On Wednesday, Toyota introduced a new generation of its iconic Prius, faster, more efficient and better equipped—along with a new version of the possible Prius Prime plug-in hybrid. does all that and gets a huge electric range boost.
Toyota introduced the new Prius and Prius Prime with sporty references. They’re built on the second-generation TNGA-C platform and Toyota says it’s reduced weight and increased stiffness compared to the previous generation, resulting in a wider stance with a lower riding position and a quick feel. more nimble.
The new Prius looks very familiar, especially in profile. Toyota seems to be offering a light alternative to the frills, cumbersome styling of the upcoming Prius with what it calls the “Single Motion Silhouette” in the new Prius. It’s almost as if it’s hooked this up where the previous generation left off in 2015. Inside, the Prius family seems to adopt much of the layout used inside. bZ4X EV.
Toyota Prius Prime 2023
The increase in both battery and engine capacity leads to increased fuel economy and performance for the hybrid, according to Toyota, while its advanced handling is upgraded. Toyota claims “accelerator response unique to electric vehicles.”
Expected numbers: 57-mpg hybrid, 38-mile plug?
In the redesign, the Prius hybrid in front-wheel drive LE form adds just 1 mpg combined—to an estimated 57 mpg—over the old Prius Eco. That’s 5 mpg better than the rest of the front-wheel drive Prius 2022 lineup.
Note that this is not the end and in recent years Toyota has managed to do even better in many cases by the time the official numbers are released.
The 2023 Prius makes 194 hp in front-wheel drive and now accelerates to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds — claimed to be 26% faster than the old model. The four-wheel drive models use a permanent magnet motor at the rear and make 196 horsepower and can accelerate to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds.
Prime’s hybrid system produces 220 horsepower—nearly double the output of the upcoming model—and allows it to accelerate about half a second to 60 mph faster than plug-in 2023 Prius versions. The new power is faster, at 6.6 seconds. With the change from nickel metal hydride to lithium-ion, the Prius hybrid’s battery is smaller, lighter, and 15% more efficient.
Toyota Prius Prime 2023
Toyota says that the Prius Prime will offer more than 50% increased range over the outgoing model. With an EPA rating of 25 electric miles, that translates to 38 miles or more for the new model. That’s less than 42 miles offered by popular, limited offers RAV4 Prime. Toyota has yet to reveal the battery size, but says the Prime has a newly developed lithium-ion package.
Prime is positioned as sportier
The new Prius will be offered in LE, XLE and Limited trim levels; The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid is considered the sportier option, with SE, XSE and XSE Premium trims available.
In the LE version, the 2023 Prius will include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 17-inch alloy wheels and six USB-C ports, as well as a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. after. The XLE version adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, wireless device charging and a smart key system. It also adds front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, which is optional on the LE. Optional on the XLE is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, fixed roof and digital key system. Toyota notes that this larger infotainment system was designed by a Texas-based team and includes over-the-air updates — along with a suite of cloud-enabled utilities that aid navigation. Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly, with new Wi-Fi capabilities.
Toyota Prius 2023
Top XLE trims include a larger touchscreen and digital keyless entry system along with 8-speaker JBL premium audio, fixed glass roof, heated steering wheel, power tailgate, seats preheated and cooled. On top of that, heated rear seats, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera system and an advanced parking system are optional.
Solar roof coming, more safety technology
The Prime’s three trim levels are nearly identical to the Prius’ three hybrid trim levels, but a solar-glass roof is available, which Toyota says will provide some charge to the battery when parked. At this point it is not clear whether this is Toyota testing solar roof technology in Japan in the outgoing generation; That system loaded 860 watts of rooftop solar panels.
A unique Prime feature that Toyota is introducing for the first time is traffic jam assist, which will assist with steering, acceleration, and braking—under 25 mph and only when the driver display confirms the driver. keeping an eye on the road.
Toyota Prius Prime 2023
Toyota pays great attention to the safety-convenience features of the new Prius, including front and rear parking assist with automatic emergency braking in all versions, as well as a blind-spot monitor with warning. rear cross section. The Limited version adds a surround-view camera system and active parking assist.
The entire Prius lineup includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes top-speed radar-assisted cruise control, lane departure warning and pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, along with other items.
Over-the-air updates are rolling out, as well as an enhanced Google-connected navigation toolkit.
Toyota Prius Prime 2023
Learn about hybrid heels or set the stage for more electric cars?
Toyota says the Prius fits in with its “beyond-the-zero” mobility plan, with its North American electrified product line-up including ten hybrids, two plug-in hybrids and a bZ4X EV, as well as the all-electric Mirai. hydrogen fuel cells — all of them. many other Toyota electric vehicles globally.
In that regard, Toyota says it has sold more than 5 million Prius units in North America and more than 20 million globally, and from the numbers it claims to have prevented more than 82 million tons of CO2 emissions.
Toyota will announce pricing and availability for the new Prius later this year. Prius Prime is only a few months behind; it said it would confirm the price and sale date for that version in the first half of 2023.
