2023 Toyota Prius Prime Review: The Plug-in Phoenix Rises

The new Toyota Prius Prime hatchback is finally here, and we are excited to see that it has received not only some extremely handsome styling but also a lot more punch under the hood, thanks to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to an electric motor making a combined 220 horsepower. This boost in power could not be more welcome, and what makes it even better is that there has been very little loss in overall fuel efficiency, and the 2023 Prius Prime manages an impressive 44 miles of all-electric driving. There are no other comparable plug-in hybrid hatchbacks on sale, and while there are several hybrid crossovers such as the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid that start at a similar price point, you have to pay more than the Toyota for their plug-in hybrid versions. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid starts at a lower price, but doesn't come with a plug-in option. It all means that this Toyota has no direct rivals. We were worried that the Prius would simply crawl into a corner and disappear, but we are glad to see it is back with more fizz than ever.

What's The Price Of The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime?

With a new generation and a whole new lineup of models, the price of the new 2023 Toyota Prius Prime is slightly higher. Starting things off is the SE, which will cost you $32,350, while the XSE goes for $35,600. At the top of the range is the XSE Premium, which approaches the $40k mark at $39,170. These are the MSRP prices of the Toyota Prius Prime and do not include the $1,095 destination charge.

2023 Toyota Prius Prime Handling And Driving Impressions

The Prius Prime of old was not a fun or even slightly athletic car, but Toyota's new vision might finally change things up. It has a whole lot more power on tap and sportier styling that gives the impression that it can finally put a smile on your face when you're driving and not just when you get the fuel bill. The instant torque is definitely noticeable and adds much more spark to proceedings, especially if you're not used to it. Handling and grip levels are improved, but this still isn't a sporty car to drive; the steering is too light and numb to really immerse you in the experience, but that is because this is still an economy hatchback at the end of the day. With that in mind, you can be assured that the suspension can handle most road imperfections, something that will matter more to most Prius buyers. But, while build quality cannot be faulted, wind and road noise can seep into the cabin when traveling at top speed.

Verdict: Is The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime A Good Car?

The Prius was one of the first hybrids in the USA, and it helped to introduce the idea of green living and saving a few bucks at the gas pumps. However, as more hybrids came along and we saw what they were really capable of, it became clear that the Prius was falling by the wayside. A few tweaks here and there simply weren't enough to keep it competitive, and people had all but forgotten about it after the initial craze died down. But like a phoenix from the ashes, the Prius Prime has risen as a shiny new plug-in hybrid that may reignite the passion of old fans and new hybrid enthusiasts alike. It looks incredible and has even more power than competitors that were trouncing it just five minutes ago. However, you still benefit from incredible fuel economy and an all-electric range that is hard to beat. More features are now standard, including the safety suite, so the slight increase in price can be overlooked. In our review, the Toyota Prius Prime has returned as an even better deal than it already was, doing a lot more than just patching up weak spots. It may be the one to beat in the PHEV segment until the competition has picked their jaws up off the floor and thought up an appropriate response.

What 2023 Toyota Prius Prime Model Should I Buy?

If you're more interested in good fuel economy than anything else, then the SE will be the prime choice. It may be lighter on features, but it is cheaper and gets better mpg figures, including a 50-mile longer total range than upper trims. However, it remains a fuel-efficient car in any configuration. For this reason, we feel that the XSE best combines the strengths of the plug-in powertrain with a longer list of standard features like front and rear parking assist, heated front seats, and SofTex upholstery. You also get the option of upgrading to the 12.3-inch infotainment suite, which we feel is worth the small price increase.