Love it or go away it, few automobiles have had extra of an influence on the auto trade than the Toyota Prius, which helped introduce the idea of “electrification.” Today, it’s simply one in every of dozens of hybrids available on the market, and has misplaced most of its early momentum.
As it ready to launch an all-new, fifth-generation Prius, the Japanese automaker knew it needed to make as important a leap because it did with the unique. And, for essentially the most half, it’s succeeded, as the 2023 Toyota Prius is decidedly extra trendy than the ungainly entry it’s changed. It’s higher outfitted and extra refined.
And whereas it delivers solely a modest enchancment in vary, the brand new hybrid is considerably extra highly effective. For the primary time, you should use the time period, “fun to drive,” in the identical sentence as “Prius.”
Now, the Japanese automaker is following up with a substitute for the plug-in hybrid model of the hatchback. And the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime arguably has much more going for it. Not solely does it does it get a 77% improve in horsepower, nevertheless it manages to spice up all-electric vary by 76%, as much as a full 44 miles per cost. That’s much more than Toyota promised throughout a media reveal final November.
Overview
While the unique Toyota Prius was a breakthrough product, the unique plug-in model, the Prius Prime, was largely forgettable, carrying a steep value premium for barely a dozen miles in all-electric vary. The outgoing mannequin did do some higher at 25 miles, sufficient for these with brief commutes to rely solely on battery energy.
At 44 miles, 2023 Toyota Prius Prime lastly affords a severely compelling enterprise case for many who’d prefer to run in EV mode throughout day-to-day use whereas nonetheless being able to journey lengthy distances with out worrying about the place to plug in.
Beyond the bigger battery pack, the Prime is all however equivalent to the standard Prius hybrid. That’s not a foul factor, given its decidedly sportier design, upgraded cabin facilities and new tech options.
Add all of it up and Toyota is relying on each the Prius and Prius Prime to stabilize, if not reverse, a decade-long gross sales decline.
Exterior
Other than making just a few options, like customary rain-sensing wipers, the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime doesn’t actually stray from the brand new and well-received design of the standard Prius hybrid.
And that’s a great factor. While the Prius and Prius Prime retain their hatchback physique model, they’re 2 inches longer, an inch wider and an inch decrease, than the outgoing mannequin. Visually, these are decidedly completely different automobiles, with shorter entrance and rear overhangs and all however not one of the goofier design particulars discovered on the outgoing mannequin, beginning with the jug-eared taillights.
Overall, the brand new Prius will get a mild, coupe like slope to the entrance finish, windshield and roofline, although it retains its five-passenger hatchback format.
Slit-style lamps stretch throughout the nostril, then hook alongside the entrance fenders earlier than boomeranging again in entrance of the hood. The jug-eared taillamps have been changed by a crossbar mirroring the entrance headlights – and looking out very like what Toyota developed for its Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell car.
Interior
As with the standard hybrid, there’s a clear and uncluttered look to the inside of the brand new Prius Prime. And it does transfer away — although not solely — from the usage of the onerous plastic surfaces that gave the outgoing hybrid a little bit of an inexpensive look.
The cabin of the 2023 Prius seems to have been strongly influenced by Toyota’s new battery-electric car, the bZ4X. That begins with a high-mounted 7-inch digital gauge cluster, with a big touchscreen infotainment system mounted on the high of the middle console. The hatchback does retain extra standard controls for some car capabilities, reminiscent of quantity and local weather settings.
The twin-screen format is visually interesting however does have its drawbacks. The digital gauge cluster, particularly, has been mounted up excessive, apparently to obviate any want for a further head-up show.
Personally, I discovered it simple to learn, minimizing the necessity to look all the way down to test car pace, for one factor. But I are likely to place the steering wheel low and out of the way in which. Quite a few colleagues have complained that, for them, a part of the digital show will be blocked until they transfer the steering wheel to an uncomfortable place.
There are a pair different drawbacks to the brand new design: much less rear headroom and poorer rear visibility. But until you could have a pair NBA execs who’ll be using within the again seat, these are greater than well worth the tradeoff.
On the flip facet, the added width and size of the brand new Prius line does yield extra shoulder and legroom. And the brand new Prius adopts bigger, extra supportive seats which might be simpler on the again and butt throughout lengthy drives.
