The Toyota Prius is a well-known name from Toyota. Introduced in Japan, the Toyota Prius was well-received and became one of the most popular and successful hybrids. Toyota's commitment to hybrid technology and the continued development and evolution of the Prius lineup have helped position it as a leader in the hybrid vehicle market. Toyota's early success with the Prius led the company to invest heavily in hybrid technology and expand its hybrid vehicle offerings across its model range and have since become known for its prowess in hybrid systems. This prowess led to the introduction of hybrid versions of many of their popular vehicles.

It is worth mentioning that although Toyota was not the first to introduce hybrid technology, it played a key role in its popularity and in making hybrid cars mainstream and widely accepted by consumers. The Toyota Prius has significantly impacted the hybrid vehicle market, setting new standards for fuel efficiency, technological innovation, and environmental consciousness. Its success has spurred the industry towards more sustainable practices, making hybrid vehicles mainstream and appealing to a broader range of consumers.

Related: Why The Toyota Prius Prime Is Better Than Every Other Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

1 A Well-Packaged Deal For Only $27,450

Toyota has set its standard in the automotive world as a brand that offers top-quality vehicles packaged at fair prices. The 2023 Toyota Prius isn't any different with the price of its base the LE trim set at only $27,450. Available in three trims - LE, XLE, and Limited, each Prius 2023 trim comes with its own AWD variant. All-wheel-drive versions offer better traction and acceleration on the road than any standard front-wheel-drive vehicle. The Prius' premium trims known as the XLE and Limited trims are available at a starting MSRP of $30,895 and $34,465 respectively.

2023 Toyota Prius Trims and Pricing

For an additional payment of $1,400 only, Toyota offers each trim of the 2023 Prius with an all-wheel drive train. Each trim of the 2023 Prius is indistinguishable from the other in terms of its exterior design apart from the alloy wheels. For Instance, the LE variant of the Toyota Prius comes with 17-inch alloy wheels whereas the XLE and Limited variants come with 19-inch alloy wheels. However, the real difference between the premium trims and base trims lies within the Prius' interior features. The Prius XLE variant features smartphone wireless charging and SofTex-trimmed front seats with eight-way power adjustment capabilities, which isn't available in the base LE variant. Additionally, the 2023 Prius Limited trim features a fixed glass roof, 8-speaker JBL premium audio, and amplifiers as a standard.

2 Adequate Power At Your Disposal

The Toyota Prius 2023's performance and power output isn't anything to write home about. This isn't a surprise to many as the Prius boasts more in terms of its reliability and practicality than its ability to get by. However, this isn't to say that the 2023 Prius Hybrid isn't powerful particularly when you think of its all-wheel drive. Each trim comes equipped with a 2.0-liter engine that combines gasoline and electric hybrid technology, ensuring efficient front-wheel drive (FWD) operation through an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT).

2023 Toyota Prius Specs and Features

The hybrid system of this vehicle with the power of a combustion engine delivers an impressive power output of 194 horsepower, providing a balanced blend of power and efficiency. The engine features a 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve design with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), capable of generating 139 pound-feet of torque within the 4400-5200 rpm range. Toyota further enhances the performance of the AWD Prius models by incorporating a robust electric motor at the rear axle, resulting in a substantial power boost. This generation of Toyota Prius offers a huge leap of 60-percent in overall power as compared to the previous generation.

Related: 10 Reasons Why The Toyota Prius Prime Is Special

3 The Toyota Prius Offers Moderate Acceleration Capabilities

The Toyota Prius' acceleration capabilities aren't anything to write home about. Surely, it has been segmented as a practical vehicle rather than a speedy one. According to Honda, the latest iteration of the Prius accomplished the 0 to 60 mph sprint in a mere 7.0 seconds for its AWD variant, significantly improving its predecessor's 10.7-second performance. However, the Toyota Prius is a little behind, particularly compared to the Toyota Prius Prime and Toyota Crown.

2023 Toyota Prius 0-60 mph Times

Although, the latest Prius model exhibited significant advancements in acceleration during testing conducted by Car and Driver. The 2023 Toyota Prius boasts impressive performance upgrades, with a quarter-mile time reduced by over two seconds and a swift 50-70 mph acceleration in just five seconds. Enhanced weight distribution and a more responsive engine ensure a more agile driving experience for Prius owners.

4 The Toyota Prius 2023 Model Is A Stunning Iteration Of Its Predecessors

The exterior of the 2023 Prius has undergone a major makeover. Before its evolution, the automotive world did not pay much heed to the design elements of the Toyota Prius mainly due to its unconventional design. It seems that with the fifth-generation Toyota Prius, the brand has worked on much more than just its hybrid powertrain to amp up its power.

2023 Toyota Prius Exterior Dimensions

The Toyota Prius now boasts a sleek and stylish appearance characterized by its gracefully sloping roofline and broad, confident stance. For 2023, the Toyota Prius hits the stage with a refined and sporty silhouette, featuring a reconfigured roof peak that has been moved to the back for a more flowing form. Its front is tied to have a hammerhead design accentuated with LED lighting. On its roof, Toyota designed the Prius 2023 with a glass roof. However, this is a standard feature seen only on the Limited trim and available as an option for the XLE trim. This fifth-generation Toyota Prius is 2 inches lower and has added 1 inch in overall length and width of the car than the previous generation to create a wide stance of the vehicle.

