2023 Toyota Prius Prime: Older Hybrid Good, New Better, No Stereotype

During the past two decades, the Toyota Prius has been as polarizing as any car in the United States. Many consumers associate the vehicle with liberalism and chastise its appearance. Sometimes lost is the significance of the carmaker’s advancement in the hybrid and electric marketplace.

The Prius debuted in the United States in 2020, three years after it was unveiled in Japan. It arrived a few months after the Honda Insight, which had limited availability and in only a few states. Toyota’s innovative lineup had mainstream distribution. Approaching its mid-20s, it has surpassed 15 million in global sales.

Toyota now also has several other hybrid and electric sedans and SUVs and this year, the redesigned and 2023 Toyota Prius Prime. It’s the start of the car’s fifth generation. Gone is the much-maligned exterior look. Gone are the sluggish acceleration and horizontally blocked rear window.

What’s new is a stealth sports car design, more horsepower, better performance and an overall welcoming appeal. Even some Prius detractors’ political silliness has stopped.

The reviewed Prius Prime plug-in model has 220 horsepower, a substantial boost. Toyota has also addressed one of the car’s biggest drawbacks. It was sluggish. With increased power in its 2.0-liter inline setup, acceleration improves in the 0-to-60 miles per hour standard by nearly four seconds to 6.6 seconds.

The plug-in hybrid now features a larger lithium-ion battery rated with a 38-mile electric-only range. Depending upon trim level, front-wheel-drive models are rated at 52 miles per gallon in city and highway driving on new, higher-quality standard 19-inch wheels.

The exterior offers the most striking changes, notably the headlight and taillights. It’s Toyota at its most modern self. The front headlines have a hollowed look with a C-shaped LED accent light. The rear light configuration runs the width of the new design. Its stance is two inches lower and one inch wider than the fourth generation.

As the most powerful Prius, the Prime plug-in is offered in SE, XSE and XSE Premium trims. The Limited (non-plug-in) and reviewed top-line XSE Premium have several keen new features. A 12.3-inch touchscreen (it’s nearly twice as big as the old offering) is standard on upper trim levels as is a power liftgate.

A digital rear-view mirror and a traffic jam assist function (hands-free driving in some under 25 mph scenarios) are new options. The Prime also offers solar panels for its glass roof. The feature charges the battery when the car is stationary; it helps power the air conditioning and accessory functions.

With its sloping, sporty roofline, the new Prius has two drawbacks. There’s less headroom, which hurts the sedan’s entry and exit functionality. Only smaller occupants will be comfortable in the rear seats.

The bothersome split rear window in previous generations is now an improved single pane. The available rearview camera on higher-level trims helps mitigate the petite new window’s view.

Not every vehicle requires upscale leather, bespoke roof liners and wood trim. The new Prius has none of it, and there’s plenty of appeal in simplicity. Plastic is prominent, with knobs, dials, cupholders, etc., all neat and tidy.

Sales of the Toyota Prius family of vehicles have drastically fallen to about 20 percent of its one-time top annual tally. Unfairly maligned throughout its tenure, the unveiling of the hybrid’s fifth generation provides brand optimism.

The Prius started an automotive revolution, albeit still an all-too-small percentage of vehicles on the road. The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime, in its top-line presentation, is a $43,000 vehicle. It’s an ideal money-saver and an environmentally considerate sedan. It’s also perfect for driving slowly through lofty neighborhoods, if for no other reason than interrupting the status quo.

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Facts & Figures: 2023 Toyota Prius Prime

Specification	Details
Engine	4-cylinder, 2.0L
Transmission	Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy	50 city / 47 hwy / 48 combined mpg
Fuel Type	Regular Gasoline

How It Compares

Vehicle	Starting Price
2023 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid	$33,245
2023 Kia Niro PHEV	$33,740
2023 Honda Clarity PHEV	$36,600
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime	$41,515

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime?

The 2023 Prius Prime accelerates from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, nearly four seconds faster than the previous generation. It produces 220 horsepower from its 2.0-liter inline engine and electric motor.

What is the electric range of the 2023 Prius Prime?

The 2023 Prius Prime has a 38-mile electric-only range from its larger lithium-ion battery pack, enough for most daily commutes before the hybrid gasoline engine activates.

What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Prius Prime?

Front-wheel-drive models achieve 52 miles per gallon combined city and highway. This represents exceptional efficiency despite the significant horsepower increase over the previous generation.

Has the 2023 Prius been redesigned?

Yes, the 2023 marks the fifth generation of the Toyota Prius. Major changes include a sleek sports car exterior design, new headlights and taillights, 220 hp (up from previous generation), and elimination of the blocked rear window.

How does the 2023 Prius Prime compare to the Kia Niro PHEV?

The Prius Prime offers superior fuel economy and a more dramatic redesign, while the Niro PHEV provides a more conventional crossover body style with similar plug-in hybrid capability.

Is the Toyota Prius Prime worth buying in 2023?

The fifth-generation Prius Prime addresses every major criticism of its predecessors: it looks athletic, accelerates quickly (6.6s 0-60), offers 38 miles of EV range, and achieves 52 mpg combined. It represents a significant leap forward.