Powertrain
Toyota has fully upgraded the drivetrain expertise for each the Prius and Prius Prime.
With the standard hybrid, the prevailing 1.8-liter gasoline engine has been changed with a brand new 2.0-liter inline-4. As earlier than, the inner combustion powerplant has been paired with twin electrical motors. But they’ve additionally been upgraded, permitting the mixed output to climb from 121 to 193 horsepower, a 60% enchancment over the outgoing fourth-generation Prius.
The numbers are extra spectacular for the Prius Prime. The plug-in pairs a 2.0-liter inline-4 making 161 horsepower with a 161-hp electrical motor/generator. The numbers aren’t additive, however mixed energy jumps to a formidable 220 hp, a whopping 100 ponies greater than the outdated Prius Prime. Torque jumps 32%, in the meantime, from 105 to 139 lb-ft. And to throw out a pair extra numbers: meaning a 40% enchancment in launch instances, the 2023 Prius Prime now hitting 60% in a factory-rated 6.6 seconds.
Power comes from a brand new 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that can take you as much as 44 miles within the base Prius Prime SE, or 39 miles with the sportier XSE and XSE Premium trims.
While you’ll be able to’t use one of many new DC quick chargers, the Prius Prime battery will be absolutely recharged in about 4 hours utilizing a 240-volt energy supply. With the extra frequent 120-volt plug, it’ll take about 11 hours.
Safety and Technology
The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime now affords the automaker’s semi-autonomous Traffic Jam Assist system as customary fare on all trim packages. Toyota describes it as “a driver-assistance feature that helps ease the burden of the stressful stop-and-go of a traffic jam.” It works solely as much as speeds of 25 mph, however can deal with acceleration, braking and steering. Technically, it’s often known as a “Level 2” system and requires a driver to maintain their eyes centered on the street, able to shortly retake management, if wanted. Traffic Jam Assist additionally requires a subscription to Toyota’s Drive Connect service.
The plug-in hybrid additionally updates to the newest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of superior driver help techniques. These embody as customary expertise together with blind spot detection, rear cross site visitors alert and ahead collision warning with emergency computerized braking. There are a handful of techniques which might be added on increased trim packages — or provided as choices on base and mid-level variations of the hybrid. These embody entrance cross site visitors alert and lane change help.
With Toyota officers billing the fiith-generation Prius as a “high-tech marvel,” you’ll be able to count on loads of different options, together with an electronically operated curve management system to assist a driver keep of their lane throughout aggressive maneuvers.
But a lot of that high-tech gear will be discovered contained in the cabin, beginning with twin digital shows. That contains the brand new, high-mounted LCD gauge cluster, in addition to the newest Toyota infotainment show. In the bottom mannequin, that’s an 8-inch touchscreen. The mid-range XLE hybrid will be upgraded to a 12.3-inch show – which is customary on the high-line Prius Limited.
With the bigger display you’ll additionally get a brand new Amazon-Alexa-style voice assistant that just by saying, “Hey, Toyota,” will allow you to situation instructions. And the system can function a variety of auto capabilities whereas additionally answering questions, such because the climate forecast.
There’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, in addition to Sirius/XM radio. Depending upon trim package deal there’s wi-fi smartphone charging. And one of many new options, dubbed Digital Key, helps you to depend on a smartphone app to not solely get into your Prius however run it, leaving the keyfob at house. Add the newest suite of superior driver help applied sciences.
Driving Impressions
Automotive executives seldom trash their very own merchandise — even previous fashions. But Mike Tripp, U.S. vp of Vehicle Marketing, was strikingly candid when he mentioned the brand new Prius line marks “the first time in my 28 years at Toyota I would consider driving a Prius.”
While that is no sports activities automobile, there isn’t a query the 2023 makeover has created a way more fun-to-drive Prius, whether or not you’re behind the wheel of the standard or plug-in hybrid. There are quite a few modifications that improve the driving expertise. The gasoline tank has been repositioned and the hatchback’s total decrease peak give the brand new mannequin a decrease middle of gravity. The steering system additionally has been enhanced – it’s a bit faster and affords extra street really feel.
