The Beautifully Modern All-New Prius Prime Plug-In Hybrid Leaves Its Predecessors In The Dust
Connie Peters
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We’ll say it…the all-new Prius Prime is modern and sexy.
Let’s talk about the most obvious thing first: this gorgeous new design. The new 2023 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid is sculpted and sexy, making this a fabulous-looking head turner. I know, using sexy and Prius in the same sentence (over and over) may sound like an oxymoron, but I surveyed my Instagram Story viewers the day that I had this beauty and 72% of nearly 150 people voted that it is, in fact, “sexy.”
The plug-in electric hybrid hatchback is a looker inside and out, and I love that consistency. On the inside, ambient lighting, red accents on the seats and dual sunroofs (on the top trim) feel cool and modern. There is even a #hiddencompartment, you’ll see if you watch my YouTube video below.
Related: The 2023 Toyota Prius Builds On Its Status As An Icon. Will You Recognize It?
2023 Toyota Prius Prime in black looks almost like a sports car. Photo: Connie Peters
More Power, More MPG and More Range.
The All-New Prius Prime is 75% more powerful and 40% faster than the outgoing model, with a 2.0L 4 cylinder and electric motor getting a combined 220 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. That means you can go from 0-60 miles per hour in as little as 6.6 seconds. With all this extra power, any jokes about Prius drivers driving like a turtle may no longer be funny.
The new Prius Prime is 2 inches lower, 1 inch wider and 1 inch longer than the previous model. This adds to the stability and sleek look, and aids the aerodynamics.
And, it has three different drive modes, Normal, Eco and Sport. With that said, even though it’s got more power and definitely capable, it’s not an aggressively sporty drive.
Plug-In Hybrid Efficiency is Sexy, Too
The Prius Prime SE gets up to 44 miles (72 km) in electric range which dips a little bit to 40 miles (64 km) with the upper trims because it has larger tires, which are less aerodynamic. That motor is paired with a 2.0l engine, so the overall miles per gallon is a reported 52 MPG or 4.5 L/100 km.
What’s interesting is you can also get a solar charging roof panel in the top trim level of the Prius Prime. This roof will power the drive battery while the car is parked and also supply power to auxiliary functions. This is a fun feature, and cars that have it will be able to see the power the roof provides in the multimedia display. Also interesting is that the Prius Prime is also an ultra-low emissions vehicle.
While you can get the Prius in all-wheel drive, the Prime is only available in front-wheel drive.
The back seats are surprisingly spacious and comfortable. Photo: Connie Peters
How Much will the New Prius Prime Cost?
The Prius Prime starts $32,350 USD / $37,990 CAD for the base SE trim, going up to $39,170 USD / $46,990 CAD for the the XSE Premium trim.
The modern dash and 12.3″ multimedia screen with Wireless Apple CarPlay. Photo: Connie Peters
All the Necessary Multimedia Functions – Of Course!
The available 12.3″ screen offers bluetooth connectivity, over-the-air updates, “Hey Toyota” voice commands, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That’s a great list of necessary must-haves.
The red trimmed front seats are so pretty. Photo: Connie Peters
The XSE Premium Gets My Pick Because it Adds a Couple Favorites
The XSE Premium is my choice in the lineup because it adds the JBL sound system with 8 speakers, and audio is a huge part of my daily drive. It also adds the power liftgate, vented front seats, digital key, digital rearview mirror and Advanced Park which can park perpendicularly and parallel FOR you.
Related: 6 Sexy Cars That Will Drive You Wild
The seats and dual sunroofs are so sporty. Photo: Connie Peters
The Technology is all Here
Toyota adds even more safety tech into the new generation Prius with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and the additions of:
- Traffic jam assist – adaptive cruise control with stop and go
- Pre-collision detection with pedestrian detection
- Proactive Driving Assist which helps slow down in curves and between cars
- Lane departure control including for objects like guardrails
- Lane keeping to include detection of cars in the lane next to you being too close
- Expanded road sign detection
That sleek front end is a head-turner. Photo: Connie Peters
There is just No Comparison to the Outgoing Model
Between the new body style, more power, more range and fantastic interior, there is just simply no comparing this Prius Prime with previous generations. They were definitely less…say it with me…sexy.
Disclosure: I was Toyota’s guest to drive the Prius Prime. Travel and accommodations were paid for, all opinions are my own.