2023 Toyota Prius: What We Know Thus Far
Japanese automaker Toyota has completely redesigned its oldest (mass-produced) hybrid nameplate for 2023. The new 2023 Toyota Prius incorporates design elements from the latest Toyota models like the bZ4X. It has a clear role to play in the brand’s push to electrify its portfolio. Here’s what we know about the 2023 Toyota Prius thus far.
Is Toyota making a 2023 Prius?
The Toyota Prius hybrid compact car is back for 2023. It is being built on Toyota’s second-gen TNGA-C platform (Toyota New Global Architecture-C). The new 2023 Toyota Prius will be available in three different trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited.
Toyota claims that this Prius will evoke an emotional response from drivers instead of just focusing on practicality like previous model years. It’s tough to argue that the Prius isn’t practical because of its superior gas mileage, but many drivers find older Prius model years to lack driving verve.
Engaging driving dynamics are important to many drivers, especially if they plan on owning a vehicle long-term. Toyota aims to make the Prius more exciting by reinvigorating the nameplate with a new design language. Its exterior design is sleeker and more simplistic than previous model years. Toyota offers more exciting powertrain options as well.
What engine does the 2023 Toyota Prius use?
The 2023 Toyota Prius uses a fifth-generation hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a lithium-ion battery. Prius models with all-wheel drive use an electric motor as well, which increases the small hybrid car’s total power output. So, if you want the most exciting 2023 Prius configuration, all-wheel drive is a must.
Accoring to Car and Driver, the new 2023 Toyota Prius AWD should get from 0-60 miles per hour in about 7.0 seconds. It isn’t mind-blowingly quick, but the small hybrid car has never been quicker if Toyota’s estimates match real-world performance.
2023 Toyota Prius MPG
The 2023 Toyota Prius is even more efficient than previous model years. Models with front-wheel drive achieve an estimated 57 miles per gallon combined. The 2022 Prius gets 56 mpg combined.
An extra mile per gallon may not seem significant, but that mile bumps up the small car’s total driving range, which was already impressive for previous model years.
The most fuel-efficient 2023 Toyota Prius configuration could get close to 644 miles of driving range based on the previous model year’s fuel tank capacity. The all-wheel drive Prius won’t get a driving range as high as the front-wheel drive model, but its fuel economy will still be superior to the majority of small cars on the market.
Should you get a 2023 Toyota Prius?
It’s clear that Toyota is attempting to bring some of its older nameplates into the future through redesigns. Models like the Tundra and Sequoia have seen the benefits of this wave of redesigns. The 2023 Prius has the potential to be the most exciting version of the small hybrid car yet (in the right configuration).
The 2023 Toyota Prius Limited AWD will be the quickest, most well-equipped version of the new Prius. Car and Driver already recommends the LE trim, but the industry is still waiting on plenty of 2023 Prius details. Toyota is attempting to make the Prius more attractive to a wider audience and prove that practicality can still be cool.
