(WHTM)– The new Toyota Prius is so much better looking than the last generation, it’s hard to believe it’s the same model.

Just look at the slope of that windshield to cut through the air like a bullet. Our review car is the plug-in hybrid Prime XSE Premium that can travel for about 40 miles on electric only.

In a week-long review I averaged about 48 miles per gallon, and that is electric and gasoline combined.

A two-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine combines with the electric motor for 220 horsepower and good performance.

The Prius interior is much improved too but still unusual.

The first thing you notice is the steering wheel is small and you don’t look through it to see the dash, you look over the top. The center stack is more conventional now with a large touch screen. The old dash-mounted stubby gear selector is gone, replaced with a more conventional console shift.

Row two can be tight with the front seats slid back. The cargo hold is roomy for such a slope-backed machine. The charge cord stows under the floor.

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The way the Prius handles is also much improved, dare I say sporty? The old one drove like a slug.

So for the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium, I say thumbs up, to much improved styling a much improved interior and great gas mileage. Thumbs down to tight row two seats.

The as-reviewed Prius sticker is $42,590.

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