Smoking Hot Deal – New 2021 Toyota Prius Prime LE for $15,787 + TTL and Reg

Unfortunately California residents have now lost the $1k State Tax rebate via sunset as of April 6th, 2021. There is an answer for that.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 8, 2021

2021 Toyota Prius Prime LE in Supersonic Red


This 2021 Toyota Prius Prime is parked in my garage as I type.​

Remember the Hot Deal – New 2020 Toyota Prius Prime LE for $16,529 + TTL? This one is better as the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) vehicle in America is now an even hotter deal.

This brand new 55/53/54 mpg city/highway/combined rated 2021 Red Toyota Prius Prime LE replaced the 2020 Blue Toyota Prius Prime LE that experienced 83,800 absolutely trouble-free miles placed on her outside of two flats over the course of 12-months and 25-days.

It was just over a year ago when the 2020 Toyota Prius Prime was offered with new 5-seat capacity, all black interior, sun visor extensions, Apple CarPlay and Alexa, two 2.1A USB ports in the back of the center console, optional all-weather mats for the front, rear and cargo area ($259), and the new 10 year/150k mile Li-Ion traction battery warranty.

For 2021, Toyota stepped up the Prius Prime’s game a notch and turned the essentially worthless 7” central display infotainment system into a modern useful display with the addition of Android Auto to the base LE models. The 11.6” display equipped XLE and Limited trims are still stuck with a 2-generation outdated infotainment design unfortunately.

Other 2021 upgrades include Toyota Safety Sense-P has been upgraded to Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 for the 2021 MY.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 features automatic emergency braking and the following:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian and now Bicyclist Detection
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control <-- No Change from Safety Sense-P
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist <-- No Change from Safety Sense-P
• Automatic High Beam <-- No Change from Safety Sense-P
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist

The new Lane Trace Assist is much more aggressive than simple lane departure alert w/ steering assist and with just two adjustment levels, normal and quick, there is no ability to detune it to a soft enough steering control level I feel comfortable driving while it is activated unfortunately. It simply steers to the center to aggressively and I am fighting it on a continuous basis to skew to the right side of the lane I am traveling.

Other minor changes for 2021 include very small aero strakes added to the top of the side view mirror bezels, the B-Pillar is now painted black instead of a piano black plastic trim piece like the C-Pillar covering, the all-weather mats are now ridged which helps keep the mat black instead of turning in it brownish black after just two or three people have entered and exited, and the Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS) activated below ~ 18 mph seems louder. The Lane Trace Assist graphic now includes thick blue and thin white lines showing when nearing an edge vs the simple white line mimic from the 2020.

The Hot Deal Hunt…

A many here know, I was looking to replace the 2020 for a 2021 mainly due to the inclusion of Android Auto but also because the stackable deals were so generous that I could sell my 2020 with 84k miles on it for the same price I could purchase a 2021 for with no miles here in California. I was originally considering another East Coast purchase but Toyota is now offering essentially East Coast Rebate pricing and California upped its game with a new $900.11 Clean Fuel Rebate sponsored by the California Air Resource Board (CARB).

In detail, there was a Toyota $4,500 rebate, Fed tax credit of $4,502, CA State tax rebate (CVRP) of $1,000, Clean Fuel Rebate of $900.11, and a $750 Toyota Uber driver rebate. This is in addition to discount of $2,587 off retail I was able to bargain down too.

At first, I was focusing in on the Blue Magnetism just like the 2020 given the no upcharge color and highest resale equivalent to the Supersonic Red but there were few 21 Prius Primes in blue and the one that I was finally dealing on included Toyota’s $395 Paint Protection Film that looks terrible after a few tens of thousands of highway miles.

