Before the whole EV exodus the entire automotive industry seem to be jumping on, the Toyota Prius was well ahead of the curve, as one of the first pure hybrids to hit international markets. The Japanese were already enjoying the first-gen model by 1997, and other markets got the first taste of the Prius in the year 2000, more than 20 years ago.
However, in recent times, with the emergence of highly-competent hybrid rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq, Honda Insight, and Nissan Leaf, the aging Prius began to fall out of favor. But, things just shifted completely with the release of the all-new 2023.
Boasting new looks, new powertrain options, and a new cabin, the 2023 Toyota Prius seeks to regain the dominance it once held as one of the best hybrids available, and we think it might just succeed. To see just how good it’s gotten, let’s take a look at how the all-new Prius compares to the old one.
The 2023 Toyota Prius Is Way Faster Than Its Predecessor
One of the biggest complaints about the fourth-generation Prius is just how underwhelmingly slow it is. Its powertrain comes in the form of a 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder along with either one electric motor in the FWD model or two motors in the AWD version. The AWD 2022 Prius delivers a maximum output of 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission that allows it to scoot from 0-60 mph in about 10.8 seemingly eternal seconds. That falls well behind plenty of other 2022 rivals, and worse yet, the fourth-gen Prius doesn’t even make up for it with significantly better fuel economy.
Things have changed for the better in the all-new 2023 Toyota Prius - and by a large margin. It now shares the same engine as the 2022 Corolla Cross Hybrid, a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder that produces 150 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque, along with a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor that increases the 2023 Prius’ output to 194 horsepower. AWD versions of the get an additional interior rear axle motor, bumping up total horsepower to 196. Both powertrains pair up with an electronically-controlled continuously variable automatic transmission, and the FWD 2023 Prius can run from 0-60 mph in just 7.1 seconds, while the AWD version takes about 6.7 seconds to reach 60 mph. That means that the all-new FWD Prius is 3.4 seconds faster to 60 mph than the fourth-generation model, and it makes all the difference.
The 2023 Toyota Prius Is Better Inside And Out
The all-new Prius doesn’t just get a better powertrain, and it also packs a completely redesigned exterior and refurbished cabin. Excluding the more expensive plug-in hybrid Prius Prime, the regular 2023 Prius offers three different trims. The entry-level LE spec comes standard with an 8-inch central infotainment display, a 7-inch LCD digital gauge cluster, six USB charging ports, 6-way power-adjustable fabric-trimmed front seats, and a 6-speaker audio system. Upgrading to the mid-range XLE trim unlocks SofTex faux-suede leather trimming on the seats and steering wheel, heated front seats, a smart key system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Lastly, the range-topping 2023 Toyota Prius Limited trim gets a stacked interior, complete with driver’s seat memory settings, front seat ventilation, optional heated rear seats, an upgraded 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a premium 8-speaker JBL sound system.
Things are just as good on the outside, and we can safely say that the 2023 Toyota Prius finally looks pretty handsome, unlike its horrendous predecessors. Though still maintaining its iconic egg shape, the all-new Prius boasts sleek two-way LED headlights connected by a slim upper grille, along with an aggressive chrome and gloss-black-lined lower mouth. Down its flank, the 2023 model showcases a seamless body shape from hood to hatch, with mildly flared fenders and contorted side mirror. Lastly, from the rear, it displays a fully-extended lightbar built into a winglike hatch, complemented by a molded bumper and off-color diffuser.
The 2023 Toyota Prius Is More Efficient Than Ever
Despite providing a significant increase in performance, the all-new Toyota Prius somehow manages to deliver better fuel economy than its predecessor - which relied on fuel efficiency as its sole strong suit. The fourth-generation Prius delivered an EPA-estimated return of 52 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway, for a combined consumption of 50 mpg. The 2023 Prius, on the other hand, returns 52 mpg in the city, 52 on the highway, and a combined total of 52 mpg altogether. That isn’t significantly better than its predecessor, but it becomes pretty amazing when you consider its greatly enhanced performance.
All in all, the all-new 2023 Toyota Prius has finally reached the competitive hybrid benchmark we’ve all been waiting for, bringing forth sexy new looks, efficient and enticing performance, as well as a tech-savvy interior with a high grade of customization options. Put simply, it’s better than the old Prius in every, single, aspect.
Source: Toyota