The Toyota Prius Prime is for those consumers tempted to buy a fully electric vehicle, but who aren't willing to contend with the range anxiety that typically goes hand-in-hand with owning an electric car. For anyone who can charge frequently and thus maximize the electric drive, it's a compelling car. Otherwise, using it as a hybrid compromises fuel economy. You also get a $4,500 federal tax incentive, at least for now.
Toyota rolled out a Prius plug-in back in 2012, promising some electric-only driving range. But in reality, this was a reluctant EV that resorted to turning on the gas engine at every opportunity. In our owner satisfaction survey, the Prius Plug-in ranked well below the regular Prius hybrid. But the current plug-in -- called Prius Prime -- has the ability to go all electric more often and for longer distances.