Related: Why You Should And Shouldn't Choose The Toyota Prius Prime Over The Tesla Model 3

5 The 2023 Toyota Prius Features A More Practical Cabin

While the fifth-generation Toyota Prius boasts a redesigned exterior, its interior adopts a more conventional automotive cockpit approach. One notable change, which makes the 2023 model more practical is the positioning of its gauge cluster. It is now positioned directly behind the steering wheel, a first for both the Prius and Toyota Prius Prime. In its previous generation, the Toyota Prius featured a digital speed-o-meter in the center of the dashboard.

The current digital cluster provides the driver with all the essential information without having to look at the side. The 2023 Prius also features a standard eight-inch infotainment system positioned in the center console for the Prius' LE and XLE trims. However, the 2023 Toyota Prius Limited features a bigger 12.3-inch center infotainment system. Although, the more expansive infotainment system is available as an add-on option in the Prius XLE.

2023 Toyota Prius Interior Dimensions

The 2023 Prius' interior design is influenced by a lower roofline, reducing its height by two inches. The front passengers will now be seated at a lower position to enhance the vehicle's center of gravity allowing a much more stable drive. The base model features a faux leather steering wheel. However, the premium trims - the XLE and Limited, offer additional perks such as heated front seats, increased rear cupholders, and the inclusion of heated seats for rear passengers. The cargo capacity of the Toyota Prius is 20.3 cubic feet which can accommodate five suitcases at a time.

6 It Offers An Impressive Combined Fuel Economy Of 57 MPG

Since the 2023 Toyota Prius comes with a hybrid engine, it offers both electric capabilities and offers the boost you would get with a combustion engine. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the Toyota Prius 2023 offers an impressive combined fuel efficiency of 57 MPG in both the city and highway when using regular gasoline.

2023 Toyota Prius Fuel Economy

In cities, hybrids give better fuel efficiency because of the start-stop technology that the Prius comes with. Additionally, the 2023 Prius features a tank with a capacity of 11.3 gallons, which translates to a substantial total range of approximately 644 miles. This exceptional range is achieved by integrating a hybrid electric motor, which optimizes the Prius' fuel consumption and extends its driving capabilities, making it a highly efficient and practical choice for eco-conscious drivers.

Related: Here's How The Toyota Prius Became The Best Hybrid Possible

7 It Features An Extensive Traveling Range

With the 2023 Prius, drivers can anticipate an enhanced driving experience characterized by improved acceleration and effortless handling. This is possible due to Toyota’s decision to equip the Prius 2023 with a larger 2.0-liter hybrid inline-four gasoline engine and newly developed lithium-ion batteries in the vehicle's hybrid powertrain.

2023 Toyota Prius Full-tank Range

Additionally, the 2023 Prius boasts a generous tank size of 11.3 gallons, resulting in an impressive total range of approximately 644 miles. However, this range reduces to a total of 567 miles for all all-wheel-drive variants for the 2023 Prius. This extended range ensures that drivers can cover substantial distances without frequent refueling, enhancing the overall convenience and practicality of the Prius for long journeys.

8 Its Tech Features Keep It Ultra-Modern

The 2023 Prius offers an array of advanced features designed to enhance the driving experience and provide convenience to its occupants. The available Advanced Park system takes the stress out of parallel parking or backing into tight spaces by utilizing cameras, sensors, and precise steering control, making parking effortless and accurate. With the Prius’ digital key capability, you can conveniently lock, unlock, start, and stop your Prius using your Bluetooth-connected smartphone.

Inside the Prius, an illumination notification feature adds a touch of style and functionality, subtly alerting the driver when a preceding vehicle starts moving from a stop. The available Navigation System, which hosts cloud navigation capabilities ensures you reach your destination, providing up-to-date map data and routes. While the LE and XLE trims feature an eight-inch infotainment system, the Limited trim comes with an expansive 12.3-inch screen. Additionally, the inclusion of six USB-C ports provides versatility and convenience for connecting and powering multiple devices.

Related: Why You Should And Shouldn't Buy The Toyota Prius In 2023

9 The 2023 Toyota Prius Hits Harder With Significant Improvements

The 2023 Toyota Prius has a bigger engine than the previous generation Prius. The 2023 model comes with a 2.0-liter engine, whereas the previous one had a slightly smaller 1.8-liter engine. That’s not all - the Prius 2023 features a better battery. Notably, the 2023 Prius features a smaller and lighter battery pack compared to previous generations thus achieving a remarkable 9.52-percent increase in range. Despite some increased dimensions and the addition of upgraded equipment, the new Prius isn't much heavier than before. The 2023 example tipped scales at 3,199 pounds - a reasonable 159 pounds more than the 3050-pound 2022 version. The new Prius still carries about 60 percent of its curb weight up front.

2023 Toyota Prius vs Prius Prime Comparison Specs

One key advancement lies in its engine, as the 2023 model features a more powerful 2.0-liter hybrid four-cylinder engine, generating 194 horsepower, compared to the 2022 Prius with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower.

10 No Dearth Of Safety Features

Both the 2023 Prius and Prius Prime prioritize safety with the introduction of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 as a standard feature. TSS 3.0 includes a range of active safety systems, building upon previous generations while incorporating new enhancements. They include systems, such as the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Blind Spot Monitoring, which helps prevent collisions by detecting vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists and providing alerts.

Additionally, the Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control offers more precise speed adjustments, and Lane Tracing Assist helps the 2023 Prius in maintaining a safe distance from nearby vehicles during lane changes. Road Sign Assist has also been improved to recognize intersection and warning signs. Overall, Toyota's commitment to safety is evident in the advanced features and enhancements of TSS 3.0, ensuring the well-being of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.