And then there’s the added energy. It got here in helpful as I flogged the 2023 Prius Prime round San Diego County throughout a latest Atmospheric River downpour. The new drivetrain was fast and fairly responsive, and regardless of the slick roads, the usual all-wheel-drive system saved the hatchback firmly planted on the street.
As with the standard Prius hybrid, let me be clear: that is no sports activities automobile. But the brand new Prius Prime proved much more aware of calls for for energy, permitting me to stomp on the throttle popping out of a nook and pointing the nostril proper the place I needed to go.
2023 Toyota Prius Prime Specifications
Dimension | L: 181.1 inches/W: 70.2 inches/H: 56.3 inches/Wheelbase: 108.3 inches |
Weight | 3,571 kilos |
Powertrain | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine; twin electrical motors; constantly variable transmission |
Fuel Economy | 50 mpg metropolis/47 mpg freeway/48 mpg mixed |
Performance Specs | 220 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque |
Price | Base value: $39,570; As examined: $40,665, together with $1,095 vacation spot cost. |
On-Sale Date | Available now |
Wrap Up
I’ve to echo Toyota VP Tripp.
While I’ve lengthy revered the expertise in early variations of the Prius, it was by no means a product I had a need to personal. And the outgoing mannequin, with its cartoon-like design, simply appeared the reply to a query nobody was asking.
Just a few years in the past, in a dialog with a senior Toyota official, it appeared like there was a great likelihood the automaker would possibly abandon the Prius badge, not less than within the U.S. market. Two different variations of the hybrid, the larger V and compact C, had been dropped as gross sales tumbled. And, with hybrid packages out there for thus many different Toyota packages, it begged the query of whether or not there was nonetheless a necessity for a Prius.
Internally, the reply turned out to be “yes.” And, after driving each the standard hybrid and plug-in variations of the 2023 Toyota Prius, Toyota made the suitable choice.
Whether potential consumers will agree is but to be decided. At its — um — prime, the Prius was the best-selling car in California. Today, it’s nearly an afterthought. Toyota itself hasn’t helped, because it rolls out one new hybrid mannequin after one other all through its lineup. As an instance, throughout my journey to San Diego, I additionally hung out driving the brand new Corolla Cross Hybrid.
That’s one cause Toyota Executive Vice President Lisa Materazzo expects Prius to generate, at most, 15% of its one-time gross sales numbers — however sufficient to nonetheless justify its existence.
Another problem is pricing. The 2023 Prius Prime SE package deal begins at $32,350, and also you’ll shell out not less than $39,570 for the XSE Premium, (earlier than factoring in $1,095 in supply charges). The plug-in is available in a number of thousand {dollars} above the usual hybrid. And that mannequin carries a large premium over the Toyota Corolla Hybrid.
That mentioned, the brand new Prius is now one in every of Toyota’s most trendy hybrids — and one of the crucial enjoyable to drive. Add the power to do a lot of your each day driving solely on battery energy and the Prius Prime all of a sudden appears like a stable selection. So a lot so, firm officers have upped their estimates and now say the plug-in mannequin might ship not less than 30% of total Prius gross sales going ahead.
2023 Toyota Prius Prime – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the gasoline economic system for the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime?
The base 2023 Toyota Prius Prime SE package deal makes 53 mpg metropolis, 51 freeway and 52 mixed, in line with the EPA, with a 127 MPGe ranking. The XSE and XSE Premium grades get 50/47/48, and 114 MPGe.
How far can the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime go on battery energy alone?
The Prius Prime SE will get 44 miles in all-electric mode, in line with the EPA, with the XSE and XSE Premium packages EPA-rated at 39 miles per cost. You do have to plug in to get that vary, utilizing both a 120- or 240-volt supply. Charging takes 11 hours at 120 volts, 4 hours utilizing 240 volts.
Is the brand new Prius Prime value it?
Starting at $32,350 for the 2023 Prius Prime SE package deal, and working to $39,570 for the XSE Premium, (earlier than factoring in $1,095 in supply charges), the plug-in hybrid does carry a premium over the common hybrid mannequin which begins at $27,450 LE. But Prime fashions are, on the entire, higher outfitted and will make up that premium should you routinely hold it charged and function principally in all-electric mode.
Source: www.thedetroitbureau.com