2023 Toyota Prius Review: Turning Over A New Leaf
The brand-new Toyota Prius compact hybrid under review here is a strikingly different car from what went before. If you've paid any attention to the previous four generations of Prius, you'll see a decades-long succession of ugly ducklings transform into a swan. The dramatically styled new body shape means drivers no longer have to make excuses to justify their purchase; eco-drab has turned into eco-chic. If the looks weren't enough to secure its success, the new model is significantly more powerful and faster than before and drives better, yet with even better fuel economy. It's a win-win that puts the Prius back on the map and will give rivals like the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid sedan, the Kia Niro Hybrid crossover, and Toyota's own Corolla Hybrid something to think about. It's built on Toyota's new TNGA-C platform and boasts a new 2.0-liter Dynamic Force engine and hybrid setup to produce 194-196 hp - unheard-of outputs for a Prius. There are three trims in the range, in both FWD and AWD, and it lands in the USA at a starting price under $30k.
What's the Price of the 2023 Toyota Prius?
The starting price of the new 2023 Toyota Prius is $27,450 for the base LE trim. The XLE will cost you $30,895 and the Limited goes for $34,465. Keep in mind that these are the MSRPs for the Toyota Prius' FWD configurations. Speccing AWD adds $1,400 in each case and the $1,095 destination fee isn't included in any of these prices either.
2023 Prius Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 181.1 in | 108.3 in | 55.9 in | 70.2 in | 61.5 in | 62.2 in | 3,097.0 lbs |
2023 Prius Performance
2023 Toyota Prius Handling and Driving Impressions
The Prius is no sports car, but the general driving behavior of the new model is in keeping with its more dynamic appearance and the chassis strikes a fine balance between dynamic ability and good ride comfort. It tracks true, sticks to the line, responds well to inputs, and generally does everything well enough that you don't have to think about it - always a sign of good engineering. The steering is light, making the car easy to maneuver around town, but rather devoid of feel or feedback, not something most owners will mind. Performance is in a different league and while the old one always gave the impression of satisfying low-end punch, the new one keeps on pulling at higher speeds, long after the old Prius ran out of puff and revs. It now keeps up with traffic effortlessly. The 2.0-liter gas engine also found in many other Toyotas does tend to be a bit strident when working hard, a common complaint leveled against it.
2023 Prius Interior
2023 Prius Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 3 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / 25,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is The 2023 Toyota Prius A Good car?
The new Prius might very well be the best car in its class at present. This is partly due to the fact that is a massive improvement on the old one and partly because the class has shrunk, with both the Honda Insight and Hyundai Ioniq now gone. Against the Elantra Hybrid, it's both quicker and more economical, if not as roomy in the rear. Against every Prius before it, it is now a desirable product with genuinely striking styling that is no longer just unnecessarily quirky, but actually attractive. The only downside is that function follows form with the latest rendition, and a little rear headroom and trunk space have been sacrificed on the altar of the sharp new look. We're okay with this.
What 2023 Toyota Prius Model Should I Buy?
Given that it looks sharp, and already comes with a decent equipment level and plenty of standard driver assists, we say stick to the base LE and get the best fuel economy, maximizing what Prius stands for. Good road manners and improved performance are standard anyway. We'd add the $35 front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and be done with it. Even with the destination charge included, you'll still pay less than $30k.