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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Fuel Economy: Rated at 114 MPG-e combined.