Overview

In 2023, the Toyota Prius hatchback enters its fifth generation, marking a new chapter in its history. The Prius, once thought to be the most unattractive vehicle available, has transformed into a stunning butterfly. The new vehicle has the highest horsepower output of any Prius ever—up to 196. According to Toyota, the 194-hp front-wheel-drive model can achieve up to 57 mpg combined, which is also the highest mileage a Prius has ever recorded. A completely redesigned interior with larger screens and a more generous feature list, such as heated rear seats as an option, welcomes a more conventional approach to the driver’s space layout. The new Prius completes the transformation into a vehicle that appears highly worthy of being driven with its low roofline, wide stance, and low seating position. The Toyota that spearheaded the hybrid movement now faces competition from a wide range of automobiles, including the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, Toyota’s Corolla Hybrid, and multiple hybrid SUVs.

In 2023, what’s new?

The fifth generation Toyota Prius, which debuted in 2023, has been completely updated and redesigned on the inside. With a wider stance and a lower driving position, the Prius is an eco-friendly compact car that is leaner but more rigid thanks to its newfound ride on Toyota’s TNGA-C platform. The Prius now boasts a new 194-hp hybrid powertrain with optional all-wheel drive, which not only makes it faster than many of its rival hybrid vehicles but also improves performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency. All-wheel-drive versions have an additional high-output magnet inside the rear motor, which provides 196 horsepower. There is also a (Prius Prime model with 220-HP) plug-in hybrid available; however, we review that model separately.

Performance, Engine, and Transmission

The Toyota Prius range is commanded by a single powertrain. A 2.0-liter hybrid inline-four gasoline engine, taken from the Corolla Cross hybrid crossover, is used in this 194-hp hybrid setup. It is connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is the default. Toyota upgrades the rear axle of Priuses with all-wheel drive to accommodate a high-output permanent magnet electric motor, increasing the vehicle’s total power output to 196 horsepower—a 60 percent increase in power. Our testing of a front-drive Limited model shows that the Prius now reaches 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds, compared to an exhausting 10.5 seconds for the previous model. That is faster than the Elantra and Camry hybrids combined. The new Prius stops from 70 mph faster than its previous version as well, taking only 171 feet as opposed to 194 feet in a test conducted earlier, thanks to bigger front and rear brakes.

Fuel Efficiency and Actual MPG

In spite of its more potent and larger engine, the Toyota Prius manages to achieve better fuel efficiency in 2023. For the front-wheel drive model, the EPA estimates that the Prius can get 56 mpg on the highway and 57 mpg in the city. That is a 4- to 6-mpg increase over the previous generation. The all-wheel-drive LE model, however, has the biggest increase in combined fuel economy from 49 to 54 mpg over the previous years. The Prius achieved 49 mpg in our highway fuel-economy test at 75 mph. To learn more about the fuel efficiency of the Prius, go to the EPA website.

Cargo, Comfort, and Interior

The interior of the new fifth-generation Prius has been more conservatively designed, with a more conventional automotive cockpit in place of the radical new design. The gauge cluster on the Prius is now located directly behind the steering wheel for the first time. The front passengers sit lower than before in order to contribute to a lower center of gravity, and the new design has an impact on the interior with a 2.0-inch lower roofline. A faux leather steering wheel is included with base models; however, heated front seats, additional cup holders for rear passengers, and rear heated seats are only available with an upgrade to the XLE or higher trim level.

Connectivity and Entertainment

The screens on the base and higher-level models are bigger than those on the previous vehicle. For the Limited (or as optional equipment for the XLE), Toyota has added a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen in addition to the new 8.0-inch infotainment screen that is standard on the LE and XLE. Over-the-air updates enable this system to update its infotainment over the cloud and incorporate voice control via “Hey Toyota.” Along with available Wi-Fi, the larger screen comes equipped with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

Features for Safety and Driver Assistance:

Driver-assistance technology, which many competitors only offer as part of option packages and higher trim levels, is standard on the Prius. Visit the websites of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for additional details regarding the vehicle’s crash test results. Important safety characteristics consist of:

• Typical automated emergency braking that detects pedestrian.
• Typical automated high beams
• Regular lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning

Coverage for Maintenance and Warranty

While Toyota offers comparable coverage to its rivals, it goes above and beyond in terms of included maintenance. Its warranty for hybrid components is also industry-standard.

• A limited warranty is valid for 36 months or 36,000 miles.
• A powertrain warranty is valid for 60,000 miles or five years.
• The warranty on hybrid parts is eight years or 100,000 miles.
• Free maintenance is available for 25,000 miles or two year.

Toyota Prius in 2023 Features

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