Do I accept the Blue Magnetism with $395 (film), $259 (Carpet mats and cargo), $125 (Door Edge), and $79 (Rear Bumper Applique) addons with a $24k OTD price incl TTL and Reg but not not including the CA State Tax rebate and Fed TC from an Orange County Dealership or purchase a more readily available Supersonic Red with its $425 color upcharge, $259 (All-weather mats and cargo), and $79 (Rear Bumper Applique) for $23,901 OTD price not including the CA State Tax rebate and Fed TC from a San Diego area dealership with a similar discount off retail attached? The Orange County dealership w/ the Blue Prime was 45-minutes to late as I was signing the purchase agreement for the 2021 in Red when the texted me that have the vehicle ready to go…

2021 Toyota Prius Prime LE in Supersonic Red Monroney

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All told, the new 2021 Toyota Prime LE Supersonic Red retailed at $29,978 incl the $995 D&H charge that I picked up with a $2,587 off retail from the dealership, $4,500 off in Toyota rebates, $900.11 CARB Rebate, $750 Uber Driver rebate, upcoming $1,000 for the CA State tax rebate and $4,502 Fed Tax credit for an OTD price of $15,739 plus TTL, Reg and Dealer Doc fees.

California TTL, DOC, and CA State fees include:

• Sales Tax - $2,139.39
• Dealer Doc - $85
• Electronic Vehicle Reg and Transfer - $30
• Vehicle License Fee - $177
• Registration/Transfer/Title Fee - $230
• California Tire Fee - $8.75

The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime in Detail

The Toyota Prius Prime plug-in-hybrid arrives with a 640-mile driving range, 615 miles from its hybrid system (11.4-gallon tank * 54 miles/gallon combined rating) and another 25 miles of all electric range from its onboard 265 lb, 8.8 kWh Li-Ion battery pack, 6 kWh of which is useable.

2021 Toyota Prius Prime Drivetrain

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In std. hybrid mode, the Prius Prime is rated at 55/53/54 mpgUS city/highway/combined.

Like all other Prius models, it combines the output of the gasoline engine and electric motor through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission but with a twist. The Prius Prime was the first Toyota hybrid to use a dual motor drive, with the ability to engage both the generator (MG1) and electric drive motor (MG2) for drive torque via an innovative one-way clutch that locks the engine out. This is the first deployment of MG1 for that purpose. In other Prius models, MG1 provides only battery charging while MG2 provides drive torque and charging.

The Prius Prime’s std. atkinsonized 1.8L I4 used in all current Gen 4 Prius models, achieves a 40-percent-plus thermal efficiency compared to about 25-30 percent for most modern automobile engines. The combined output of the ICE and Electric motors combined for a net output of 121 hp.

That efficiency starts with a very high compression ratio of 13.0:1, yet the Prius Prime runs on regular-unleaded gasoline. An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system with a cooler, a smaller, lighter, quieter hybrid system water pump, and an exhaust heat recirculation system that helps speed engine warm-up all combine to make the Prius Prime the most efficient ICE equipped automobile available in the U.S.

The Prius Prime cruises in silence thanks not only to its std. EV operation but also to the sound-insulating laminated windshield and front door glass, comprehensive sound insulation measures, and the aero shape that reduces wind noise at speed.

2021 Toyota Prius Prime Exterior Design

The Prius Prime has a distinct style of its own. The Prime wears exclusive front and rear fascias, bumpers, and lighting systems. Ultra-low profile LED headlights and the large black acrylic grille are simply better looking than the std. Prius up front.

Out back, the Prius Prime’s “dual wave” rear window combines an exotic look with aerodynamic efficiency allowing for a clear sightline from the rear-view mirror vs the split view in std. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gen Prius’. Also unique to the Prius Prime, a full-width LED rear combination lamp panel that follows the contour of the spoiler and the double-wave window. A full-width aero glass panel below the rear spoiler, plus a standard backup camera, aid rearward visibility.

2021 Toyota Prus Prime



Attractive and unique Dual Wave Rear glass with a vastly improved rear view mirror sightline.​

Automatic grille shutters help reduce drag by closing when airflow to the radiator is not needed. Another unique detail, the 15” alloys include aerodynamic covers painted in a two-tone scheme.

