01/03/2023
2023 Toyota Prius
Pros
Big power boost with no loss of efficiency
Improved ride and handling
All-wheel drive available for all trims
Cons
Tight rear seating area
Still not very engaging to drive
Combined Mileage: 49 - 57 mpg
Configure a new car
Overview
Compare the redesigned 2023 Prius hybrid to any of its four generations of predecessors and it automatically gets a “10.” But the five-seat hatchback does have a few weaknesses, including reduced cargo space and a cramped rear seating area that may turn away some hybrid shoppers. The Toyota Prius is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the XLE AWD, which starts at $33,390 and comes with a Hybrid 2.0L I4 engine and All Wheel Drive. This Prius is estimated to deliver 49 MPG in the city and 50 MPG on the highway.
Overall Assessment
A complete makeover for 2023 turned Toyota’s ugly duckling hybrid into a true beauty. The five-seat compact hatchback lost headroom and cargo space in its transformation but gained improved handling, a more comfortable ride, an updated interior, and a 60% boost in power while retaining its best-in-class fuel efficiency. The base model actually gained 1 mpg over the old L Eco trim.
Crossovers and SUVs are rapidly replacing sedans and sedan-like hatchbacks such as the Prius in car shoppers’ affections, but the Prius still has a few direct competitors, and in most comparisons, the Prius wins.
The Kia Niro hybrid, the competitive set’s only crossover, is slightly pricier but has a tad more cargo space than the upper 2023 Prius trims; the Hyundai Elantra hybrid is about the same size, costs less, and comes close to matching the Prius lineup in fuel efficiency; and Toyota’s own Corolla hybrid costs less and is about the same size.
Despite its lowered head room, the Prius has a surprisingly airy front cockpit area with the most front legroom among its rivals. It ties with the Corolla hybrid, however, for least rear legroom and stands alone with the least rear headroom. Even so, the 2023 Prius has more power and better overall fuel efficiency than any of its competitors and, hands down, looks a whole lot nicer.