This Toyota Prius Prime Feature Will Get You FM Radio Lovers Weak In Your Knees

The Toyota Prius has seen many dramatic changes in recent times, with the Prius Prime model being the biggest. For the past few years, this compact four-door has electrified streets and given drivers some of the best fuel economy in the game: But what about its tech? With the Prius Prime for this year, you have endless infotainment features, including one we’ll specifically highlight in this post: Cache Radio.

What this means is when you drive and turn on the radio/stereo, you have the ability to rewind or pause live radio broadcasts. For example, if a song comes on that you love enough to replay, you simply rewind it. The same goes for a sports channel, reporting on whatever game sparks your interest. Toyota has moved far beyond its traditional features and specs, and the Prius Prime is a game-changer for this year.

Cache Radio, although pretty simple by design, is one of the many comfort and tech options you get to experience inside your 2024 Prius Prime. Missed something? No problem!

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver and the EPA.

Want To Hear That Again? Check Out Prius Prime’s Cache Radio

• Cache Radio offers drivers the choice to rewind radio stations while driving.
• The cache automatically tracks the station you listen to, and clears once the vehicle is off or station changes.

In this year’s Prius Prime lineup, there’s a unique feature you may not immediately realize. When listening to broadcast radio, your PHEV is able to not only pause the programming but also be capable of rewinding it.

Once you step into your Prius Prime model, you are able to access past SXM radio programs and play them back in a time-shifted manner. For instance, as soon as you hop in the car, your “cache” begins to accumulate. Just like when you browse the internet, your Prime will keep track of what you’re currently listening to, whether it be music, sports, or news, and swiftly bring you back in time. Long gone are the days of a missed song because your in-laws decided to call.

Interruption No More: Here’s Why Cache Radio Is So Convenient

On top of our previous point, it’s worth noting that this Cache Radio feature has been perfected by Toyota in previous models. For the newest generation of Prius Prime, you can expect a seamless streaming experience. Typically, when you get a call, have to step outside the car, or turn down the radio to deal with something, your one shot at that audio is lost. With Cache Radio, from the time you start the car and find your station, it is keeping a backup for you to use.

Two Cache Radio Modes Are Better Than One

• Two Cache Radio modes: Automatic and Manual

Now that you have an understanding of what the Prius Prime can do with its Cache Radio system, it’s worth knowing how the two modes for it work. First, you have Automatic Playback, which works if the radio broadcast is interrupted. Your car’s Cache Radio system automatically caches the interrupted portion when “Auto Pause” is set to one of the Radio options. The cached content is then played back in a time-shifted manner.

Your second mode is Manual Playback, which can manually play back the cached SXM radio program by selecting “SXM Replay” and choosing the desired cache radio operation button. This gives users control over replaying specific portions of the radio program. Again, this seems a bit futuristic, but Prius integrates it so well you won’t feel too confused to start.

Your Audio System’s Navigation: Summarized

In addition to two unique Cache Radio modes, you also want to know this system boasts functions including returning to a live radio broadcast, changing the current/previous track, fast rewinding, pausing playback, fast forwarding, and changing the next track.

Something else to note is your Prius Prime’s system can store less than 60 minutes of SXM, and cached data will be erased when the radio mode or station is changed. If you shut off the radio or your car, it will also clear. Again, think of this like your browser history. A clear cache means it is no longer there.

Infotainment In The Toyota Prius Prime

• Standard Prius Prime models include an 8.0-inch touchscreen display and attractive dashboard.
• Trims higher than XSE see a larger 12.3-inch screen, extra USB ports, and a JBL sound system inside their Prius Prime.

For those wanting to get to know the inside of a Prius Prime, you’ll be surprised by how much technology is inside this four-door PHEV. With standard features, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, USB ports for charging, and an advanced navigation system.

In higher trims (after the XSE models), you see an upgraded 12.3-inch unit and a deluxe JBL audio system. If you’re into music, JBL plus Cache Radio will make the Prius Prime well worth the splurge. Moreover, you see an attractive main cabin with a stretched-out dashboard, comfortable seating, and plenty of space to store precious cargo.

With the more recent update of the Prius family, we have a lower roofline, although this doesn’t mean your Prime lacks anything. The interior is lower to the ground, but through smart design choices on Toyota’s part, you won’t feel like anything has necessarily been taken.

• It features a 160-horsepower 2.0-liter gas engine and two electric motors.
• The Prius Prime has a total output of 220 horses.

On top of the impressive gadgets and tech inside the Prius Prime, this model is rather fast. With a 160-horsepower 2.0-liter gas engine that pairs with two electric motors. Through the dual system, you get a total output of 200 horses, as well as 44 miles of all-electric driving. It’s truly the best of both worlds, all wrapped up into one fun-to-drive plug-in hybrid.

Moreover, the 13.6-kWh battery inside the Prius Prime helps add a boost of speed on the road, as well as contribute toward better overall fuel efficiency. Per the EPA, a 2024 Prius Prime gets 48 combined miles per gallon plus 114 MPGe. This means less time at the pump or charger and more time enjoying the road ahead.

You Can Get All This For Under $33,000

Lastly, it’s worth noting how much the Prius Prime will cost you. The 2024 Prius Prime starts at $32,975, going up to $39,670. Of course, this is more than the standard, non-PHEV Prius, so that is something to remember. With the sleeker design and faster powertrain, you spend a bit more to get into one of these models.

That said, saving money on gas over the lifetime of your vehicle may make this bump worth it, so to each their own. Prius has made major strides towards becoming ‘sexy,’ and we’re sure Toyota will continue to enhance this model and its counterpart inside and out. It’s the year of the Prius Prime, baby. Hop in!