The Prius Prime’s unique energy-conserving quad LED headlights give off a stunning nighttime look, that do not blind oncoming drivers thanks to standard Automatic High Beams. Using an on-board camera, the system is designed to detect approaching vehicles or a vehicle traveling ahead and also measure the surrounding environment’s light (such as street light brightness) and adjust accordingly.

Seven paint color choices are available including Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Titanium Glow and, exclusive to the Prius Prime, Blue Magnetism. Two premium colors - $425 upcharge - include Supersonic Red and, new for 2021, available Wind Chill Pearl replacing Blizzard Pearl White.

2021 Toyota Prius Prime Chassis

The Prius Prime is built upon Toyota’s TNGA-K platform including high strength steels and a double-wishbone, multi-link rear suspension that still allows 19.8 cu. ft. of cargo volume with the rear seatbacks in use.

Hot-stamped and high tensile steels are both lightweight and strong and used extensively throughout the Prius Prime body. Aluminum components, including the hood and brake calipers, keep vehicle weight in check. Innovative fastening methods, such as laser screw welding and advanced adhesives also contribute to structural strength.

Additional weight savings come from a lightweight carbon-fiber rear liftgate, which also makes opening and closing almost effortless.

2021 Toyota Prius Prime Climate Control

The Prius Prime includes standard heated front seats and “smart-flow” ventilation that adjusts airflow only to areas where occupants are seated. The climate control system can also operate without the engine running, with a heat pump that allows the system to cool or heat the cabin while driving in EV mode. The heat pump can function without the engine running in weather down to 14 degrees F, where a conventional heat pump system could only function with the temperature above 32 F. The cabin gets heat quickly even with a cold powertrain.

On cold days, a battery warmer activates at the end of a charge to keep the battery temperature above 32 degrees F, helping to ensure that it can deliver optimal EV performance and range when the vehicle is started again.

2021 Toyota Prius Prime Trims

The centrally mounted gauge panel features dual 4.2-inch full-color multi-information displays, and the driver can change their content by using steering wheel controls. Customizable screens include Energy Monitor, Hybrid System and Climate Control Indicator, along with a suite of “Eco” features: Eco Score, Eco Savings Record, Drive Monitor, and Eco Diary. Other screens provide displays for driver support systems, audio system content, and navigation system content.

Prius Prime LE starts with a long roster of standard features, including fabric-trimmed heated front seats with armrests and seatback pockets; power windows with auto up/down; smart-flow climate control system with pollen filtration; integrated navigation and backup camera; dual sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, and heated power outside mirrors. SofTex trimmed tilt/telescopic wheel integrates controls for audio, climate, the Multi-Information Display and Bluetooth. The Smart Key System (on driver side) with Push Button Start is a Prius Staple since 2004. To power devices, there’s one 12v auxiliary power outlet up front, and another in the rear, plus one front USB power/data outlet.

2021 Toyota Prius Prime LE Interior

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The XLE adds the large but essentially worthless 11.6” vertical HD multimedia display. The Smart Key System with Push Button Start is expanded to three doors and includes remote illuminated entry. The Prius Prime XLE comes with wireless cell phone charging for Qi-compatible devices using the console charging pad.

SofTex-trimmed seats front and rear are standard with the fronts being heated plus the driver receives an 8-way power adjustable seat with power lumbar support. If it were not for the useless 11.6” display infotainment system, I would have purchased this trim in both 2020 and 2021 for the SofTex seating surfaces alone.

The Limited is adds a heated wheel, remote climate control system, rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink universal transceiver, LED fog lights, a color heads-up display (HUD) w/ speedometer, hybrid battery charge, hybrid system indicator navigation and some of the various systems within the TSS 2.0 driver-assist system.

The Limited adds Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) with Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA), and a three-year trials subscription to Safety Connect, which includes Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, and Automatic Collision Notification.

