When it comes to plus points, the Revamped 2023 Toyota Prius has many to offer.
Firstly, it boasts excellent fuel economy, which is a major plus for those looking to save on gas costs. Additionally, the new Prius has a sleek and cool design, a significant improvement compared to its predecessors.
This is important because you no longer have to sacrifice style for fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the Prius is available in regular and plug-in hybrid versions, with the regular version even offering all-wheel drive. This is quite rare for a car in this price range, especially one with an eco-friendly focus.
Aside from its impressive fuel efficiency and acceleration, the new Prius has also made significant improvements in terms of driving experience. It now offers more responsive steering, a more composed suspension, and quieter and smoother operation of its hybrid system.
Interior and Technology
Now, let’s delve into the interior and technology aspects of the 2023 Toyota Prius. For those accustomed to previous Prius models, the interior may feel different as Toyota has made some changes. The interior has also been upgraded, featuring improved materials quality, a more conventional control and display placement, and spacious storage options.
The shifter is now located on the center console, and the gauges are directly in front of the driver. However, for those coming from other vehicles, the new Prius will feel refreshingly normal. The design is attractive and manages to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. The materials used in the interior are above average for eco-oriented cars in this price range. The center console provides ample storage space, with features such as cupholders, a wireless phone charger, and a spacious under-armrest bin.
Toyota has also retained physical controls for the climate system, which is a welcome feature. The latest Toyota infotainment system is present, available in either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch size depending on the trim level. While the system is visually appealing, it does have some flaws. These include the lack of a quick exit option for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, unusual radio functionality, and the navigation system resetting preferred settings whenever the user switches to another touchscreen menu.
This can be frustrating for those accustomed to physical menu shortcuts but no longer present in the new Prius.
Size Matters
In terms of size, the 2023 Toyota Prius is similar to its predecessor and can be classified as a compact car, similar to the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. However, the sleek design of the new Prius comes at the cost of reduced cargo capacity. The lower, more raked roofline results in a 7-cubic-foot decrease in cargo space compared to previous models.
As a hatchback, the Prius is not as versatile as before. Headroom in the rear seat remains tight, especially with the racier roofline. However, legroom is sufficient for four adults, and there are no issues with space in the front. The lower roofline in the front does not affect headroom, and the seating position provides a more car-like feel. The center console is higher, contributing to the sportier ambiance and offering additional storage space.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The standard Prius hybrid powertrain consists of a larger 2.0-liter inline-four engine and two electric motors. The all-wheel-drive Prius features an additional motor that powers the rear wheels. The total system output is 194 horsepower or 196 horsepower with all-wheel drive, a significant improvement from the previous 121 horsepower. The Prius can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds or 7 seconds with all-wheel drive, which is impressive for both a compact car and a hybrid. The fuel economy ranges from 57 mpg city, 56 mpg highway, and 57 mpg combined in the base LE trim level to 52 mpg in city, highway, and combined in the XLE and Limited trim levels. The fuel efficiency drops to 53/54/54 mpg for the LE trim level and 49/50/49 mpg for the XLE and Limited trim levels with all-wheel drive.
One notable feature of the Prius is its ability to recharge its battery without needing to be plugged in, thanks to regenerative braking. However, the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid has a larger battery that needs to be plugged in to fully charge. Recharging the Prius Prime using a regular household outlet takes approximately 11 hours, whereas a 240-volt outlet or home charger can reduce the charging time to 4 hours. The Prius Prime has an estimated electric range of upto 44 miles.
When the electric range is depleted, the Prius Prime operates similarly to the regular version but with even more power. The total output increases to 220 horsepower, and the 0-60 mph time decreases to 6.6 seconds.
Driving Experience
The 2023 Toyota Prius is a significant improvement compared to previous models. The electric motor runs longer during acceleration from a stop, resulting in smoother transitions. The quieter and more composed operation of the hybrid system contributes to a more enjoyable driving experience.
Safety is a crucial aspect when considering a car, and the 2023 Toyota Prius is well-equipped in this regard. It comes with numerous safety features and has received good crash ratings from reputable organizations. The specifics of these safety features and crash ratings can be found in the official documentation and reports.
In conclusion, the revamped 2023 Toyota Prius offers a range of pros, including excellent fuel economy, stylish design, optional all-wheel drive, strong acceleration, and improved interior storage. However, it does have some cons, such as a smaller cargo area, potentially obscured gauges, and frustrating tech features.
Overall, the new Prius is a superior car both objectively and subjectively. This makes it it an excellent choice for anyone looking to save on gas without fully transitioning to electric vehicles.