Flash Drive

2023 Toyota Prius Prime

December 26, 2023 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium

The redesigned 2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE is a very stylish compact sedan with excellent economy.

Engine: 2.0-liter gas/electric plug-in I-4, 220 combined net horsepower and 139 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel drive

EPA Rating: 114-mpge electricity + gasoline, 48-mpg gasoline only

Base Price: $39,170

As Tested: $43,292

Performance:

Impressive economy

Very good acceleration

The sleek body with slick alloy wheels is a huge improvement over the previous iteration of the Prius.

Confident freeway onramp merging power

Smooth CVT transmission

Handsome alloy wheels

Confident handling with low center of gravity

Comfortable shifter

Drive mode buttons: Auto EV/HV, HV/EV Hold Charge

Toggle for Custom, Sport, Normal, Eco

Excellent brakes

Excellent/ample safety features

The front seats are both stylish and comfortable with excellent legroom.

Comfort:

Handsome sleek contemporary interior

Nice fit and finish

Stretch-out front row legroom

Small-diameter, medium thick, heated leather wheel

Nicely tactile steering wheel

Very good auxiliary controls

Heated and vented (3 temps) front seats

Single temp heated outboard rear seats

Rear headroom a little snug for tall people

Adults hit ceiling in center position due to sloping roofline

Outboard rear seat positions are good but the center is compromised by the sloping roof design.

Low floor hump

Utility:

Very good cargo space with seats folded

Ample space behind rear seat

Tall opening power hatchback

Small gauge panel but well positioned

Efficient gauges

Small door bins

Medium console bin

Medium non-locking glovebox

One seatback pouch

PHEV cable stores under cargo deck

Cargo space and access are great in the hatchback style sedan.

WOW Factors:

Striking cutting-edge contemporary styling

Excellent front interior space, OK rear room

Impressive economy

Big wide infotainment screen

Excellent safety/driver assistance features

Whines:

Small door bins

Pretty heavy hard plastic content interior

Cargo space is still good with the rear seats up.

Bottom Line:

The fully redesigned 2023 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid is an impressive roomy sedan that provides outstanding economy. The handsome sedan’s styling is a major improvement over the stodgy previous Prius. The hatchback design and folding rear seats add a lot of cargo versatility. The handling and ride quality are excellent making the Prius Prime fun to drive. The list of safety and driver assistance features is substantial.