This week we are taking a look at the all-new 2023 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid sedan. It has been completely redone and looks nothing like the previous versions.
Exterior
The exterior is very attractive and sporty, something new for Prius. The very swooping windshield gives a great view of the road, there are LED lights all around, and the 19” wheels really make this sedan look sharp.
Powertrain
Under the hood is a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that is also driven by 2 electric motors. The electric motors are powered by a 13.6-kilowatt hour Lithium Ion battery pack that sits low in the Prius. It has an electronic continuously variable transmission.
Altogether, it produces 220-horses and will take you from 0-to-60 in a respectable 6.6 seconds.
Interior
This is the top-of-the-line XSE Premium trim so the interior is super nice with SofTex heated and cooled front seats on both sides. The seats are comfortable and slightly bolstered and the driver’s seat is power.
As you hit the start button, a 7” color gauge cluster comes to life that you can configure from the steering wheel. It sits up high enough to serve as a head-up display.
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Center dash is a 12.3” screen for your infotainment systems. The multimedia touchscreen houses the JBL audio, navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, settings, the Bluetooth system for your phone, and a terrific 360-degree camera.
The center console has your gear shifter, a couple of cup holders, the Auto Hold button, EV settings, USB and USB-C ports, a power outlet, and a phone charger. This is also where you choose drive modes. You can pick Custom, Sport, Eco, or Normal. You can also check energy flow and see how the solar roof is adding power, which I’ll tell you about in a moment.
The back seat is surprisingly roomy, and it is heated. It offers 2 USB ports and a power source, plus a pulldown armrest, but no rear A/C vents.
Cargo area from the hatchback is good and has a cover to hide cargo. There is also a power outlet back there, and underneath is the charging cord for a 110-outlet.
Standard Equipment and Options
This XSE Premium trim comes loaded with a digital rearview mirror, ambient lighting, a power lift gate, heated steering wheel, and everything else you see here.
TSS 3.0
It has Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, which gives you pre-collision intervention and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind-spot warning, and safe exit assist.
Solar Roof
This one also has the optional Solar charging roof. It is a $610 option but can gain you an extra 6.4 miles of range daily, assuming the sun is shining on the car. This does eliminate the available panoramic moon roof.
Range
Let’s talk range. Fully charged, you can go 44 miles on pure electric before flipping to gas. If you have a short commute daily, you’ll never visit a gas station. This gives you a 550-mile total range.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is 50 city, 47 highway. MPG-e rating is 114 as compared to an all-gas engine. Charging time is 4 hours with a Level 2 charger, 11 hours with a 110-wall outlet.
What You'll Pay
MSRP is $42,935 as equipped with the Solar roof, the advanced tech package which is the automatic parking system and panoramic rear view mirror, and the Supersonic red paint.
Verdict
In summary, if you want a sharp looking sedan that gets amazing fuel economy, drives great, is super quiet inside, and has amazing acceleration, this new Prius Prime is the one for you.
- What I liked most: Fuel economy, exterior appearance.
- What I would change: Nothing-Toyota nailed it!
- MSRP: Base Price: $39,179; Total MSP $42,935 with destination.
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Fuel Economy: Rated at 114 MPG-e combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 8,800 miles.
- Weight: 3,571 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Repair and inflator kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 181.1" long/70.2" wide/56.3" high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gallons with the filler on the driver's side. Charging port is on the passenger's side.
- Official Color: Supersonic Red.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- 2023 Prius in a few words: Always the very best hybrid made, now for 2023 the Prius is a great-looking car that drives like a dream.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper; 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty, hybrid system is covered for 96 months/100,000 miles and 2-years of free maintenance.
- Final Assembly Location: Aichi, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota
