For 2023, the LE, XLE, and Restricted trims are not any extra. As an alternative, the Prius Prime now is available in SE, XSE, and XSE Premium grades, all of which replicate the mannequin’s newfound athleticism. We would choose the XSE, because it comes with objects equivalent to keyless entry, an computerized tailgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated entrance seats. After all, these XSE goodies are an addition to the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise management, lane centering, and computerized high-beam headlights that each one come customary.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

Final 12 months’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is not any extra. Instead is a bigger 160-hp 2.0-liter unit. It pairs with two electrical motors: one which powers the drive wheels and one other that controls a planetary gearset to mete out the gasoline engine’s grunt in a way that resembles a belt-driven repeatedly variable computerized transmission. The result’s 220 horsepower–extra horsepower than a base Mazda 3, Honda Civic Si, or the Subaru Impreza. What a time to be alive. At our take a look at monitor, the Prius Prime hit 60 mph in 6.7 seconds when utilizing each its gasoline and electrical motors collectively; when utilizing solely the electrical motors, it wanted 11.2 seconds. The Prius Prime is a front-drive-only affair; nevertheless, Toyota could supply all-wheel-drive as an extra-cost merchandise. If that is so, then count on a so-equipped Prius Prime to incorporate a further electrical motor that completely powers the automobile’s rear axle.

Vary, Charging, and Battery Life

A brand new lithium-ion battery pack offers the Prius Prime extra electrical driving vary from its outgoing 25 miles of EPA-rated vary to as a lot as 44 miles. Throughout our testing of an XSE mannequin, we managed 33 miles of freeway driving on our 75-mph freeway gasoline financial system route earlier than the battery depleted and the gasoline engine needed to step in. Including a cost to the Prius Prime’s battery is less complicated than ever, too, because of roof-mounted photo voltaic panels that recharge the pack when the automobile’s parked. Take the Prius Prime out for a drive and people photo voltaic panels ship energy to accent objects, such because the air-conditioning system. Alas, these photo voltaic panels aren’t obtainable on the lower-end SE and XSE trims.

Gas Economic system and Actual-World MPGe

When counting on each its electrical motors and four-cylinder engine for motivation, the 2023 Prius Prime is rated by the EPA for 50 mpg metropolis and 47 mpg freeway. In our testing, we recorded 46 mpg freeway. For extra details about the Prius Prime’s gasoline financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

The Prius Prime’s insides are as good-looking because the automobile’s outsides. Sharing design cues with the bZ4X electrical SUV, the Prime’s cabin contains a stylish wraparound sprint match with a sizeable center-mounted infotainment display screen. Gone is the center-mounted gauge cluster of Priuses previous. As an alternative, the 2023 automobile contains a cluster mounted straight in entrance of the motive force. Moreover, the brand new Prime sees its shifter transfer from the sprint to the middle console. We discovered the motive force’s seat to supply simply sufficient headroom, however the backseat low roof leaves even much less room for heads.

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes customary on Prius Prime SE and XSE fashions, although a extra gargantuan 12.3-inch unit is optionally obtainable on the latter. The large-screen system comes customary on the top-of-the-line XSE Premium, as does a premium JBL audio system. No matter trim, each Prius Prime contains six USB-C ports and wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Security and Driver-Help Options

Toyota matches the Prius Prime with a number of customary driver-assistance applied sciences; nevertheless, objects equivalent to a surround-view digicam and entrance and rear parking help methods are elective. For extra details about the Prius Prime’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:

• Customary automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Customary lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help
• Customary adaptive cruise management

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

Toyota’s guarantee protection matches up with the plans supplied by a lot of its competitors, even outdoing some rivals by together with two scheduled upkeep visits throughout the first two years of possession.

• Restricted guarantee covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Hybrid parts are lined for 10 years or 150,000 miles
• Complimentary upkeep is roofed for 2 years or 25,000 miles

Extra Options and Specs