Toyota Unveils 2023 Prius For The US With Up To 57 MPG Fuel Economy

    November 16th 2022     Suhail Ajmal

After revealing the all-new Toyota Prius PHEV for the EU markets, the Japanese automaker has disclosed specs for the U.S. model. The U.S. market will receive both the Prius Hybrid and Prius Prime PHEV, which will be similar to the EU model.

Dimensions

The fifth-generation Prius is underpinned on Toyota’s second-generation TNGA-C platform, and it is 2 inches (50.8 millimeters) smaller and one inch (25.4 mm) broader than the 2022 model. The hip level is one inch lower, and the battery finds its place beneath the back seats to decrease the center of gravity and conserve the cargo area.

Powertrain

The 2023 Prius hybrid will feature a bigger 2.0-litre mill and a freshly built lithium-ion battery, delivering 15 per cent extra output that goes to the standard front wheels. The hybrid powertrain will create 194 horsepower (142 kilowatts). Toyota claims a zero to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) run in 7.2 seconds. It is 26 per cent quicker than the 2022 Prius FWD, which takes 9.8 seconds to reach 60 mph.

Toyota believes the base Prius FWD will deliver a combined fuel efficiency rating of around 57 miles per gallon. It is 5 mpg more than the EPA-estimated rating of the 2022 Prius.

Opt for the all-wheel-drive model, and Toyota adds another high-output permanent magnet motor powering the rear wheels. It uses the same 2.0-litre mill, and an extra motor doesn’t add much to power output. The automaker says the Prius AWD makes 196 hp (144 kW), and hits 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the FWD.

Prius Prime

The 2023 Prius Prime PHEV is the sportiest and most powerful model in the lineup boasting the new 2.0-litre mill and of course a new battery. This powertrain generates 220 hp (161 kW) and allows the plug-in-hybrid to reach 60 mph in only 6.6 seconds.

The new powertrain bumps up the electric-only range of the PHEV from 25 miles to 37.5 miles. There is an optional solar roof panel that can assist in battery recharging as well.

Features

Both the Prius and Prius Prime give customers a number of trim options. The standard Prius hybrid will be available in LE, XLE, and Limited trim levels, while the PHEV will arrive in SE, XSE, and XSE Premium flavours.

The two high-end models will boast a 12.3-inch multimedia display, over-the-air updates (OTA), an eight-speaker JBL premium audio system, and heated and ventilated front seats.

The two mid-level models will feature 19-inch wheels, two extra rear-seat cup holders, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and wireless charging. The pair of entry-level models will arrive with 17-inch wheels and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Toyota Safety Sense is standard across the range.

Price

The pricing details of the new 2023 Prius will be available before the on-sale date. More details about the Prius Prime will be accessible in the first half of next year.

Source: Toyota