Redesigned 2023 Toyota Prius Ramps Up Efficiency, Safety Tech
Competes with: Honda Accord hybrid, Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, Kia Niro, Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Looks like: A lower, wider, sleeker version of the outgoing Prius
Powertrains: 194-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motor and battery pack (Prius front-wheel drive); 196-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with dual electric motors and battery pack (Prius all-wheel drive); 220-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with electric motor and battery pack (Prius Prime); continuously variable-style automatic transmission
Hits dealerships: TBD
The original Toyota Prius made its U.S. debut for the 2001 model year with impressive fuel efficiency but polarizing styling. Fast forward 22 years, and the 2023 Prius hybrid and Prius Prime plug-in hybrid have been fully redesigned with a more aerodynamic exterior, increased power and efficiency, and upgraded tech and safety features.
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Lower and Wider Exterior
The new Prius is built on Toyota’s second-generation global architecture, which the automaker says creates a lower center of gravity, reduces weight and increases rigidity. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2023 Prius is an inch wider and longer and gets a 2-inch-lower roofline that adds up to a wider stance and lower driving position. The placement of the battery behind the rear seat also lowers the center of gravity and improves cargo space, according to Toyota.
All Prius models get redesigned front and rear ends with new headlights and a rear lightbar that replaces the outgoing model’s LED taillights. Meanwhile, the Prius Prime brings a new solar roof option available on the range-topping XSE Premium trim; the roof can charge the battery while the vehicle is parked and add power for accessory functions like air conditioning. The feature was previously offered in Europe and Japan but is newly available for the U.S.
Powertrain, Efficiency and Performance
A higher-output 2.0-liter engine and lithium-ion battery (replacing the old nickel-metal hydride battery) contribute to the Prius’ efficiency and acceleration, while a new electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive system adds stability off the line and in slippery conditions, according to Toyota. Power output for front-wheel-drive models increases from 121 to 194 horses, while its 0-60 mph time drops from 9.8 seconds to 7.2. AWD models get a small advantage in horsepower and acceleration compared to their FWD counterparts, with 196 hp (up from 128) and a 7.0-second 0-60 mph time, based on the automaker’s estimates. All power is once again routed through a continuously variable-style automatic transmission.
Toyota says the new Prius will get efficiency improvements alongside the performance upgrades, but it only revealed the estimated fuel economy for the base LE trim with FWD: a combined 57 mpg. Currently, the Prius’ EPA-rated fuel economy is a combined 52 mpg with FWD, 49 mpg with AWD and up to 56 mpg for the most efficient Prius Eco.
Prius Prime PHEV Gets Power, Range Boost
The quickest and most powerful Prius, the Prime plug-in, will now make 220 hp (up from 121) and get a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. The Prime will also see a notable increase to its all-electric driving range, according to Toyota’s estimates: The outgoing model currently gets an EPA-rated 133 mpg-equivalent and up to 25 miles of all-electric range, while the 2023 Prius Prime is expected to get an all-electric range of more than 37 miles.
Tech and Safety Gains
Inside, the Prius sees several new and upgraded tech and safety features. The standard touchscreen for lower trims now measures 8 inches (up from 7 inches in the outgoing model) while higher trims get a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen (up from 11.6 inches). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity now comes standard, and the Prius will be able to receive over-the-air updates.
On the safety front, the 2023 Prius and Prius Prime offer the latest version of the Toyota Safety Sense suite that comes with enhancements to the precollision system, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. A new feature for Toyota called Proactive Driving Assist will also be available: The system uses the vehicle’s camera and radar to provide braking and steering support in curves and when controlling the distance between preceding vehicles, pedestrians or bicyclists. A new front and rear parking-assist feature with automatic braking is available on all trims, and a 360-degree camera system and a hands-free parallel parking feature are available for the range-topping Limited and XSE Premium models.
The Prius Prime adds safety features including lane change assist (hands-on steering support for lane changes), front cross-traffic alert and a new traffic jam assist feature that enables hands-free steering, acceleration and braking support at speeds below 25 mph.
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Trims and Pricing
The 2023 Prius will be available in LE, XLE and Limited trims, while the Prius Prime will offer SE, XSE and XSE Premium variants. The Prius’ Base LE comes with standard 17-inch alloy wheels; higher trims get larger 19-inch alloys. The XLE adds a standard digital rearview mirror, heated front seats, wireless charging, and front and rear parking assist. The Limited adds more standard convenience features including a larger center touchscreen, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and a digital key.
The Prius Prime’s base SE shares most features with the LE, but it adds a heated steering wheel and the new traffic jam assist feature that’s standard across all Prime models. The XSE’s features are comparable to the XLE, and the XSE Premium shares most features with the Limited.
Information on pricing and the estimated arrival date for the 2023 Prius and Prius Prime will be revealed before the end of 2022. Currently, the 2022 Prius starts at $26,170 (all prices include destination) and the Prius Prime at $29,865. Among the Prius’ key rivals, the 2022 Honda Accord hybrid starts at $28,815, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid at $25,495, the 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid at $27,785 and the Niro Plug-In Hybrid at $35,035.
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