BSM and RCTA are std. on all std. Prius trims other than the LE Eco is a continuing misstep by Toyota for not including these two safety features with the Prime LE and XLE but did so only on the Limited imho.

2021 Toyota Prius Prime Infotainment

The Prius Prime LE arrives with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility as well as a SiriusXM All-Access three-month trial.

Its std. 7.0” high-res touch-screen with split-screen capability includes: AM/FM, 6 speakers; aux jack; USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control; two additional USB 2.1A ports for the rear passengers; advanced voice recognition; hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via BT, plus Siri and an integrated backup camera display.

The Multimedia Bundle adds AM/FM cache radio (letting you pause songs and play later), HD Radio, HD Radio Traffic, HD Radio Weather; and the SiriusXM All Access Radio trial, and Gracenote album cover art.

The Prius Prime XLE adds the 11.6” high-res display. Tablet-like operation for this vertically oriented screen, including pinch and zoom functionality. Capacitive touch switches flank the screen on both sides, providing easy access to major functions. If only Toyota included ACP and AA to make the display worth owning.

The Prius Prime Limited adds JBL Audio w/ 10 JBL GreenEdge speakers plus mostly terrible Prime Apps including Remote Charge Management, Charging Station Map, ECO Dashboard, Remote Climate, and Vehicle Finder.

2021 Toyota Prius Prime Safety

All Prius Prime models come equipped with 10 airbags, including driver and front passenger; driver and front-passenger side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; a driver knee airbag; a front passenger seat cushion airbag; and two rear side airbags.

In addition to TSS 2.0, the 2021 Prius Prime is equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

2021 Toyota Prius Prime Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against corrosion with no mileage limitation.

The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years from date of first use or 150,000 miles whichever comes first. The coverage is transferable to subsequent owners, a boon to resale value.

The hybrid components retain coverage of 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first. In applicable states hybrid-related component coverage is 15 years/150,000 miles with the exception of the hybrid battery, which is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles.

The Prius Prime also comes standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Prius models include three years of 24-hour roadside assistance from date of purchase.

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On April 6th, 2021, all new purchasers of PHEVs with less than 30-miles of all-electric range are now unable to receive the $1,000 California State Tax credit. Toyota has upped the $4,500 rebate to $5k for April if that helps?

While the 2021 Prius Prime’s price was beyond great, the 4th Gen Prius lineup including the Prime still has the taller driver ergonomics problem, the LE and XLE still lack BSM and RCTA that comes std. on the entire non-Prime 2020 Toyota Prius lineup - outside the LE Eco - and Limited Prime. With the addition of Android Auto to the base LE (XLE and Limited still lack), at least the infotainment system is no longer the worst in the industry.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

For April of 2021, Toyota increased the 2021 Prius Prime rebate to $5k from $4,500 offered in March. I did not want to risk that Toyota would reduce the March of 2021 $4,500 2021 Prius Prime rebate or I could have saved another $500 off the Hot Deal I did buy within.

April 2021 - Toyota Prius Prime $5k Rebate in California


An additional $500 over last month's rebate.

California Clean Fuel Rebate Detail



CARB Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) Eligibility as of April 6th


Numerous efficient PHEVs have now been removed from eligibility. ​

While the $1,000 CVRP is no longer available, the $500 Toyota rebate increase in April and the ability or willingness to purchase a non-premium Red or White exterior color ($425) almost negates the loss of the $1,000 CVRP California State Tax Credit.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

Besides the trade from higher mile used to brand new for essentially the tax, the most important reason to upgrade to a 2021 Prius Prime, from the 2020 is this.

2021 Toyota Prius Prime LE w/ Android Auto

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Finally the std. 7" display is more than just a useless LCD!

Wayne

 

Hi All:

I had a medical delivery to Temecula this morning and could not pass up the opportunity to drive back to Carlsbad on 100 percent good ole American sunshine.

