Toyota unveils the all-new 2023 Prius—the next chapter in the brand’s forward-thinking hybrid electric vehicle.
Making a lasting impact since its global debut in 1997, the Prius, which means “to go before” in Latin, helped expand the appeal of hybrid electric vehicles. Now with the launch of the all-new model, it doesn’t just continue that legacy, but builds on it with a plug-in hybrid version.
Continuing with the Prius’s monoform silhouette, the all-new Prius gets more stylish proportions with a longer wheelbase (+50 mm), shorter overall length (-46 mm), and increased width (+22 mm). Its design is headlined by a hammerhead shark-like front-end, while at each corner, it gets 19-inch alloy wheels. At the back, it has rear combination lights that extend horizontally.
Underpinned by the second-generation TNGA platform, the all-new Prius has a lower center of gravity than ever. Additional reinforcements were placed all around the chassis to improve its overall rigidity and quietness. Moreover, the Prius now adopts a front MacPherson Strut and rear Double Wishbone setup for increased stability and responsiveness. The battery pack, regardless of version, is packaged under the rear seats as not to impede or reduce cargo space.
Inside, the “island architecture” concept supposedly reduces stress while also improving driver concentration. The motif uses mostly black tones, but the driver does benefit from a 7-inch TFT digital display that sits directly in the field of vision. An illuminated warning system is one of the biggest highlights. Also serving as the interior ambient lighting, it’s tied into the Toyota Safety Sense system. This allows the Prius to alert the driver of any potential collision before serving audible warnings.
Powering the Prius is a choice between two “strong” Series-Parallel Hybrid systems and a Plug-In Hybrid version.
The base version is a 1.8-liter HEV system, but the highlight is the new 2.0-liter Series Parallel Hybrid System. This system produces a combined 193 horsepower—1.6 times higher than the current 1.8-liter HEV system. Also joining the line-up is a 2.0-liter PHEV version which offers 223 horsepower. This version, Toyota says, has 50 percent higher EV driving range while the century mark sprint is done in just 6.7 seconds.
A panoramic sunroof is available, but for the PHEV, it comes with a roof-mounted solar charging system that adds 1,250 kilometers worth of electric driving range annually. Electric power generated while parked is used to charge the drive battery, with the system not only supplying electricity for driving but for air conditioning and other functions as well. Electric power generated during driving is used to supplement the auxiliary battery system.
In both versions, it comes with two 100-volt, 1,500-watt accessories power outlets. Drivers can even select a power supply mode that uses the stored energy in the battery system without having to turn on the engine. Once the remaining charge becomes too low, it can use the combustion engine to recharge the battery.
The all-new Prius comes with Toyota Safety Sense which uses a monocular camera up front. It also has a rear-facing camera for a Digital Inner Mirror.
The 2023 Prius goes on sale globally early next year.
Keyword: All-New 2023 Toyota Prius Gets Slick New Makeover