While about 3 seconds quicker to 60 than its predecessor, the new Prius is just slightly quicker than most competitors, with front-drive versions dashing from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, up from 10.5 seconds, and AWD versions getting there in 7 seconds, up from 9.8 seconds. The big power increase means the 2023 Prius now handles freeway merging, high speed passing and steep hills without straining. Braking is firm and reliable, steering is nicely responsive and there’s relatively little body roll when cornering. This is the first Prius capable of torque-splitting to deliver maximum power directly to the wheel that needs it most. The AWD version likely would have sparkled in snowy or wet conditions. We tested both the front and all-wheel drive models on dry roads and found little difference in comfort or handling except when pushing hard around corners, when the front-drive model tended to get a bit loose at speeds the AWD version handled with aplomb. That’s up from 121 ponies for both versions in 2022. John O’Dell Performance: 13/15Ī new 2.0-liter gas engine coupled with Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system and a new lithium-ion battery provide front-drive 2023 Prius trims with a 60% boost in power to 194 horsepower 196 hp for all-wheel drive versions. The Limited trim with 12.3-inch touchscreen is shown. The center-mounted instrument panel and joystick shifter are gone as the Prius adopts a more conventional interior layout for 2023. Based on looks and performance there’s no contest: Previous Priuses were ugly slugs, the 2023 is a real stunner. All trims come with a full suite of advanced driver assistance and safety features and even the base LE gets full-range adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, options on many pricier models. Toyota didn’t overlook tech in the Prius do-over. Overall, the new Prius is quite comfortable, with the reduced headroom most apparent in the rear. That makes room for more front and rear legroom. The 2023 Prius starts at $28,545 for the front-drive LE and tops out at $34,960 for the all-wheel drive Limited.Īlthough its redesign lowered the roofline and chopped more than an inch from interior headroom, at 181.1 inches in length, the 2023 Prius has grown by 1.1 inches and has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor. It is 3 seconds quicker to 60 mph than its predecessor. While still not an autocross competitor, the new Prius at least can get out of its own way. ToyotaĪll Prius trims get the same 194 horsepower hybrid powertrain (196 hp for all-wheel drive) and more rigid platform with stiffer suspension and a longer wheelbase than before, for big performance and handling boosts. Toyota’s aging hybrid workhorse, introduced in Japan in 1997, got a complete do-over and the 2023 Prius is like no Prius before it. While a much bigger sedan, the new Toyota Crown is another hybrid-only option. The compact Corolla is close in size and costs less on a trim-by-trim level. The Hyundai Elantra hybrid offers more passenger space but has less cargo area. None can match the Prius’ fuel efficiency, but the Niro hybrid is very close in size and price and has more cargo space. Toyota’s 2023 Corolla and Camry hybrids are likely to compete as well. Hybrid competition includes the Kia Niro hybrid compact crossover, as well as the compact Hyundai Elantra and midsize Honda Accord hybrid sedans. With sedans and sedan-like hatchbacks on their way out, the Prius is in a class of its own. A new and more powerful Prius Prime plug-in hybrid will be introduced and separately reviewed later this year. The XLE and Limited trims are still the top trims. The LE with standard front wheel drive is now the base model. The bare-bones L Eco trim and 2022-only Nightshade edition have been ditched. The new Prius, still a five-seat compact hybrid hatchback, also gets 60% more power, improved handling and ride quality and a thoroughly modern interior to go along with its sleek and sporty exterior. The company is aiming the new Prius both at loyalists (mainly rideshare drivers) and younger, trendier newcomers who may care less about efficiency than design and digital features. One of the only things Toyota kept in the redo were the Prius name and fabulous fuel economy. A complete redesign for the fifth generation of the hybrid hatchback, though, means 2023 Prius buyers now get stunning styling along with that efficiency. Looks aren’t everything, Prius buyers have known that for a quarter of a century, eschewing style for superior fuel efficiency.
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