Did you know? The newly redesigned 2023 Toyota Prius looks spectacular. This hybrid classic has emerged from its 'egg' to become an eye-catching vehicle rather than a sigh-inducing one. As a fifth-generation hatchback, it resembles a stylish wedge heel rather than the clunky clog it once was, boasting an EPA-rated 57 mpg combined and an all-wheel-drive variant that achieves 54 mpg combined.
This reimagined legend missed last year's awards, similar to the Honda Accord and Honda Pilot, but it certainly deserves to be among the nine finalists for The Car Connection Best Car To Buy 2024. In addition to its calmer and more coherent design, the Prius's interior has been decluttered and streamlined, although the recessed instrument cluster near the windshield can strain the eyes, similar to Toyota's underwhelming bZ4X electric crossover.
Toyota has also revamped the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, equipping it with an optional solar roof that might appeal to those in sunny regions. The Prius Prime upgrades to a much larger 13.6 kWh battery pack and a 161-hp front motor paired with a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. It can travel 45 miles on electric power alone, then achieves 52 mpg combined when the battery is depleted. It is the cleanest and fastest Prius, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, but it may not be the best Prius.
The Prius Prime's price exceeds $40,000, diminishing its appeal. The Prime consumes some vertical cargo space, reducing hatch area from 23.8 to 20.3 cubic feet. We believe the regular Prius drives better.
“This time around, the Prius Prime needed to show that Toyota saw it as the better of the two Prius models—the one reaching ahead to the future, not a concession to regulators,” said Bengt Halvorson, editor of Green Car Reports, our sister publication. “I’m not convinced that it wasn’t just the latter again. And it doesn’t drive as responsively and smoothly as the hybrid Prius.”
The non-plug version of the Prius makes significant strides in ride, handling, and acceleration. A 2.0-liter inline-4 engine pairs with an electric motor and battery pack to deliver a net output of 194 hp, which is 73 hp more than the previous Prius. It can accelerate to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds (or 7.0 seconds with AWD).
However, its low stance and arcing roofline create some compromises in interior space compared to its predecessor. Taller passengers may need to duck and twist to get into their seats, and rear headroom feels cramped. The front seats could use more support, and the small diameter steering wheel and recessed gauge cluster create an odd seating angle, while road noise fills the cabin at higher speeds.
But at a base price of $28,745, including destination for the 2024 Toyota Prius LE, it offers exceptional value, with one of the lowest ownership costs of any new non-electric vehicle on the market. It comes equipped with automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and blind-spot monitoring, but we recommend the XLE for its powered driver seat, keyless start, and heated front seats. Its 19-inch wheels reduce fuel economy to 52 mpg combined. The base AWD Prius still impresses with 54 mpg combined, and only costs an additional $1,400.
Senior Writer The quest for automotive knowledge began as soon as the earliest memories. Various sources information, even questionable ones, have been explored including video games, television, magazines, or even internet forums. Still stuck in that rabbit hole.
