*Tested* The 2023 Toyota Prius AWD is Quick and Pretty, but is it Perfect?

I tested out the AWD 2023 Toyota Prius. While not perfect, the new Prius is the best one yet. #Prius #Toyota #hybrid

The Toyota Prius enters the 2023 model year as a completely transformed model. With a sleek new exterior design, a reimagined interior and an amped up hybrid powertrain, this new Prius is built for style, performance and efficiency. It is the hybrid reborn – without compromise.

Designed to capture drivers’ hearts at first glance, this all-new 2023 Prius brings sporty style with a coupe-inspired shape. Its sleek silhouette, low roofline, smooth body panels and widened rear are proportionally balanced by available 19-inch wheels and the interior features a clean, modern design combined with high tech displays and ambient lighting. Altogether, it’s a progressive, sporty new Prius, that’s designed to inspire the senses.

Under the hood the 2023 Prius also shakes things up, with a larger 2.0L engine and a revised hybrid system that brings over 60% more combined system horsepower. For this new generation of Prius, output climbs to 196 net hp on AWD equipped models, increased from 121 hp in the prior generation, and 194 net hp on FWD equipped models, previously 121 hp. Maximum engine torque for this generation climbs nearly 16%, up from 120 to 139 lb.-ft. on all models. Torque on electric motor generator two, which drives the front wheels and regenerates the battery during braking, also increases by over 20% – climbing from 120 to 152 lb.-ft.

Prius makes its power gains while keeping it lean at the pump. In FWD models, the LE grade offers up to a manufacturer estimated 57 MPG combined rating, the best-ever for a Prius and the most fuel-efficient hybrid in production for model year 2023. The XLE and Limited grades offer up to 52 MPG combined. The AWD equipped LE grade delivers up to a manufacturer estimate 54 MPG combined rating, with the XLE and Limited grades are capable of up to 49 MPG combined. The AWD system also receives power upgrades, with 50% more torque in the rear motor, moving from 41 to 62 lb.-ft., and 40 horsepower (previously 7 hp).

As part of Toyota’s diverse approach to carbon neutrality, the Prius is an iconic player in Toyota’s effort to move “beyond zero.” With nine hybrid models, soon to be 10 with the addition of the all-new Toyota Crown, two plug-in hybrid models, the new bZ4X battery electric vehicle and the zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell Mirai, Toyota offers 14 electrified vehicles for customers to choose from. As part of that lineup, the 2023 Prius will be the first Toyota vehicle to wear a new “Beyond Zero” badge, symbolizing Toyota’s global effort to achieve carbon neutrality in its products, manufacturing and beyond.

The all-new 2023 Prius will be available in a choice of six colors, including Wind Chill Pearl, Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Midnight Black Metallic, Supersonic Red or Reservoir Blue. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, excluding Dealer Processing and Handling, will start at $27,450 for the LE grade. 2023 Toyota Prius models are expected to arrive at Toyota Dealerships in January 2023.


00:00 - The 2023 Prius in Del Mar
04:11 - Shortcomings
05:51 - Quick 0-60
06:30 - Shortcomings #2
07:25 - Remaining Impressions