Writing a Prius evaluate previously was fairly easy: it is gradual and ugly, however the gas economic system is second to none… the top. However with the 2023 Toyota Prius, that narrative has modified. Now in its fifth era, the 2023 Prius ditches the frumpy styling in favor of a modern new form. Inside, there is a extra luxurious cabin than ever, and the below the hood, the efficiency has been given an adrenaline shot. This is not the Prius you are used to.

A plug-in hybrid Prius Prime mannequin is coming subsequent yr, however for now, the Prius is barely supplied with one powertrain: a four-cylinder engine mated with a hybrid system to provide 194 horsepower (196 hp with all-wheel-drive). That is an enormous 60% energy achieve over the outgoing mannequin with no main sacrifice in gas economic system. Beneath the hood, you will notice a badge that reads, “hybrid reborn,” a brand new motto that rings true in each side.

Toyota invited DrivingOnRoad to drive the Prius in San Diego, the place we realized that the styling is way from the one space the place this new mannequin is a serious leap over the outgoing one.

Exterior: Wait, That is A Prius?

The Prius’s styling at all times felt prefer it was making an excuse. It was awkwardly proportioned and lacked any sense of curb attraction, however that is the worth you had to pay for optimum gas economic system. In a brand new age crammed with gorgeous electrical autos that each one maximize effectivity, Toyota knew it might now not get away with constructing an unpleasant Prius. Toyota’s designers labored time beyond regulation to rework the Prius with this new “one-motion silhouette.” The modern physique form does greater than look good; it additionally yields a slippery 0.27 drag coefficient.

Total, this new mannequin is 2 inches decrease and an inch wider than the earlier Prius, making a extra visually athletic character. That sporty taste is especially pronounced with the obtainable 19-inch wheels on the XLE and Restricted grades. Toyota will provide six colours, together with Supersonic Pink and Reservoir Blue (pictured), which give the Prius extra curb attraction than ever. With out the badges, most individuals could not even acknowledge this automotive as a Prius; that is a win.

Efficiency: Left Lane Prepared

The bane of each driver’s existence is a Toyota Prius hogging the left lane going under the pace restrict. However no extra! This newest Prius jumps from 121 to 194 hp. A part of that achieve comes from a bigger 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (up from a 1.8-liter), whereas the remaining is derived from extra highly effective electrical motors. Because of the elevated output, the 0-60 mph time now not requires a calendar to measure. It drops from a yawn-inducing 9.8 seconds all the way down to solely 7.2 seconds.

All Prius trims can be found with AWD for $1,400, including an electrical motor to the rear axle. Not like the outgoing system, which solely labored at speeds as much as 40 mph, this new one features in any respect speeds. The rear motor delivers 40 hp and 62 lb-ft, growing the entire system output to 196 hp and dropping the 0-60 time by one other two-tenths of a second.

This huge leap in efficiency comes with an ever-so-slight drop in gas economic system. Toyota estimates the bottom LE FWD mannequin will obtain 57/56/57 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed. These numbers drop to 53/54/54 with AWD. The XLE and Restricted get 52 mpg throughout the board with FWD or 49/50/49 with AWD.

Driving Impressions: No Extra Punishment

Very like the outside styling, driving a Prius at all times felt like a sacrifice that wanted to be paid in trade for saving the planet. Toyota’s latest drop of hybrids has proved that electrified autos may also be enjoyable to drive, and the Japanese automaker has introduced these learnings to the brand new Prius. From the second you flip the steering wheel, it is apparent that Toyota put some effort in the direction of enhancing the driving dynamics. There is not any longer an entire disconnect between the steering and what is going on on with the entrance wheels, much more so with the automotive in Sport mode (sure, the Prius has a Sport mode).

That added really feel is useful by way of corners, the place the Prius ditches its floppy dealing with for a extra grippy expertise. The automotive continues to be held again by skinny eco-tires, however that is essentially the most entertaining Prius to drive by some margin. It additionally stays fairly snug with compliant suspension, little wind noise even on the freeway, and sufficient energy for swift overtaking maneuvers. Our first drive has us giddy for what’s in retailer with the Prius Prime, which brings the output to 220 hp and provides almost 40 miles of electric-only driving.

Inside: Eco To Premium

As a automotive pitched to eco-conscious consumers, the Prius by no means possessed a brilliant luxurious inside. This new mannequin is extra premium than ever, particularly within the Restricted grade, the place we spent most of our driving time. An eight-inch touchscreen comes commonplace, however a 12.3-inch unit is obtainable on the XLE and commonplace on the Restricted. This technique may be paired with an non-compulsory eight-speaker JBL sound system, which is one of the best we have ever heard in a Prius. Different notable choices embody heated and ventilated entrance seats (a Prius first), heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view digital camera system, a hard and fast glass roof, and superior parking help.

This cabin is noticeably nicer than the outgoing Prius, however the improved styling has impacted inside house. Rear headroom is diminished by a whole inch, making the again seat a good squeeze for anybody over 5’10”. Likewise, trunk house drops by greater than seven cubic ft to twenty.3 cubes. Are these trade-offs price it for the prettiest Prius ever? We predict so.

Pricing: Extra For Extra

All of those styling, consolation, and efficiency upgrades do not come free of charge because the 2023 Prius does see a worth enhance over the 2022 mannequin. Pricing begins at $27,450 for the LE model plus $1,400 for the obtainable AWD system (the identical for different trims). Upgrading to the XLE brings the worth to $30,895 with the glass roof including one other $1,000 and the bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen obtainable for $735.

The Restricted grade tops the lineup at $34,465, however just a few choices are nonetheless obtainable, together with the cheap digital rearview mirror ($200) and heated rear seats ($350). The Restricted Premium Bundle ($1,085) is the priciest choice, including Superior Park and the surround-view cameras. Total, the 2023 Prius is costlier, however it’s well worth the worth for such substantial enhancements.

Verdict: A Recommendable Prius

We at all times discovered it robust to suggest the Toyota Prius. The gas economic system was glorious, however that wasn’t sufficient to excuse the disagreeable styling, low cost inside, and sloppy dealing with. With this newest mannequin, all of these caveats have been erased and we are able to lastly suggest the Prius to a broader viewers. We would even take into account shopping for one for ourselves!

Patrons who aren’t fairly prepared to change to an EV can now take pleasure in almost 60 mpg, attractive styling, and a premium inside with out holding up visitors. The styling enhancements are accompanied by a serious efficiency enhance that makes the Prius outright enjoyable to drive. The 2023 Toyota Prius would be the most drastic enchancment we have ever seen, and it proves that there is nonetheless a spot for hybrids available in the market.