Alternative fuel sources for vehicles have made a splash in a big way in recent years. Vehicles like the Toyota Prius Prime have been a great entry point for those looking to pursue something other than internal combustion engines.
Hybrids have great fuel economy, but get the added bonus of being more eco-conscious when looking at the bigger picture. Environmentally friendly vehicles like Ford‘s Mustang Mach-E have also gained prominence in the last few years.
With all this in mind, how does the Prius Prime stack up against a Mustang Mach-E? EVs and hybrid vehicles are similar in concept, but the technologies powering them are quite different beneath the surface similarities.
Before you commit to purchasing a new vehicle, it is certainly worth exploring which of these is a better fit for your needs and household.
2023 Prius Prime vs Ford Mustang Mach-E: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Toyota Prius Prime | Ford Mustang Mach-E | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 220 horsepower | 480 horsepower |
| Vehicle Type | Hatchback | Sports Utility Vehicle |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.6 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Fuel Economy | 50 MPG City, 47 MPG Highway | EPA-estimated range of 312 miles on a single charge |
| Base Level Price | $39,170 | $44,795 |
| Class of Vehicle | Plugin Hybrid Vehicle | Electric Vehicle |
2023 Prius Prime vs Mustang Mach-E: What’s the Difference?
As these are different styles of vehicle, there are quite a few differences to note. This is especially emphasized when considering the all-electric power behind the Mustang Mach-E versus the plugin hybrid power system that drives the Prius Prime.
Performance
The Prius Prime is a vehicle engineered for being cost-effective and efficient. As such, the 220 horsepower on offer is better spent on efficient driving rather than the racetrack. That said, the Toyota Prius Prime performs admirably in terms of many performance metrics.
The overall 0 to 60 MPH speed tests aren’t zippy by any means, but more than adequate for those looking for a solid vehicle for their commutes. Where you might expect to see the Prius Prime faltering is in its overall capacity.
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It is, after all, a much smaller vehicle in terms of height and wheelbase size than an SUV like the Mustang Mach-E. The latter carries the heritage of the American sports car, as made famous by Ford. It performs well, being as zippy as any of the Tesla EVs on the road, while still showcasing its manufacturer’s pedigree.
The 480-horsepower motor is put to good use in terms of performance, and the Mustang Mach-E certainly lives up to its name. While most folks on their commutes aren’t going to the drag strip, it certainly helps with the responsiveness of the vehicle when conducting a highway drive.
It is also a fair bit roomier than the Prius Prime, offering access to both a trunk and a front-access trunk in lieu of the traditional engine compartment.
Fuel Economy
The Prius line of vehicles has long had an outstanding fuel economy compared to their counterparts. The 2023 Prius Prime is no different in this regard, and boasts an impressive 50 miles per gallon in the city.
Highway driving is, likewise, an impressive 47 miles per gallon. With such shaky fuel prices in today’s economy, this translates to outstanding efficiency and less time at the pump. The inclusion of an electric battery also helps tremendously in extending the overall range of the vehicle.
The Mustang Mach-E is fully electric and offers up to 302 miles of operational range on a single charge under nominal conditions. Couple that with wide-spanning electric charging infrastructure across the entire United States and you’ve got a winner in terms of fuel economy.
It should come as no surprise that fuel costs for EVs are much lower compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts. While charging takes a longer time, on average, the trade-off is quite impressive when considering the range and cost-effective nature of the Mustang Mach-E’s electric drivetrain.
Pricing
The pricing between the Prius Prime and the Mustang Mach-E isn’t too dissimilar, all things considered. The basic trim package of the Prius Prime retails for just under $40,000, which is on the expensive side for a hatchback of this caliber.
Given what is included in the package, like the usual Toyota workmanship, solid safety performance, and fuel efficiency, you can see where the extra money is going. That said, it is a hard sell compared to some of the more affordable EVs on the market, like the Chevy Bolt, Hyundai’s Ioniq, or Kona EVs.
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The Mustang Mach-E is more expensive out the gate compared to the Prius Prime, but not by too much. You’re looking at a difference of around $5,000. This is before all the various fees you can expect from a dealer and your state’s registration process.
That said, you get a lot more for your money with that extra expenditure. The basic package for the Mustang Mach-E has a great operational range. It is also compatible with a wide range of charging stations across the United States. All that aside, it is just an overall more powerful vehicle.
Hybrid vs Electric
Choosing between hybrid or electric vehicles is a tough decision in the changing vehicle market. As for which is best for you, it really comes down to a few factors. If you have easy access to reliable charging, like in a rented or owned home, or a supported apartment complex, then an EV makes sense.
Hybrids still have the same degree of maintenance you’d expect of a traditionally gas-powered vehicle. You will have fluid changes, expected maintenance windows, and many other things that are commonplace. This is just part of the upkeep of the vehicle.
Compare that to the minimal maintenance of an EV. You don’t have to concern yourself with too much routine maintenance, aside from tires and brakes. You’ll occasionally want to get the battery health and drivetrain’s condition checked.
That aside, the routine maintenance of an EV is much cheaper. If you have the means to get an EV, it will honestly save you money in the long run. If an EV isn’t an option, there is certainly nothing wrong with a hybrid. They are solid and dependable vehicles, especially when considering a Prius Prime. You’ll just have to take the same precautions you would with any other internal combustion engine-driven car.
2023 Prius Prime vs Mustang Mach-E: 6 Must-Know Facts
- The Prius Prime is just one of the many hybrid vehicles being produced by Toyota currently.
- The Prius Prime is one of the best plugin hybrids on the market, with over a decade of development behind it.
- The Prius Prime can use the same charging infrastructure as an EV.
- The Mustang Mach-E is one of a handful of EVs on offer by Ford.
- The Mustang Mach-E has trim packages available with the Shelby branding.
- The Mustang Mach-E uses the J1772 charger, or the universal EV charger.
2023 Prius Prime vs Mustang Mach-E: Which One Is Better? Which Should You Choose?
Picking your next vehicle can always be a daunting decision. This is especially true when considering the ever-changing landscape behind automobiles. The Mustang Mach-E is a great entry-level EV, with exceptional range and a great price-to-performance ratio.
The Prius Prime is the best of both worlds, offering some of the flexibility of an EV with the immediacy of internal combustion engines. As to which one is better for you, it is important to consider your needs and your immediate living situation.
If you’re in an area with exceptional support for EVs, then the Mustang Mach-E won’t let you down. If the charging infrastructure just isn’t ready for prime time in your area, then Prius Prime is a great choice. These are both rock-solid vehicles, so it is a tough choice to make either way.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©The Global Guy/Shutterstock.com.
