Toyota’s 2023 Prius Hybrid Features Updated Styling and Performance

The Toyota Prius debuted 25 years ago as a beacon of environmental consciousness. Now, Toyota has unveiled an all-new, 5th-generation model with much better styling, performance and fuel efficiency. Launched under the “Hybrid Reborn” banner, the 2023 Toyota Prius is available in three trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited.

2023 Toyota Prius Overview

All three trim levels come with a 2.0L inline-4 hybrid engine, CVT transmission and front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. Toyota hasn’t revealed the MSRP of the 2023 Prius, but it’s expected to be more than the 2022 model’s MSRP due to the improvements. The new Prius is available in six colors:

• Wind Chill Pearl
• Cutting Edge
• Guardian Gray
• Black
• Supersonic Red
• Reservoir Blue

Performance

With a 121-hp engine, the outgoing model prioritized fuel efficiency at the expense of performance. Thankfully, the 2023 Toyota Prius remedies that problem with a considerably larger and more powerful 2.0-liter 4-cylinder 194-hp engine on its FWD variants. The AWD variants are punchier, offering 196 hp, thanks to an Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) motor in the rear.

The 2023 Toyota Prius can go from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds with FWD and seven seconds with AWD, a considerable improvement from the previous model’s 9.8-second sprint. These aren’t neck-breaking speeds, but they make it easier to merge traffic as you navigate the city streets.

You get three driving modes (Normal, Eco and Sport) with the new Prius, as well as a Power mode. The Sport and Power modes increase the drive force in the low- and mid-accelerator openings, which improves the throttle’s responsiveness.

Exterior And Interior

The exterior of the 2023 Toyota Prius may very well be the most successful facelift in the past year. Its lower roofline, larger wheels and wider rear give it a more aerodynamic, sporty look than the previous Prius. However, the aesthetic difference is more evident in the new model’s smoother details and tighter lines.

Other exterior features include a power back door (Limited variant), a fixed glass roof (standard for Limited; optional for XLE) and a full-width taillight. Interior features on the 2023 Toyota Prius include:

• SofTex leather steering wheel
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Over-the-air updates
• USB Type-C charging ports for second-row occupants
• The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

Gas Mileage/Range

According to Toyota’s estimates, the LE FWD achieves the best efficiency at 57 mpg. Even though that’s only 1 mpg more than the outgoing model, it’s still an improvement because of improved performance. The new model is more efficient than the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (54 mpg), the Honda Accord Hybrid (47 mpg), and the Corolla Hybrid (50 mpg).

Gas mileage on the AWD variants is still undetermined, but industry experts estimate it to be around 50 mpg combined. Beneath the new model’s rear seat is a new lithium-ion battery which, according to Toyota, provides 15% more output than the previous nickel-metal battery.

The FWD should have a 644-mile range, assuming it has the same 11.3-gallon gas tank as its predecessor. Unlike its plug-in hybrid counterpart, the Prius Prime, the 2023 Toyota Prius is a regular hybrid, so you don’t need to recharge the battery.

Shop the 2023 Toyota Prius at Universal Toyota

The new Toyota Prius drives better and looks more stylish than the previous model. Visit Universal Toyota to buy the 2023 Toyota Prius or other hybrids.

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