2021 Toyota Prius Prime charging off sunshine at an Electrify America Solar L2

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Electrify America has added at least 30 free to the consumer, off-grid solar-powered L2 EV charging stations with real time sun tracking panels! The movement is so precise that you would need a time lapse to capture it, but it is tracking the sun dead on across the sky as I type this up.

The stations are located in mostly rural areas of Southern California and include two L2 chargers per station.

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All of the EV ARC solar powered charging stations were designed and built by Beam Global, a local San Diego area company, whose design allows night, inclement weather, and blackout charging thanks to on-platform storage!

The EA Solar L2 Charging platform housing.


The EA Solar L2 Charging platform control motors.​

My 2021 Toyota USA #Prius Prime is currently parked and almost fully charged at the Kaiser-Permanente Medical Office in Temecula, CA. I try not to miss a free opportunity charge when I come across one and in this particular case, the wait was worth it!

In the land of endless sunshine, cloudless skies, and $4/gal gasoline, thank you Electrify America for the 100 percent renewable free ride home!

Not that it matters but at the 4,953 mile mark, the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime is exceeding expectations as expected.

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Wayne

 

Hi All:

New Clean Assist Program Allows Carbon Free Charging for Toyota Prime Owners in California

Reducing your carbon footprint has never been easier, or less expensive, thanks to the new Clean Assist program from Toyota. Clean Assist allows eligible California owners of the Prius Prime or RAV4 Prime to offset their vehicle charging with 100% renewable energy no matter where the vehicles are plugged in. And there’s no cost to participate in program.

Here’s how it works:

• Owners of eligible Prius Prime or RAV4 Prime opt into the program through the Toyota App
• The Toyota App tracks the amount of electricity used during charging

Toyota then generates, or buys, an equivalent amount of California-sourced Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), an EPA-recognized program that records the generation and usage of green energy. It then sends evidence of the matching amounts to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), thereby ensuring that all Toyota PHEV charging activity is matched with zero-carbon electricity.

Whether owners charge up their vehicles at home, the office or on the road, the energy will be matched with 100% renewable power. How much renewable power is easily tracked through the Toyota App where owners see the amount of CO2 they have avoided through the Clean Assist program. Owners can opt out of the program at any time and for any reason through the app.

Toyota is choosing to voluntarily participate in the CARB Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). This program seeks to reduce California transportation GHG emissions, including through the use of renewable electricity to charge EVs. Charging vehicles with renewable electricity can generate LCFS credits which can then be sold, with the revenues used to further promote transportation electrification and the purchase of more RECs, a virtuous cycle that helps make the program self-sustaining.

While this program was introduced on Thursday of last week, I have not seen the opt in page on my Toyota app for the Prime even after the app update on Friday. I guess it may be a bit longer wait although charging in San Diego is already 45 percent renewable as it is. A benefit of charging off the cleanest grid in the country.

Wayne

 

Hi Bill:

Like you, when I first saw it on the Toyota media site last week, I thought it may actually be a way to reduce charging costs. Reading a few sentences and I saw it was just Carbon offsets. Purchasing offsets is not a bad idea outside of the vehicle ownership experience and I will take it. If the Toyota app updates and adds my vehicle to their program that is?

There are a few extra tidbits of info in the Toyota app with the upgraded telematics over my 2020. Not only can I see tire pressures in the app like I could with the 2020, I can now see if a window is opened, hatch or hood is opened, doors are unlocked, Odometer/DTE, Charge status, and although not shown in the vehicle door and window remote display detail - it is just below the scroll, even what Trip A and B are set at. And I receive an e-mail like notification via the Toyota app that my Prime has completed charging as shown.

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There is nothing on the actual SoC or how much electricity you have charged with or consumed, just an estimated time to full and a bar graph that is always off when you open it up unless you are empty or full charged.

Wayne

 

Hi Bill:

It sure is.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

At the 9,100 mile mark, I ran over a nail which created a slow leak until the TPMS light came on at 27 psi. It was not falling precipitously so there was enough time for me to drive over to a Discount Tire where they fixed it with an interior patch and plug for free.

