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If it looks like we’ve been ready for the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime for months, it’s as a result of we have now. Each the Prius and Prius Prime had been revealed on the Los Angeles Auto in November of 2022. This was adopted shortly by a primary drive of the common Prius. Now, 5 months later, we lastly get our first crack on the plug-in Prime, nevertheless it nonetheless received’t present up in sellers till Could.
So, is it definitely worth the wait?
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2023 Toyota Prius Prime
In a phrase: Sure.
Take all the pieces that’s superior concerning the Prius, then add extra energy, extra effectivity and greater than 40 miles of all-electric vary, and bam! You might have a sure-to-please bundle.
Along with the horny redesign for 2023, the Prius Prime additionally will get a bigger 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, which will increase all-electric vary by a whopping 75 p.c over the earlier Prime. So, the place the previous-gen Prime obtained about 25 miles of all-electric vary, the 2023 mannequin will get as much as 44 miles. After all, that is simply with the bottom SE grade on the smaller 17-inch wheels, however even the sportier XSE and XSE Premium, that are full of extra content material and greater wheels, rise up to 39 miles of all-electric vary. So, nonetheless a win.
Much more of a win: You may plug in at residence to an everyday wall jack to recharge your battery in 11 hours. In case you have a level-2 charger or a 240-volt outlet, you possibly can cost up in simply 4 hours.
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As if the electrical vary enhance wasn’t sufficient, the 2023 Prius Prime additionally boosts horsepower by 100 with a bigger engine and bigger electrical motor. Whole system output is 220 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. Whereas I wouldn’t name working from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds precisely thrilling, it’s actually efficiency sufficient for freeway merges and passing maneuvers. With 20 extra horsepower than the common Prius, it has slightly additional pep that provides some sportiness into the combination.
Alongside these traces, one of many large differentiators between Prius and Prius Prime would be the sporty purple inside accents on the latter. And whereas the Prius has LE, XLE and Restricted trim ranges, Prime goes for the sportier SE, XSE and XSE Premium trims. Distinctive exterior bits unique to the Prime embrace brighter element parts under the grille, and clear taillights on the Prius Prime.
Just like the Prius, for 2023 the Prime will get a typical digital driver’s show, extra premium supplies, and Toyota’s new infotainment system.
With the redesign, you’ll probably see extra individuals contemplating the hybrid and its plug-in counterpart for the primary time. It’s straightforward on the eyes and doesn’t drive like a slug. Simply the alternative, truly. Whereas I’d cease wanting saying the Prius and Prius Prime are “enjoyable,” they’re positively not boring.
The 2023 Prius Prime particularly comes off as a easy and quiet driver with good facilities (suppose obtainable heated-and-ventilated seats) and a few actually cool tech. Along with the obtainable 12.3-inch display and the Toyota infotainment system that can let you know a joke for those who ask it to, the Prime is the primary Toyota to get Visitors Jam Help. This enables for hands-free driving at speeds under 25 mph. Although I didn’t get to check the system within the Prime (sarcastically, we didn’t encounter stop-and-go-traffic in California on this journey), I’ve used it within the new Lexus RX, and it really works rather well. It is very important be aware, nevertheless, Visitors Jam Help is barely obtainable on the 2 high trim ranges, and it’s tied to a Drive Join subscription after a 1-year trial.
Check Drive: 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Restricted
After all, all this good things comes at a premium, and the bottom SE is $3,580 greater than the outgoing base LE Prius Prime. And the PHEVness additionally comes with a worth, because the Prime prices $4,900 greater than the common Prius. Pricing for the 2023 Prius Prime is as follows, together with the $1,095 vacation spot payment:
SE ($33,445): This base trim degree has commonplace 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch touch-screen show, material seats, six USB-C ports, leather-based trimmed steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Choices embrace entrance and rear park help with computerized braking.
XSE ($36,695): This trim provides machine-finished 19-inch alloy wheels, heated entrance seats, energy adjustable driver’s seat, leatherette seating surfaces, sensible key and wi-fi charger in addition to entrance and rear park help with computerized braking. Choices embrace a 12.3-inch touchscreen show, fastened glass roof and the power to make use of your telephone as a key.
XSE Premium ($40,265): This top-tier trim provides the JBL premium audio, 12.3-inch touchscreen, fastened glass roof, heated-and-ventilated entrance seats, energy liftgate and the power to make use of your telephone as a key. Choices embrace the 360-degree digicam show, digital rearview mirror, heated rear seats and superior park help.
One other large possibility solely obtainable on the XSE Premium: the 185-watt photo voltaic roof, which is able to charging the battery whereas parked, in addition to supplying energy to auxiliary features whereas driving. This feature will value $640.
While you’re paying much more for the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime, and it’ll in all probability take you a decade to “break even” on the premium vs. gasoline prices, I want to take a look at the time prices. Stopping at a gasoline station as soon as a month or each different month versus as soon as every week is price one thing. However you’ll need to determine if it’s price almost $5k.
I for one am glad Toyota ditched the cutesy bowtie taillights from the prior-gen and opted to imitate the Prius’ smooth styling. I like the brand new tech in addition to the experience and dealing with. And for me, somebody on the petite facet of the spectrum, the driving place was excellent.
General, I feel the 2023 Prius Prime raises the bar on PHEVs, and for those who’re prepared for electrification however have vary nervousness, the Prius Prime serves as a pleasant bridge.
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2023 Toyota Prius Prime Gallery
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