All-new 2023 Toyota Prius debuts with sportier look, more power
World's best selling hybrid now in its 5th generation
The world's best-selling hybrid finally gets the new look it deserves.
Toyota has officially revealed the 2023 Prius for the global market with a splash of style and performance to boot. Underpinned by the new second-generation TNGA platform, the all-new Prius gets a lower center of gravity and provision for larger-diameter tires.
Aesthetically, the all-new Prius is reborn with its roof apex pushed further back, creating a more coupe-like appearance. In addition, the front fascia now looks closer to the likes of the Crown Sport SUV and the all-electric bZ4X and bZ3 models. Its proportions have also been improved as it now rolls on 19-inch wheels with low-profile tires that give it a sportier appearance.
Inside, Toyota calls the design language for the all-new Prius the “Island architecture” concept. The look is similar to the bZ4X crossover with its instrument display placed high on the dashboard for a floating effect. The center stack is dominated by the huge touchscreen head unit while the buttons for the HVAC controls are neatly placed just below the A/C vents.
The all-new Prius also has a panoramic sunroof to allow more light into the cabin. PHEV models, however, are equipped with a second-generation solar charging system. The electricity generated from the solar charging system is used to supply power for both driving and the vehicle's auxiliary systems.
Meanwhile, the all-new Prius is being offered with the brand's two types of hybrid systems which boast a significant improvement in both performance and efficiency. The plug-in hybrid consists of the 2.0-liter Dynamic Force engine that puts out 223 PS, with an EV driving range about 50% higher than the previous model thanks to the new lithium-ion batteries.
The other hybrid system is a series-parallel type, with either a 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter engine paired to the electric motor. The maximum system output of the 2.0-liter version produces 193 PS – 1.6 times more powerful than the outgoing model. The series-parallel system also comes with the E-Four system, making the all-new Prius tackle low-friction surfaces with confidence.
In terms of safety features, the all-new model comes with the Toyota Safety Sense on all Prius grades, plus automatic parking made possible by the Toyota Teammate driving support system. This can be operated through a dedicated smartphone app, which allows the Prius to enter and exit parking spaces remotely.
Japan will get first dibs on the all-new Toyota Prius, with the series-parallel hybrid versions coming this winter, while the plug-in hybrid models will launch in spring 2023.
