2017 Toyota Prius Prime: Meaner style, greener miles

Toyota adds plug-in capability and increased electric capacity to its signature Prius hybrid with the 2017 Prius Prime.

The larger battery pack grants the Prime up to 25 miles of pure electric range per charge.

A full charge takes about 2 hours at a Level 2 station. You can also charge by plugging into a wall outlet, but the time to fill increases significantly.

In its EV mode, the EPA reckons the Prime is good for about 133 mpge.

Beyond the initial 25 miles, the gasoline electric hybrid mode extends the range at a rate of 54 mpg.

Besides the larger battery and charging hardware, the Prime uses an identical 121-horsepower hybrid power train.

However, there are a few livability compromises that may make you think twice about the Prime.

For starters, the Prime's battery pack adds about 300 pounds to the hybrid package, which you can feel when accelerating or cornering.

The battery pack also intrudes into the rear cargo space, costing the Prime a significant amount of trunk for your junk.

Compared with the standard Prius, the Prime is almost a bargain -- especially if you qualify for all of the tax credits and incentives.

However, the biggest threat to the Prime is the Chevrolet Volt. With 53 miles of EV range per charge and a much better cabin experience, the Chevy boasts more eco-potential and should be easier to live with as a daily driver.