Gear heads may not be interested in the new 2023 Toyota Prius: It’s still not rear-wheel drive, doesn’t come with a V8, and isn’t fast or nimble.
But it’s faster, more attractive and better in almost every way; as a hybrid electric car it excels in its brief in the same way as a Porsche 911 GT3, it’s just that its brief is efficiency, not speed.
Toyota made waves when it pulled the sheets off its redesigned Prius, with a fresh new design that’s sleeker, more aggressive, and maybe even desirable. Under the skin is better than ever.
TFLCar on YouTube had the luxury of testing the old Toyota Prius Prime against the new one, and here’s what they found and why we should consider buying one.
The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime: You’ve Never Wanted a Hybrid So Much
The Prius isn’t all about looks, in fact it’s more function than form, but it doesn’t hurt that it looks like a car you’ll be proud to drive. TFLCar reviews the design of the new Toyota Prius over the old one, and it’s sleeker, more aggressive and just as attractive as family hybrids.
They point to aerodynamic features such as a low windshield, hidden rear door handles, and a wind tunnel-friendly profile. This is the Prime model that is both more capable and more expensive than the base model, offering 220 hp and 44 miles of electric-only range, compared to the new ‘standard’ Prius’ 196 hp and 39 miles, figures that are still far off . better than the old car
Toyota’s previous-generation Prius offered 121 hp and 25 miles of electric range, thanks to a smaller 1.8-liter engine compared to the new 2-liter unit that only offers 160 hp.
Standard 2023 Toyota Priuses offer four-wheel drive, but this Prime does it with front-wheel drive, which suits the car’s character and efficiency.
Should you buy the 2023 Toyota Prius over the competition?
A sleeker roofline leads to a slightly lowered ride height, but the new car is as roomy, tech-laden, practical and comfortable as ever, and on the road TFLCar reports that acceleration is brisk when in the right drive mode : the hybrid mode, with “sport” selected.
With a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, room for a family and enough range for short commutes, the $30,000 car makes a good case for itself.
Higher trim levels cost more for the extra goodies you want, but for an affordable hybrid that also looks this good, the Prius Prime cashes the checks it writes for its reputation and then some. Those repulsed by the look and feel of previous generations might find it refreshing.
TFLCar approves, and after watching the video you probably will too, but if you’re looking for sporty quality, you’ll still need to look at Toyota’s Supra and GR86.
