Here is the review of this all-new 2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE! A huge step up for Toyota’s compact, five-seat plug-in hybrid is the 2023 Prius Prime. The sedan-styled hatchback excels in every category compared to its predecessor. In terms of all-electric range, fuel economy, and primary cargo area, the new Prius Prime is the best in its class. It also has remarkable excellent aesthetics that easily exceed the competition thanks to its new sport-sedan style, something that could never be stated about a Prius before.
The new Prius Prime leads its class in terms of all-electric driving range, fuel efficiency, and primary luggage space. Thanks to its new sport-sedan style, it also has superb aesthetics that easily outperform the competition, something that could never be said of a Prius before.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Toyota Audio Multimedia system, which debuted on the 2022 Toyota Tundra, is among the technologies carried by the 2023 Prius Prime. It has high-resolution panels with pinch and zoom capabilities, similar to a smartphone, and is fairly simple to learn. Voice control is common and employs commands in natural language.
The Mini plug-in utilizes an 8.8-inch screen, the Subaru Crosstrek PHEV has an 8-inch screen, and the Kia Niro PHEV has a 12.5-inch touchscreen for both grades. While the Mini does not support Android Auto at all, the Crosstrek and Niro both need wired connections in order to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Prius Prime features the most USB ports of any of its rivals and, in our opinion, the most user-friendly infotainment system.
In essence, the Prius Prime is a brand-new model for 2023. There isn’t much that connects it to the plug-in Prius of an earlier generation aside from name and purpose. Even the trim names have been modified. The entire exterior and interior are new, the battery is bigger, the suspension is firmer, the infotainment screens are bigger, the center-mounted driver information display and dash-mounted shifter are no longer there. The horsepower has almost doubled, and the all-electric range has increased by as much as 76%.
Engine and Performance
The same 220-horsepower hybrid drivetrain is used in all 2023 Toyota Prius Prime versions. It combines a 161 horsepower electric motor-generator with a 2.0 litre, 150 horsepower, in-line, four-cylinder gasoline engine. An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, or e-CVT, transmits power to the front wheels.
The hybrid system’s combined maximum output is less than the total of its component horsepower ratings. However, compared to the 121-hp rating of the previous Prius Prime, the 220-hp peak output is an 82% gain.
Trims and Pricing
The Toyota Prius Prime is offered in three different models. This includes the SE, XSE, and the XSE Premium.
SE Trim
The SE trim starts from about $42,200 CDN. In addition to having 17-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlights, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite of sophisticated safety and driver-assistance systems.
XSE Trim
The XSE trim starts from about $46,900 CDN. Along with the 19-inch alloy wheels, imitation-leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, rear centre armrest with cupholders, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, and front and rear parking assist system.
XSE Premium Trim
The SE trim starts from about $50,700 CDN. The top-of-the-line XSE Premium comes standard with everything that is offered on the other trims. A motorized lift for the rear hatch, two memory settings for the driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and an eight-speaker JBL audio system.
What do you think of the all-new Toyota Prius Prime?
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