What was unique about the TPMS indication through the Toyota app - Prime's do not include individual tire pressures in the display, is that the wrong tire was indicating low.

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At least I knew I had a low tire pressure on one tire.

I am now just over the 10,900 mile mark with an lmpg of just over 99 mpg indicated and 93 mpg actual. I do not bother counting the number of charges given the TCO on the 2020 at $0.125/mile after 84k miles was about as solid as it gets.

There is no backlighting on the Drivers side lock switch like there was on my 2020. When I took it in for the 10k mile free service, I asked and they said it is now just a print on the switch, not backlit.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

The 2021 Prius Prime LE's HOV Lane Stickers and the $1,000 State Tax Rebate arrived about a month ago. While it took a while, it sure was nice to finally receive them.

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The 2021 Prime now has 19,666 miles on it with an LMLPG of 98.8 MPG.

I have been busy with the 2021Toyota Mirai for the past 6-weeks covering a project with an embargo setup for later this month.

2021 Toyota Mirai XLE Setup


(2) 26,800 mAh ANKER PowerCores in (2) Visor Organizers powering a Garmin DriveSmart 65 via Mini-USB and GoPro H9B w/ USB-C via Pass-through door,
and Cell phone via USB-C in Cupholder mount with another ANKER PowerCore in the Center console.​

I turned in the keys to the two Mirai's last Friday.

I am currently involved in another project with a 2021 Porsche Taycan that will take about a month to complete. More on both soon...

Wayne

 

Hi All:

The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime has reached 24k miles and is clear of the Toyota Care free oil change program. Its LMPG is 99.4 MPG with approximately 3 charges per tank of fuel.

2021 Toyota Prius Prime


A bit dirty but a short visit to Coachella, CA last week.​

In Indio, CA on US-99 - The Transport backbone of CA until the Interstate system was created.​

Wayne

 

Hi All:

I had another tire that started to lose air. And of course with the first (2) dealer visits for oil changes being free, the tire rotation showed the wrong tires on each corner of the car in the app. Not wrong but the incorrect tire - left front is actually right rear, etc. In any case, I was losing about 3 psi per day as shown in the app, I traced down which tire it was and took it in. Discount Tire repaired it for free - the second time in 45,600 miles. Another nail in a second tire.

The OEM Dunlop Enesave 01 AS's are down at 5 to 6/32's so are about half way to replacement. I like them better than the Bridgestone Ecopia's for efficiency but their wet traction ratings on tirerack are suspect. They are also a little more expensive. The Low RR Enesave's have a wear rating of just 340 vs the Ecopia's at 540 and 640 so they should have worn out by now. I will take them out another 20k miles and reevaluate then.

Tirerack - Bridgestone Ecopia vs Dunlop Enasave

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Wayne

 

Hi All:

47,535-miles down, a million to go.

I was planning to depart for the Chicago Auto Show Press Days tomorrow but like all good plans, timing must be fluid.

I received a call yesterday afternoon that a local medical device company in Carlsbad, CA needed a suite of surgical devices delivered to a hospital in central Utah for emergency surgery at 07:45 AM this morning.
Within 15-minutes of the call, I swapped from my 2-day go bag to my cold weather gear, carry-on, backpack, laptop, and food stuffs for the lengthy trek.

At 03:15 AM, I arrived in the small town of Richfield, UT. A member of the surgical team was tracking my progress and waiting anxiously in front of the hospital to receive the expedited surgical equipment delivery. She immediately brought it to the Hospitals Sterile Processing Department (SPD) where everything was sterilized in preps for surgery a few hours later.

I ❤ it when a plan comes together.

A few hours of sleep and I was back on the road to Chicago with a quick stop at the entrance to the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70. Elevation 11,158 ft ASL.

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Vail, Vail Pass, Copper Mountain, and the Breckenridge Ski Resort looked marvelous from sunset through twilight.