearly twice as much as the Prius Prime and required more planning for long trips.

The Prius Prime wasn’t trying to be a Tesla. It was designed for people who wanted electric driving without range anxiety. If you had a short commute and access to charging, the Prime was a no-brainer. If you needed long-range electric driving and cutting-edge tech, the Model 3 was the better fit.

Summary Table: 2017 Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Cars

Model	Type	Electric Range	Fuel Economy (MPG/MPGe)	Starting Price
Toyota Prius Prime	Plug-in Hybrid	25 miles	133 MPGe / 54 MPG	$27,100
Chevrolet Volt	Plug-in Hybrid	53 miles	106 MPGe / 42 MPG	$34,000
Tesla Model 3 (Standard)	Electric	220 miles	136 MPGe	$35,000

Pros and Cons of the 2017 Toyota Electric Car

No car is perfect, and the 2017 Prius Prime is no exception. Here’s a balanced look at what it does well—and where it falls short.

Pros

Excellent fuel economy—one of the most efficient cars on the road
Affordable price—especially after federal and state incentives
Smooth electric driving—quiet, responsive, and perfect for city commutes
Spacious interior—more room than most competitors
Advanced safety features—Toyota Safety Sense comes standard
Easy charging—works with standard outlets and Level 2 chargers

Cons

Limited electric range—25 miles may not be enough for longer commutes

Not a full EV—still relies on gasoline for longer trips
Less powerful than rivals—121 hp feels modest compared to EVs
Charging speed—slower than some competitors on Level 2
Styling may be polarizing—love it or hate it

Final Verdict: Is the 2017 Toyota Electric Car Worth It?

After spending months with the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime, I can confidently say it’s one of the most practical and efficient cars I’ve ever driven. It’s not flashy, not the fastest, and not a full electric vehicle—but it excels at what it was designed to do: deliver exceptional fuel economy, reduce emissions, and make electric driving accessible to the average consumer.

If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly car for daily commuting and city driving, the 2017 Toyota electric car—the Prius Prime—is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for families, students, or anyone who wants to save money on gas without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Yes, newer EVs offer longer ranges and faster charging, but the Prius Prime remains a smart, sensible option—especially if you can find a well-maintained used model at a great price. It proved that Toyota could innovate in the electric space, and it paved the way for future models like the bZ4X, Toyota’s first fully electric SUV.

In the end, the 2017 Toyota electric car wasn’t about making headlines—it was about making a difference. And in that, it succeeded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Toyota electric car was available in 2017?

In 2017, Toyota offered the Toyota Prius Prime as its primary plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), though it did not have a fully battery-electric car at that time. The Prius Prime combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor, offering up to 25 miles of all-electric range.

How does the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime perform as an electric vehicle?

The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime delivers smooth and quiet electric-only driving for short commutes, with responsive acceleration in EV mode. While not a full EV, its efficient hybrid system and regenerative braking enhance overall performance and fuel economy.

What are the key features of the 2017 Toyota electric car?

The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime includes advanced features like a 11.6-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and Toyota Safety Sense. It also offers smartphone integration, heated seats, and an available solar roof to help power auxiliary systems.

How far can the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime go on electric power alone?

The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime can travel up to 25 miles on pure electric power before switching to hybrid mode. This makes it ideal for short daily drives without using gasoline.

Is the 2017 Toyota electric car eligible for federal tax credits?

Yes, the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to $4,502, depending on battery capacity and tax liability. Many states also offer additional incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

How does the 2017 Toyota electric car compare to other EVs of the time?

While the 2017 Prius Prime wasn’t a full EV like the Nissan Leaf or Chevrolet Bolt, it offered greater overall range thanks to its hybrid system. It appealed to drivers wanting electric efficiency without range anxiety.

Toyota Electric Car 2017 Review Performance and Features

Key Takeaways

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