The original Prius wasn’t the most powerful or responsive vehicle around, but the growth in the hybrid segment has been incredible over the years. The 2023 Prius and Prius Prime have kept pace, and the modern powertrains in these cars would blow away the early Prius adopters.

In the standard Prius, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor and a Lithium-Ion battery. This provides a full system power of 194 horsepower, along with 139 lb-ft of torque going through a continuously variable electric transmission. All-wheel drive is available, and swaps to two smaller motors that combine with the engine for 196 total horsepower. The base Prius is the top fuel saver of the bunch, offering 57 MPG city and 56 MPG highway.

Under the hood of the 2023 Prius Prime is the 5th generation hybrid powertrain which features a 2.0-liter engine and dual electric motors. These are front-wheel drive only, with the second motor working to dole out the power from the gasoline engine. Depending on the configuration, this powertrain can push out almost 220 horsepower, letting the Prime go from zero to 60 MPH in roughly 6.6 seconds! On top of all this, it can do almost 40 miles all-electric on a full charge, meaning you might be able to take care of regular errands without burning a molecule of gas!

Sleek and futuristic, the new design language of the 2023 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime is a leap forward for the model. The flying wedge shape has given way to a body that is a bit more elegant and athletic.  A fixed glass roof is available, while the Prime will incorporate solar panels. Bi-LED projectors headlights show the way, and the Prius and Prius Prime are available with 17-inch or 19-inch wheels.

Front-row seats in the Prius offer generous legroom, and there is enough headroom for most normal-sized adults. The sloping roofline does dig into the rear seat space though, with 36.4 inches of headroom and 34.8 inches of legroom being adequate albeit a little tight for adults on long trips. With the seats up there are 23.8 cubic feet of space in base models, while higher trim levels are reduced to 20.3 cubic feet – still pretty good for the compact segment though.

An 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard but can be upgraded to a 12.3-inch screen. Either way, you get a USB media port and five USB charge ports. Bluetooth hands-free phone and music streaming are standard, as is a three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio. The audio system itself features 6 speakers at the base level, with an optional 8-speaker JBL Premium Audio system that includes an amplifier. QI-compatible wireless device charging is available to reduce the wires running through the cabin.

Toyota Connected Services with trial subscriptions of Wi-Fi Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and Safety Connect are included on all Prius and Prius Prime models. They can be extended up to 10 years in some cases, and Drive Connect is offered as well on the top trim level.

Toyota has long been at the leading edge of driver assistance systems, and the 2023 Toyota Prius benefits from the latest evolution of the Safety Sense suite of features. Along with eight airbags throughout the cabin, the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, front automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. A backup camera is standard on every Prius and Prius Prime, as well as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. A Panoramic View Monitor with a 360-degree Overhead View with Curb View is available on the Limited trim. The Toyota Rear Seat Reminder and the Safe Exit Assist system are also standard across the model line-up, helping to provide peace of mind and extra safety for children and other passengers.

While there are six different trim levels across the 2023 Toyota Prius and Toyota Prius Prime, they are divided between the two models – the Prius gets LE, XLE, and Limited while the Prime gets SE, XSE, and XSE Premium trims.

The Prius LE sports 17-inch alloy wheels, and light the way ahead with Bi-LED projector low- and high-beam headlights. They offer basic quality-of-life comforts like the Smart Key System with Push Button Start and remote keyless entry system, and the interior features durable, easy-cleaning plastic trim and fabric-trimmed front seats. The 8.0-inch touchscreen with a 6-speaker audio system is standard, along with six USB-c ports. Front and Rear Parking Assist is optional on top of the Safety Sense suite.

Over in the Prime line-up, the SE is nearly identical to the Prius LE. Rain-sensing windshield wipers are standard at this level. The SE also gets a heated multifunction steering wheel. 

With the Prius XLE and the Prime XSE, the trims align and you get a number of comfort upgrades. Driver and passenger front seats are heated, and all seats are upgraded to SofTex synthetic upholstery. The driver’s seat is upgraded to 8-way power adjustability. A Qi-compatible wireless charger is provided, while a fixed glass roof and the larger 12.3-inch audio multimedia touchscreen are optional. Back seat passengers get two cup holders as well as seatback pockets. Digital Key – which allows your smartphone to be used instead of your physical key– is optional. All of this rolls of 19-inch alloy wheels.

Prius Limited and Prime XSE Premium trims also align, and get the 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen with JBL Premium Audio System featuring 8 speakers as standard equipment. The fixed glass roof is standard, as well as the Digital Key. A power rear lift door makes it easier to load and unload. The driver and passenger seats get heating, ventilation, and memory, while there is the option for heated rear seats. The only difference between the Limited and the XSE Premium is that the Premium can be upgraded with a solar glass roof for improved electric range in the Prime.

With fuel savings, cutting-edge safety, and modern technology all combined into a compact, affordable platform, the 2023 Toyota Prius and 2023 Toyota Prius Prime are a great fit for commuters, small, families, and many other drivers! Whether you want the standard hybrid or plug-in hybrid, you’ll be getting some of the best fuel economy available in the compact market today.

Schedule a test drive today at Bobby Rahal Toyota! You can schedule your test drive when it’s most convenient for you