The Toyota Prius is the consummate hybrid electric vehicle, a model that’s dominated the market for the past quarter-century. Even as Toyota adds hybrid variants to most of its other lines, the Prius remains an important model. For 2023, the Prius is all-new, a vehicle that’s stylish, comfortable, and highly economical.
Introducing the 2023 Toyota Prius
The fifth-generation Toyota Prius arrives in January 2023 with a sporty look that’s a clean break from previous designs. All models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, two standard electric motors, and a continuously variable transmission. This model seats five.
Available in three grades, the Prius comes with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, the latter a $1,400 upgrade.
Shoppers can choose from LE ($27,450), XLE ($30,895), and Limited ($34,465) grades. Add $1,095 for the dealer processing and handling fee.
Each grade comes well-equipped with few options and packages offered. Premium paint is a $425 option. Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking adds just $35 to the LE grade. For the XLE, options include digital key capability ($275), a 12.3-inch multimedia display ($735), and a fixed glass roof ($1,000). Move up to the Limited and this model offers a digital rearview mirror ($200) and heated rear seats (outboard) for $350.
The Limited also offers a Premium Package that bundles Advanced Park and a panoramic view monitor for $1,085.
Highlights of the 2023 Toyota Prius
Besides its cutting-edge design with larger wheels and a fresh interior, the 2023 Prius offers many other changes and features.
More Powerful, Efficient Powertrain
For 2023, Toyota replaced the previous 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with one displacing 2.0 liters. The automaker says that the new powertrain yields a 60-percent increase in combined horsepower, moving from 121 hp to 196 hp. The torque also rises, but more modestly from 120 to 139 lb.-ft. or to 150 lb.-ft. with all-wheel drive.
The standard LE is the fuel economy champ, averaging an estimated 57 mpg combined. The other two grades achieve 52 mpg. Choose all-wheel drive and both numbers fall by just 3 mpg.
New Platform
The 2023 Prius rides on the second generation of the company’s TNGA-C platform. Thus, Toyota claims the new Prius has a lower center of gravity along with increased body rigidity and reduced weight. Furthermore, the new generation features a wider stance and a lower driving position.
Updated Interior
Just as the exterior benefits from a fresh design, the interior comes overhauled. It represents a clean and modern design with minimalism at the forefront. This means that everything is within the visual range of the driver and includes a conveniently mounted touchscreen display. A new seat construction results in better comfort and support up front.
Top Tech Features
Toyota equips the 2023 Prius with six standard USB ports. An 8-inch touchscreen display comes standard; a 12.3-inch screen is available. Other features include Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi connectivity. HD Radio and satellite radio are also on the docket. Choose the Limited grade and this model gains an 8-speaker JBL audio system.
Safety Goes 3.0
The Toyota Safety Sense bundle of driver-assist equipment continues to evolve. For the new Prius, we’re up to TSS 3.0.
Bundled under the package are automatic high beams, road sign assist, and proactive driving assist. Moreover, the bundle includes full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
A Star is Reborn
The all-new Prius continues a well-proven legacy, one that’s delivered millions of copies worldwide since its inception. Toyota, however, has many other hybrid models for consideration, thus it has tempered expectations for the Prius. Nevertheless, for shoppers looking for a low-emissions, high-efficiency model, the 2023 Prius cuts a design we think shoppers will find pleasing.
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Photos copyright Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
