2023 Toyota Prius First Look: Ugly Duckling No More?

What’s beneath the Prius’ hood?

Like its predecessors, the Prius’ powertrain pairs a 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor (the Prius Prime options a plug-in element and is protected individually). The motor grows in displacement from 1.8 to 2. liters, but even extra notable is that the nickel hydride battery pack is eventually changed by a more advanced lithium-ion unit. That usually means a lot more electrical power density and a more compact, lighter pack.

In functional phrases, these improvements mean that the 2023 Toyota Prius receives a enormous bump in ability. Last year’s fourth-generation Prius created a total of 121 process horsepower between the motor and motor, when the new 1 helps make a healthier 194 hp in entrance-wheel-travel guise. Decide for all-wheel travel and output climbs to 196 hp. Toyota claims the FWD Prius can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with the AWD model clocking in at 7. seconds flat. Which is a darn sight quicker than the 10.7-second time managed by the latest model.

Amazingly, the newfound general performance isn’t going to occur at the price of gasoline overall economy. Toyota estimates the entry-stage LE design will realize 57 mpg in the EPA’s combined cycle — a 1 mpg bump from today’s base L Eco trim. Better trim stages with bigger wheels will probable have a little bit lessen mpg.

How’s the Prius’ interior?

It is really clear from the images that Toyota equipped that a great deal of consideration has been paid out to the cabin. Befitting the Prius’ historically wallet-helpful price tag tag, there appears to be to be a lot of challenging plastics all through but the overall style is more standard than in generations past.

That usually means there is no a lot more funky centrally mounted gauge cluster. As a substitute, the new Prius capabilities a reduced sprint with a touchscreen perched on prime. Below the display screen is a row of bodily HVAC buttons — a welcome inclusion as extra producers move to touchscreen-only controls. The electronic instrument cluster is now situated in front of the driver in a much more normal line of sight. Toyota die-hards may, in truth, identify the steering wheel/IP combo as ripped straight from the all-electrical bZ4X.

How’s the Prius’ tech?

The 2023 design critically ways up the Prius’ tech cred — a needed move since the recent Prius’ touchscreen interface is very seriously dated. Two sizes are offered: a standard 8-inch monitor and a 12.3-inch unit that is optional on the XLE and common on Constrained styles. The UI should be identical to that on the bZ4X, as effectively as the new Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV. And if so, the interface is a lot snappier, intuitive and attractive than that on the outgoing product and will go a extended way in producing the 2023 Prius feel actually modern. To that close, the Prius will attribute wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Vehicle as common machines. Optional upgrades consist of a Wi-Fi hotspot, an 8-speaker JBL audio program, and creature comforts like heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic roof.

Each 2023 Prius comes with the Toyota Security Perception 3. suite of driving aids, which involves pre-collision warning and braking, lane departure notify and adaptive cruise management. Also typical is a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-visitors warning. Front and rear parking sensors with computerized braking are offered on the LE and are involved when you upgrade to the XLE. Rounding out the listing of driving aids are a palms-free of charge parking process and 360-degree parking camera, the two of which are optional on the major-pet dog Restricted.