After introducing the new Toyota Prius PHEV in Europe, the manufacturer is ready to present the US version. The 2023 Prius hybrid and 2023 plug-in Prius Prime look identical to their European counterparts inside and out, but we now have a lot more information about the US model, including details on an all-wheel-drive version.
The fifth-generation Prius uses the company’s second-generation TNGA-C platform. The new hybrid is 2 inches (50.8 millimeters) shorter and one inch (25.4 mm) wider than the model it replaces. The hip point is also an inch lower. Toyota placed the battery under the rear seat to help lower the car’s center of gravity and maintain cargo space.
9 Photo
The Prius packs a larger 2.0-liter engine with a newly developed lithium-ion battery pack that offers a 15 percent increase in output, all of which drives the front wheels. Combined output is 194 horsepower (142 kilowatts), which can send the hybrid from zero to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in 7.2 seconds, a 26 percent increase compared to the outgoing front-wheel drive model, which requires 9.8 second.
The automaker estimates that entry-level FWD models can achieve a combined fuel economy rating of up to 57 miles per gallon. The 2022 Prius has a combined EPA rating of 52 mpg.
Toyota will offer the new Prius in an all-wheel drive version, with a high-powered interior permanent magnet motor driving the rear wheels. Its 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain produces 196 hp (144 kW), pushing the car to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds.
See all the news about the Los Angeles Auto Show
The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid is the sportiest yet. It also used a 2.0-liter engine and new battery, but the combo made 220 hp (161 kW) in this variant. The more powerful powertrain pushes the car to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. The new powertrain also increases the previous generation model’s electric-only range by more than 50 percent by 25 miles, but the math shows 37.5 miles of pure electric drive. Helping recharge the Prime’s battery is an optional solar roof panel.
Toyota will offer the Prius and Prius Prime in three trims. Regular hybrids get the LE, XLE, and Limited designations, while plug-ins are available in SE, XSE, and XSE Premium. Both top trims feature Toyota’s 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen (and over-the-air updates), an eight-speaker JBL premium audio system, and heated and ventilated front seats.
A pair of mid-range trims arrived with 19-inch wheels, two additional rear seat cup holders, auto-dimming mirrors and wireless charging. The two entry-level trims use 17-inch wheels and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Toyota Safety Sense is standard across both lineups.
Toyota will announce Prius pricing information and a sales date later this year. We’ll have to wait until the first half of 2023 for details on the Prius Prime.
