Well, well, well. Aren't Toyota designers just full of surprises.
Yes, I'm alluding to the all-new, and dare I say, head-turning 2023 Toyota Prius. Who knew Toyota's pioneering hybrid could be, well, so modern, sleek and stylish!
Indeed, it's a new day for the Prius with an overdue design that was most certainly in my opinion, worth waiting for. I had my first chance to check the new Prius at the Texas Auto Roundup hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association in March.
Specifically, I was behind the wheel of the 2023 Prius XLE AWD which sits between the LE and Limited.
Exterior
The XLE rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, and wow they really pop against this model's Guardian Gray hue. The new design is modern, sleek and understated. Its aerodynamic, sportier silhouette is thanks in part to a lower roofline which is 2-inches lower from the prior generation.
The Prius XLE is equipped with Bi-LED projector low- and high-beam headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights and LED tail lights. Heated power outside mirrors are standard across the lineup.
The rear is nearly 1-inch wider and gives the whole tail end a great look especially with the Prius LOGO lettering stretching across the back.
Interior
Inside, you'll find a completely redesigned interior. Big changes come to the dash, center console, gear shift, technology and more.
The XLE features SofTex-trimmed front seats with seat back pockets. An 8-way power driver's seat is heated, along with the redesigned SofTex-trimmed steering wheel.
The redesigned slim center console hosts a new gear shift knob. Not only has it moved locations, but it's no longer blue like you'll find in the previous generation.
Technology
A top-mount 7-inch LCD driver display mimics that of the new all-electric Toyota bZ4X I recently reviewed. Positioned higher than a traditional display and also farther away, it takes some getting used to. For me, it's a distance thing.
The entire lineup runs Toyota's terrific new multi-media system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and dual Bluetooth connectivity. An 8-inch display is standard but this model has the optional 12.3- touchscreen which is really a highlight of the interior. A 6-speaker audio system is standard, with an 8-speaker JBL standard on the top Limited trim.
The XLE is equipped with wireless charging and the entire lineup stays easily connected with 6 USB-C ports.
The second-row is roomy and passengers can enjoy a drop-down center armrest. You'll find a tonneau cover in the cargo area. A power lift back is reserved for the Limited model.
Powertrain and Fuel Efficiency
The next-gen Prius is the most fuel efficient Prius ever, thanks to an updated 5th-generation hybrid powertrain. A 1.8-liter is swapped for a larger 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which is coupled with an electric motor. The powertrain delivers a combined 196-horsepower for AWD models (194 for FWD) and the system is mated to an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). This particular model is equipped with optional all-wheel drive and delivers 49 mpg combined.
Ride and Drive
Along with its looks - what impressed me most about the new Prius was its ride and drive. It's really superb. That's thanks to Toyota engineers. They did an amazing job with handling and braking updates to accompany the larger engine. A newly developed, smaller and lighter battery is placed under the rear seat to optimize a low center of gravity. The Prius' new larger wheels also add performance and handling.
All the engineering work paid off. Those updates shine through when you hit the road and I was immediately impressed with the Prius' overall composed and refined, smooth ride along with its confident handling in highway driving and over country road potholes.
When it comes to acceleration, would I like a few more ponies, to take us to over 200 hp? Sure. But that is my lead foot talking.
Safety
Safety-wise, the lineup comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams (AHB), Proactive Driving Assist (PDA).
Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also standard on all grades as is Safe Exit Assist and Rear Seat Reminder.
Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is optional.
Availability and Pricing
The new 2023 Prius is on sale now. The XLE AWD model starts from $32,295. Options on this specific model are a 12.3-inch multimedia display ($610), a fixed glass roof ($1,000). With destination and handling it's estimated MSRP rings in at $35,000.
To Learn More
That's our first quick look at the 2023 Prius! To learn more or schedule a Prius test drive visit a CarPro Toyota Dealer near you.
