For the latest Toyota Prius pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/toyota/prius/
Yes, this looks sexy. Yes this IS a Prius, and no, you’re not dreaming.
The Prius finally gets a significant power bump. It now uses a larger 2.0 L engine paired to Toyota’s 5th generation Hybrid system that provides over 60% more power than the last generation. Net power output for FWD models is now 194 hp, and 196 hp for the AWD models, with 139 lb-ft of torque for both drivetrains linked to a standard CVT. That means the Prius is now able to sprint from 0-60 in 7.2 seconds for FWD models, and 7 seconds for AWD.
Thankfully there’s an EV mode button allowing the Prius to run on battery power at low speeds, and different drive modes to cater to your efficiency needs… Hey that rhymed.
Obviously the strongpoint of driving the Prius is the fuel efficiency but sometimes you’d like to spice up your commute and that’s what the drive modes are for. Sport mode makes the throttle response much quicker, and eco mode does just the opposite and smoothens out throttle input to make the drive as efficient as possible.
The new Prius looks great driving down the road. The sleek look and active grill shutters contribute to a drag coefficient of just 0.27 which is also assisted by underbody panels to help reduce drag and road noise. There’s a lighter, more rigid body construction and thanks to the low center of gravity in addition to its wider stance, the Prius feels more agile than the previous generation. Body roll is unremarkable, and the electronic on-demand AWD system helps with acceleration off the line and cornering.
This definitely feels much sportier than the last gen. I feel lower in the seats, visibility isn’t bad, and steering feels light, and there is a bit of road noise.
Hopping inside the Prius, first thing you’ll notice is the new layout. They’ve ditched the center-focused screen setup and now has a more traditional system with an information display above the steering wheel, and standard 8 inch or available 12.3 inch infotainment screen. Both having standard wireless apple CarPlay and android auto, with 6 usb-c ports around the cabin.
Also, worth noting, there are no available rear seat vents. However, heated rear seats are optional but only available on the highest trim. Behind those rear seats you’ll have up to (graphic: 23.8 cu-ft) of cargo room to work with, which is lower than the previous generation thanks to the lower roof. But if more space is needed, the rear seats have a 60/40 split for more cargo practicality.
Keeping you and your passengers safe while moseying down the road is standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 which includes Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and new to the safety sense package, Proactive Driving Assist. This system helps to provide gentle braking through curves, evade obstacles, and while stopped, alerts you when the car in front starts moving via LED lightbar just in case you’re distracted.
The Prius will come in 3 different trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. The LE will start at $27,450 not including a destination charge, and that includes all of aforementioned standard features, LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels with wheel covers, and cloth seats.
For $30,895, the XLE trim adds SofTex trimmed heated front seats with 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, and 19-inch wheels.
And for the top tier Limited Prius starting at $34,465, you’ll receive a fixed glass roof, powered rear hatch, ventilated front seats with driver memory seat settings, a 12.3 inch infotainment screen with 8-speaker JBL audio system, and available digital rear view mirror.
The Prius would be a great option if you’re not quite ready to go the fully electric route, and when you’re ready to grab the new or used Prius, be sure to use KBB.com to get a fair purchase price so you can hyper mile happily. Click the link above for details.
With a bold, stylish new look and the performance to back it up, the new Prius is a dream come true.
00:00 2023 Toyota Prius
0:17 Exterior
1:20 Powertrain
1:53 Driving Impressions
5:29 Interior