Both are best sellers in their segments. Which should you choose?
May 14, 2023 at 6:47 p.m. ET
If you’re thinking it would be weird to buy the Toyota Prius with the Tesla Model 3, consider this. More new EV owners come from Toyota than any other brand. Toyota hasn’t had an all-electric car in its lineup until recently, and the bZ4x crossover isn’t exactly selling like hotcakes. The redesigned Prius is nicer to look at and performs better overall than the outgoing model, but it’s also more expensive and less practical.
The Toyota Prius is a legend when it comes to hybrids, and Toyota has been a clear leader in hybrid technology for years. We don’t cover the Prius on InsideEVs because it doesn’t have a plug. We cover the Prius Prime and of course the bZ4x, but those are different stories for a different day.
That said, instead of offering the Prius with an all-electric powertrain, Toyota launched a new generation that’s still a gas car. The Japanese automaker worked to make the car far less polarizing and bland. Instead, it looks sporty and has a significant increase in power, along with well-balanced driving dynamics. However, its rear seats are cramped and there isn’t as much cargo space as the outgoing model.
The 2023 Prius starts around $30,000. However, to equip it like the base Model 3, you’ll want to step up to at least the midrange XLE trim and opt for some extras. The one we set up as a Tesla cost about $34,000. Meanwhile, the cheapest Model 3 will set you back at least $42,000 before any tax credits or rebates. Note that the Prius is not eligible for EV tax credits as it does not plug in.
YouTube influencer Jeebs took the time to check out the new Toyota Prius and compare it to the Tesla Model 3. He calls the cars the “GOATS,” or the greatest of all time in their respective segments. Jeebs write:
“The Toyota Prius is the best-selling hybrid ever and the Tesla Model 3 is the best-selling electric vehicle ever. So which should you buy?”
Spend some time behind the wheel of the new Prius showing off its incredible fuel efficiency before putting the cars side by side and going into detail about how they compare. Check out the video to see all the details, then let us know which car you think is the best car to buy.
