The Toyota Prius has always been an efficient vehicle that gets great gas mileage, but fun wasn't very high on Toyota's priority list. The 2023 Toyota Prius offers a complete redesign for the model's fifth generation and it now rocks a sporty exterior that complements the upscale interior. The Prime plug-in hybrid version offers an improved all-electric range and a better user experience with tons of features.
Let's check out some of the best features of the 2023 Toyota Prius.
1. Attractive Design
Styling is subjective, and many people consider the classic Prius look iconic, but the 2023 Prius redesign is truly breathtaking. The 2023 model's design is among the most attractive on the market. If you really look hard enough, you can still see the influence of previous generation Prius models in the raked style of the roofline, but the new design is unmistakably modern.
The rear of the car is sporty and aggressive, especially with the large blacked-out Prius badge sprawling across the trunk. Previous generations of the Prius had a very utilitarian design, but the 2023 model definitely adds a lot of flair to the equation. The rear end even features subtle vents that frame the taillights, giving the Prius a sports car vibe.
The front end has slim headlights that give the Prius a mean stare, along with an aggressively contoured hood. Toyota really hit it out of the park with the 2023 Prius' styling.
2. It Achieves 57 MPG
The Prius has always been one of the most fuel-efficient cars on sale, and the 2023 model doesn't disappoint with its 57 MPG combined rating in certain configurations. This is the perfect car for frugal individuals who don't want to sacrifice good looks in the name of fuel economy, but are also trying to avoid a gas guzzler.
Previous generations of the Prius had great fuel economy numbers, but the latest generation gets amazing fuel economy mixed in with a very sporty redesign. The best part is that the Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid with a long electric range that eschews many pure EV problems (though the debate of plug-in hybrid versus EV rages on.)
3. Optional All-Wheel Drive
If you really want a Prius but live somewhere that gets a lot of snow, the 2023 model has you covered with optional all-wheel drive (AWD), a first for the model. Thanks to the all-wheel drive system and the added confidence it gives you when encountering slippery road conditions, the fifth-gen Prius addresses a wider audience than the nameplate ever has.
4. Better Performance
The 2023 Prius doesn't just look striking—it's also a decent performer. In hybrid guise, the car offers up to 196 horsepower from its 2.0L engine, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. This performance isn't enough to compete with the fastest-accelerating EVs, but it's definitely a fun car to drive around town and is much nippier than any previous Prius.
When you add optional AWD to the mix, you get a sporty car with tons of grip that also happens to be very fuel efficient. This is a tough combination to beat if you're looking for a daily driver that's frugal but also rewarding to drive. The Prime plug-in hybrid version is even stronger than the regular hybrid, with 220 horsepower and a claimed acceleration figure from 0 to 60 mph of 6.6 seconds.
5. Advanced Park Assist
Parallel parking has the potential to invoke fear even in the most seasoned of drivers, so Toyota has implemented a brilliant solution in the 2023 Prius. The Advanced Park system is the perfect companion whenever you need to parallel park in a tough spot. The system takes control of the vehicle's brakes, steering wheel, accelerator, sensors, and cameras to park your Prius perfectly for you.
If you're the type of person that will do anything to avoid parallel parking, the 2023 Prius with Advanced Park Assist is perfect for you.
6. Digital Key
The 2023 Prius is compatible with a digital key, which means you can use your smartphone to remotely lock and unlock the car, as well as turn it on and off. This technology has been around for quite some time, and Tesla has one of the best versions of it with tons of functionality.
Digital keys offer many advantages, especially when paired with an app that can control many of the vehicle's functions. One of the best things about having a digital key for your Prius is that you won't be locking yourself out of your car with the keys inside—this is one of the most frustrating things that can happen to a driver.
7. Safe Exit Assist
Safe Exit Assist is a useful feature that can ultimately save your door and a cyclist from a potential collision. The 2023 Prius features Safe Exit Assist, which uses the rear bumper's built-in radar systems to detect any incoming threats, such as cyclists or cars, while you're opening your door. If the system detects an incoming object, you'll be notified via an audible warning, as well as a visual indication on your side-view mirrors.
This system is especially helpful if a cyclist is approaching at speed because cyclists are placed in a very vulnerable position when a door is swung open in their path. Safe Exit Assist is a safety system that should ultimately be mandatory equipment for all automakers because it really helps prevent accidents.
8. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
The 2023 Prius isn't just an attractive-looking car; it also features a collection of safety features that help keep you and your passengers safe. Toyota Safety Sense has driving aids like the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which warns you if you're about to collide with something (such as a pedestrian) and can even apply the brakes in an emergency.
Toyota also offers Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist in the 2023 Prius, which warns you if your Prius is about to leave its lane and can even provide subtle steering corrections to keep your vehicle centered.
The 2023 Prius also features Road Sign Assist. This system uses a camera to detect a multitude of signs, such as speed limits, do not enter, and stop signs. The signs that the camera detects are then displayed on the vehicle's digital gauge cluster, giving the driver easy access to the information.
Toyota Safety Sense is definitely a huge plus if you're considering purchasing a Toyota Prius. The host of safety systems help make the Prius a safer car for the driver as well as for others on the road.
The 2023 Prius Is the Best Prius Yet
The Toyota Prius has always been a competent and exceptionally frugal vehicle, but the latest generation is an upgrade over the previous-gen Prius in every imaginable way. As if this wasn't enough, the plug-in hybrid Prime version of the 2023 Prius is also a considerable improvement over its PHEV predecessor, with significantly better performance and range.