The model new 2023 Toyota Prius options improbable new styling, a HUGE horsepower improve, and an lively character. These upgrades in appear and feel are a part of altering the Prius’ picture in recent times of declining gross sales. When the Prius was first out there it was bought by early adopters and celebrities as a automotive of the longer term and their solution to save the timber. Since then, {the marketplace} has change into extra aggressive with hybrid choices and mass-production electrical automobiles from nearly each maker. We not too long ago had the chance to check this fifth-generation 2023 Prius. The bottom mannequin begins at $27,450, nonetheless our automotive is a Prius Restricted with the Premium Bundle which retails for $36,399. At that value, you get a automobile centered on gas financial system with extra choices than you’ll discover in Toyota’s cheaper Corolla LE hybrid for not way more cash.

Exterior

The brand new styling for the Toyota Prius seems attractive. Per Toyota, the design was impressed by efficiency coupes, and this may be seen with the low-slung hood, conventional flat Prius windshield which provides to the sportiness, and the extensive rear fender flares which to me appear to be they had been taken from the Lexus LC500. It’s additionally the place we’ll discover the primary of fifteen Easter eggs which Toyota has hidden all through the Prius. One other fascinating side of the outside is the low-key nature of the Toyota badges. The Prius badges appear to have extra presence, to look nearly as its personal model. Within the entrance, it nonetheless appears like a Prius with our bi-LED headlights and funky swoosh-like LED daytime operating lights. The automotive we’ve got is completed in Chopping Edge, which is a improbable mild metallic silver that’s accented by the bigger 19-inch Alloy wheels included with the Restricted trim. On the windshield, slightly below the middle sensors and rearview mirror mount, yow will discover a small Prius define, the letters “Prius” could be discovered within the rear wheel arch spelled vertically should you look intently, and lastly, “Prius” is spelled out once more within the rear window mixing in with the defrost strains. On the again, we’ve got our closing badging, together with LTD to let individuals know that is the Restricted trim, together with the Restricted-specific powered open and shut liftback hatch which options one other hybrid reborn Easter egg inside. 

Inside

The inside is small however makes good use of the house to suit 4 adults, in the event that they aren’t skilled basketball gamers, and options loads of good Toyota and Prius traits like an abundance of bodily buttons. The inside supplies are low cost, composed of a mixture of plastics and Softex, which is Toyota’s spill-resistant fake leather-based materials that may be discovered on the steering wheel and perforated seats. The supplies chosen for the inside are sometimes picked for value and weight which ends up in higher gas financial system, so that you received’t discover a lot sound deadening inside both, this turns into obvious on the freeway. The inside does look fashionable, because of the abundance of screens, LED inside operating mild by means of the sprint, and a few extra textures. The 7-inch multi-information show serves as your sprint which feels nearer to an EV than a fuel automotive as a result of minimal info supplied, digital pace read-out, fuel tank, and the way exhausting you press on the fuel. Nevertheless, you possibly can add some further info together with map readouts per your choice. The mounting of the 7-inch sprint display screen could make adjusting the wheel somewhat unusual as you attempt to keep away from blocking it with the steering wheel. You find yourself studying the show over the wheels versus by means of it, like most vehicles. The middle 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen is a giant enchancment over the smaller 8-inch. It’s easy in perform, however responsive, as loads of controls are managed by buttons, but it surely does function Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The seats are snug; they really feel higher than some earlier era vehicles and provide lumbar help and energy adjustment with reminiscence settings, together with shifting the seat out of the way in which for simple entry and exit, a function often reserved for Lexus, and extra space could be discovered by manually pulling again the sunshade. The again seats have much less headroom than the entrance, however at 6-ft tall even I can sit within the again with out my head touching the roof, and you possibly can open the guide glass roof curtain to broaden the house. The Restricted model does have heated rear sits, which may very well be essential primarily based on the place you reside, however the lack of rear air vents sours any added know-how. You do get extra USB type-C chargers, and the seats could be folded down when wanted. There are extra Easter eggs inside the inside phrased as hashtags with the primary being #wirelesscharger, which is seen trying in, adopted by the #glovebox, #consolebox, however probably the most enjoyable is the tab in entrance of the shifter which reveals you the #hiddencompartment. 

Powertrain

Energy comes from a hybrid 2.0 liter inline-four, which modifications efficiency figures primarily based on the drivetrain choice FWD of AWD. The FWD mannequin does 194 horsepower, 139 lb-ft of torque and achieves 0-60 in 7.2 seconds, whereas the on-demand AWD mannequin does 196 horsepower with the identical 139 lb-ft of torque and achieves 0-60 in 7 seconds flat. Whichever choice you select makes use of an ECVT transmission. Whereas it’s not a racecar, it’s a appreciable enchancment over the earlier era knocking off two seconds in 0-60 and boasting a 70-horsepower improve. 

Economic system

Gasoline financial system is the primary motive anybody seems into buying a Prius. The EPA rankings are 52 mpg metropolis and freeway, however Toyota says as much as 57 mpg. Both approach, it’s spectacular. With the 11.3-gallon tank within the Prius, that provides you an estimated vary of 587.6 miles which is superior. Driving the automotive within the regular drive mode right here in Phoenix, the automotive averaged 40 mpg-43 mpg in blended driving with the ventilated seats and AC on full blast (to outlive the 110-degree days). It’s essential to level out that we wouldn’t have the lightest foot or the most effective hybrid driving habits, and having the local weather management on full blast places a pressure on the system as properly, so should you use the Eco drive mode you could discover the automotive throttle local weather management again. It’s greatest to say your expertise might fluctuate, however the EPA rankings are actually spectacular particularly contemplating the horsepower will increase. 

Drive

Driving the 2023 Toyota Prius feels identical to the earlier generations. The ability steering is very boosted, and you possibly can simply flip the wheel with one finger in a car parking zone, the brakes are sensitive, and exhausting to return to a clean cease as is typical with most hybrids and regenerative braking so no dig on the Prius. There’s additionally some CVT rubber banding with the fuel pedal that’s to be anticipated. What this all means is the driving is easy and requires little effort, particularly when successfully utilizing the driving force assists, making this an equipment for getting from A to B. The seats actually really feel extra snug than earlier fashions, making lengthy drives simpler. In the event you’re conversant in the Prius or different hybrid fashions, you’ll really feel proper at house right here. 

Conclusion

The Toyota Prius isn’t a luxurious automotive, it’s a fuel-efficient commuter in the beginning. Nevertheless, Toyota has added extra character in an try to shake the Prius picture. We have now new styling and extra energy, but the automotive continues to be as environment friendly because it ever was. There are cheaper hybrids within the Toyota lineup, just like the Corolla, however you received’t discover as many options. However, there are extra luxurious hybrids that commerce gas financial system for luxurious. In a hyper-competitive house, the Prius continues to be among the finest within the recreation for gas financial system and saving cash.