2021 Toyota Prius Prime vs. Tesla Model 3
2021 Toyota Prius Prime vs. Tesla Model 3
Overview
The market for alternative fuel vehicles continues to grow, and manufacturers continue to make cars with more range and new technology. The Toyota Prius Prime is one of the most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrids you can get, even when you put it up against the Tesla Model 3. Take a look at some of the details for each of these vehicles.
The Powertrains
The plug-in hybrid Prius Prime is quick with lots of pep. It has a large battery and an electric motor that enable it to get up to a 25-mile all-electric range, and it has a gas engine that provides a combined range of 640 miles. The standard range Tesla 3 goes up to 263 miles, while the long-range version can go up to 353 miles. With a 120-volt power outlet, it takes about 5.5 hours to get a full charge on the Prius Prime. You can reduce this to just over two hours with a 240-volt outlet. It takes between five hours and four days to charge the Tesla with a 120-volt outlet. With a 240-volt outlet, charging will take up to 10 hours.
Safety Features
The Prius Prime soars ahead of the Tesla Model 3 with its standard safety features. It comes with forward collision warning, a pedestrian detection feature, bicyclist detection, a road sign recognition system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tesla doesn't have bicyclist detection, and you have to add an additional package to get a stop sign and traffic light recognition system as part of its self-driving capabilities. A head-up display is optional for the Prius Prime, and you can also get a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and parallel park assist.
Cabin Space and Features
The Prius Prime is the better choice for drivers looking for more space in the cabin and the trunk. It has a 19.8-cubic-foot cargo area and rear seats with a 60/40 split that enable you to change the amount of storage space and passenger seating. The Tesla Model 3 has 15 cubic feet of cargo space, and it also has split-folding rear seats. There's room for five in the Prius Prime, and it has comfortable seats in both rows. The Tesla has a minimalist design in the cabin without any knobs or buttons on the dash, and it also has room for five. Both models have all the connectivity capabilities you need, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and satellite radio. No question here, the Toyota Prius Prime is the way to go.