2023 Toyota Prius
Toyota revolutionized the automotive landscape in 2001 when it introduced the Prius — a funky little car with a unique gas-electric hybrid powertrain. More than 20 million of these efficient vehicles have been sold worldwide over the last 20 years, and today the world’s largest automaker introduces an all-new 2023 Toyota Prius and 2023 Prius Prime plug-in hybrid. The new variants get a sleek new look, improved performance and increased fuel efficiency.
Continuing the Legacy
“As a company, we set our sights on developing a new Prius for the future, and our design and engineering teams really delivered,” said Toyota Group Vice President and General Manager Dave Christ. “The weight of the Prius name is heavy — it carries with it the identity of an entire category of vehicle powertrain. We’re confident the all-new 2023 Prius and Prius Prime will continue this important legacy,” Christ observed.
Next-Generation Platform
The 2023 Toyota Prius is built on the company’s second-generation TNGA-C platform, designed to reduce weight and increase rigidity which should improve overall drivability. This also allows for a wider vehicle stance and a lower driving position.
Sleek Design
Designed in Japan, the 2023 Toyota Prius offers a much sleeker profile that feels more mainstream than previous versions. Sitting two inches lower and one inch wider than its predecessor, the new model could almost be called sporty looking. The improved looks can be further enhanced via available 19-inch wheels.
More Power
Motivating the 2023 Toyota Prius is a fifth-generation hybrid powertrain featuring a larger 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine teamed with an electric motor to deliver 194 horsepower — a significant increase of more than 70 horsepower over the previous generation. The Prius AWD gets an additional electric motor powering the rear wheels, which brings the total vehicle output to 196 horsepower.
Improved Performance
Thanks to these improvements, performance is drastically improved in the 2023 Toyota Prius The car can reach 60 mph in 7.2 seconds — a full 2.6 seconds quicker than the outgoing model. The Prius AWD is slightly quicker still with a time zero to 60 mph time of 7.0 seconds.
Improved Efficiency
The new lithium-ion battery pack in the 2023 Toyota Prius is smaller and lighter than the previous nickel-metal battery, providing a 15 percent increase in total output. The U.S. EPA hasn’t released fuel-economy ratings yet for this new model, although Toyota engineers estimate this will be the most fuel-efficient Prius ever, achieving an estimated 57 mpg.
Prius Prime
Toyota introduced the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV) about 10 years ago, and like the non-plug variant this PHEV boasts better all-around performance. Utilizing the same 2.0-liter engine but with a more powerful electric motor, the Prius Prime is rated at 220 horsepower — almost 100 more horses than the previous version. With that power boost, the Prius Prime should reach 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Toyota expects the new Prius Prime will improve its electric-only range by 50 percent, which should put it around 37 miles.
Inner Space
Matching the new vehicle’s complete exterior redesign is a thoroughly modern and improved interior. With a proper driver display and an available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system, the Prius feels much more mainstream — finally moving away from quirky interior designs of previous generations.
High Tech
Toyota will offer a range of connected services and features in the 2023 Prius, which includes the convenience of over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard on all Prius trims, and a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five devices is available. Six Type-C USB ports can be found throughout the cabin, including two in the rear seating area.
Hey Toyota
Most functions in the Prius will be easily accessible via the touchscreen display and dedicated climate controls, but the interface between occupants and Prius can also occur via voice. Simply saying “Hey Toyota” will activate the Toyota Intelligent Assistant which can respond to a range of requests. These include searching for points of interest, tuning the audio system or even adjusting climate controls.
Advanced Safety
The 2023 Toyota Prius comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the latest suite of advanced safety features. This array includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, road sign assist and automatic high beams. Also standard is proactive driver assist. A new feature for Prius, this system can automatically slow the vehicle when approaching a curve, or can provide distance control to another vehicle, pedestrian or bicycle in the car’s intended path.
Model Lineup
The 2023 Toyota Prius will be available in LE, XLE and Limited trim levels, while Prius Prime will be offered as SE, XSE and XSE Premium trims. Prius pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date, which should be early next year with the Prius Prime following later in 2023.
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