Flash Drive: 2023 Toyota Prius Prime PHEV

Flash Drive: 2023 Toyota Prius Prime PHEV

Plug-in Hybrid Technology in an All-New Package

Toyota is taking the lead suggesting how you should drive a plug-in hybrid. The all-new 2023 Prius Prime gets two less miles per gallon in hybrid mode than the 2022 model, but the all-electric driving range has increased substantially. Smart owners will quickly learn that, by plugging-in daily, they will reap the benefits of electric driving.

Toyota invited the automotive media to Carlsbad, California, in late March for the first drives of what turns-out to be a significantly improved Prius Prime. Look for a full Road Test review soon on Clean Fleet Report. Until then, this Flash Drive is an introduction to the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime PHEV.

New Powertrain, Increased Efficiency

The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime has a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, running on 87 octane, and two motor generators producing 120 kilowatts for a combined 220 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. Available exclusively with front-wheel drive (the 2023 Prius Hybrid has an all-wheel drive option), the Prius’ electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission has three driver-selectable drive modes—Normal, Eco and Sport, plus an EV Save feature.

Performance of 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds was fast enough to merge onto freeways and pass big rigs. But after getting to freeway speeds and passing the slow pokes, the real reason for owing the Prius Prime becomes apparent.

Driving Range and Charging

The two Prius Prime models differ in their EPA rated fuel economy depending on which tires they are wearing. The SE with 17-inch alloy wheels gets 53 mpg city/51 highway/52 combined, while the XSE and XSE Premium shod with 18-inch alloy wheels get 50/47/48. The small miles per gallon difference can easily be made up if the car’s driven judiciously. So, if you like the look and features, don’t hesitate to go with the higher trim levels and larger tires. In our short time driving the Prius Prime, we were not able to get a representative fuel economy average, so check back with Clean Fleet Report when we put the Prius Prime through its paces for a full week and can report on real world efficiency.

The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime uses a 13.6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that delivers a 39 or 44 mile all-electric driving range, depending on the tire size. Charging is through regenerative braking, which converts energy into the battery when applying the brakes or coasting, or primarily by plugging in to use the onboard 3.5 kilowatt charger. Toyota supplies the charging cord, so you can plug into a common household outlet. The charging times to go from discharged to a full charge.

• 120V Level 1         – 11 hours
• 240V Level 2         – 4 hours

Even at the Level 1 charge rate, the battery will be topped-off by plugging in it at bedtime, just like you do every night with a mobile phone. There is no mystery about how to stay away from gasoline stations for the majority of your driving. The Prius Prime is not compatible with DC fast-charging.

Driving Impressions: Hitting the Road

Our driving time was spent on wet and dry pavement negotiating San Diego County highways and back country winding roads. Because of the rainy conditions we were hesitant to push the Prius Prime past the posted speed limit on corners, but felt confident and always in control in part because of the independent MacPherson strut front suspension and rear multi-link suspension that kept us planted. The regenerative braking is just strong enough so, when lifting off the accelerator, the slowing allowed the Prius Prime to ease into corners without needing to apply the brakes.

We were driving the XSE Premium, which weighed 3,571 pounds, with 287 pounds of that coming from the battery and solar roof.

Redesigned Exterior

The completely new and redesigned 2023 Prius is the best-looking Prius of all time. Aesthetically pleasing, with a longer and wider stance, the profile is one connected sweeping line from the tip of the hood and the LED daytime running lights and bi-LED projector headlights, to the narrow LED tail light band that runs the full width below the rear spoiler. The aerodynamic design has a 0.27 coefficient of drag (C_d), which helps it cut through the wind and deliver excellent fuel economy.

The first time you see the Prius Prime up close, you’ll get a sense of wonder—where has this attractive car been hiding, considering the earlier Prius generations were never considered good-looking. It’s best for you to look at the photos and get grasp of what this truly all-new Prius has to offer. When you see it at the Toyota dealer in person, the experience will start all over again.

The 2023 Prius Prime is available in three trim levels—SE, XSE and XSE Premium—and six colors—Wind Chill Pearl, Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Midnight Black Metallic, Supersonic Red and Reservoir Blue.

Modern Interior

Six inches of ground clearance leads to a lower driving position. Front visibility is good, but the swept-back windshield design may create a minor A-pillar blind spot for some drivers. Rearward, the bifurcated rear window from the outgoing Prius has been nixed in the new design, replaced with a one piece glass that results in better visibility.

The interior is clean and uncomplicated, with controls in easy reach for the driver. The dash features two screens: a 7-inch multi-information LCD display located behind the steering wheel, and either an 8-inch (SE) or 12.3-inch (XSE and XSE Premium) multimedia display. The multimedia system includes navigation, SiriusXM/AM/FM radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A JBL Premium Audio System with eight speakers and an amplifier is standard on the XSE Premium. The audio system usability would have been improved with a channel knob to accompany the volume knob. Six USB ports and Wi-Fi Connect, with an AT&T hotspot, are standard on all models.

Wireless phone charging is standard on the XSE and XSE Premium grades, and the solar charging roof is an option on the XSE Premium. The 185-watt roof charges both the drive battery and the battery for auxiliary functions. Charging can be monitored on the center screen.

When you want to do something, simply say “Hey, Hello, Hi or Okay Toyota!” These commands start the process of finding new destinations in the navigation, and searching for a song through Apple Music or the radio, or performing functions inside the cabin. Make sure to read the owner’s manual for how this voice recognition system can make your driving more convenient and safer, and which functions it controls.

The comfortable and supportive seats are fabric trimmed on the SE, but get SofTex synthetic leather on the XSE and XSE Premium. The fronts are heated and ventilated with power adjustments on the two upper grades, with the rear seats getting heat as an option on the XSE Premium. As with previous Prius models, three adults can fit in the 60/40 folding rear seat, where they get cup holders. With the seat folded flat, there is 26.7 feet of cargo space.

Safety

The 2023 Prius is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) of the Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. Active and passive safety features include eight air bags, vehicle stability and traction control, brake assist and blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

The advanced driver pre-collision technology includes lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection. Additional safety features include remote keyless entry, push button start/stop, automated parallel and perpendicular parking and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Traffic Jam Assist can be set for hands-free driving, under 25 miles per hour, to relieve stress in rush hour traffic.

Warranties

• Comprehensive – Three years/36,000 miles
• Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
• Hybrid Components – 10 years/150,000 miles
• Complimentary Maintenance – Two years/25,000 miles
• Roadside Assistance – Three years/Unlimited Miles

Pricing and Availability

There are three trim levels, with these base prices, including the mandatory $1,095 delivery fee.

• SE – $33,445               
• XSE – $36,695
• XSE Premium – $40,265

The 2023 Prius Prime arrives at North American dealers in May 2023.

Observations: 2023 Toyota Prius Prime PHEV

It has taken a while, but Toyota has delivered a Prius that will make people go “Ooooh!” The old wedge shape with harsh angles is gone, transitioning to a sleek and aerodynamic high mileage and very appealing sedan.

The 39/44-mile all-electric driving range means that, for most people, their daily commute can be completed without using any gasoline. Then, when a longer road trip is planned, the Prius Prime delivers hybrid efficiency. This is the reason a plug-in hybrid is an excellent option between a gas-powered car and electric car for those not quite ready to go to a full electric.

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews, including our Prius Prime review that will include detailed reporting on its performance, handling, ride and real world driving range.

Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Toyota

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Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.