It was a huge moment in business for Toyota when they took the wraps off the third-generation Prius Plug-in, in 2009 at the LA Auto Show. The future had big plans for the Prius, as it gave customers a versatile solution, featuring pure EV and hybrid modes, incredible MPG, and all the necessary tech.
Over 10 years later, Toyota has revealed its fifth-generation Prius - and it promises to take the legacy forward, specifically considering the 2023 Prius Prime is the most powerful yet. The Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model will continue to flatter its customers with perfect in-city driving, and zero-emission battery power or hybrid mode for when the roads widen up a bit.
2023 Toyota Prius Prime To Offer Best Of All Worlds
The new plug-in model brings more performance and technology to a stylish package. Thanks to a bigger lithium-ion battery, the EV's range has increased by more than 50%, compared to the older range of 25 miles. With millions of hybrid and plug-in hybrid EVs all over the globe, the new Prius Prime is a breath of fresh air in this ever-growing population of EVs.
As Toyota drives itself to carbon neutrality, the Prius Prime will be part of it, badged 'Beyond Zero'. This is an effort to accomplish carbon neutrality in all of its products. The Prius Prime will go on sale in America next year.
The Prius Prime will share almost everything with the hybrid model, but the Prime gets a shot in its arm, offering more power, technology, safety, and some added style. The Toyota Prius Prime will not only be practical, but sporty as well - and that's a great combination for the U.S market.
The new Prius Prime will be sold in SE, XSE, and XSE premium grades. It is built on the second-gen TNGA-C platform, and the result is a lower center of gravity, along with reduced weight and increased rigidity. This has further improved the stance and given way for a sporty diving position.
2023 Toyota Prius Prime Is The Most Powerful Prius Ever Made
The Prius Prime is more about performance than anything else, and that means quick acceleration time and good power. The Prius Prime also features a plug-in hybrid system that has been designed to improve fuel economy and performance on the road. Toyota states that they have worked in improving acceleration feel and high-speed stability control to a great extent, making the Prius Prime the driver's choice in the range.
Beneath the hood is the 5th generation hybrid powertrain, synced to a 2.0-liter engine, and of course, a newly developed lithium-ion battery under the rear seat. The overall power output is rated at 220hp, allowing the Prius Prime to sprint from 0-60mph in just 6.6 seconds, making it quicker than the previous-generation Toyota 86 sports car.
2023 Toyota Prius Prime Gets More Features
The new Prius Prime features a solar roof. These panels mounted on top recharge the Prius Prime's battery when stationary. The panels deliver added power to accessory functions, like air conditioning while driving. Plus, it covers the electrodes, giving the roof a glossy look.
The radical new Toyota will feature more standard features, like Lane Change Assist, Advanced Park, front corner radar sensors, a driver monitor camera, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and Traffic Jam Assist (a first in the Toyota line-up). Traffic Jam Assist is a new feature for Toyota, and the Prius Prime is the first model to introduce it in the market. The feature helps rid the driver of stress in stop-and-go traffic.
Acceleration, braking, and hands-free steering control are assisted when the DRCC and LTA systems detect the traffic slowing down. The system has been developed to work only under speeds of about 25mph, while the driver monitor camera confirms that the driver has their eyes on the road. The system prompts the driver to take control when the speed of the traffic crosses 25mph.
2023 Toyota Prius Prime Is Loaded With Tech Inside
Inside the new Prius Prime, you get a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system, and the driver has the opportunity to access a range of improved connectivity and convenience features, like OTA updates. The user can interact with the system through touch and voice activation controls.
Thanks to the Intelligent Assistant, a simple 'Hey Toyota' gets the system working for voice-activated commands, which are helpful for direction, adjusting audio controls, and more.
There's another new feature added to the Prius Prime, called Proactive Driving Assist. With the help of the car's camera and radar, the system ensures gentle braking around corners. Proactive Driving Assist operates differently from a Pre-Collision system.
Source: Toyota