The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime has been making headlines recently and for a good reason. This new hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) from Toyota is a true testament to the capabilities of hybrid technology. While many automakers have been putting all their efforts into developing all-electric vehicles, Toyota has quietly worked on improving the hybrid technology it has become famous for.

Toyota Prius Prime significantly improved over its predecessor, with better driving dynamics, improved range, and many new features. But what sets the Prius Prime apart from other vehicles is its unique electric and gasoline power combination. The Prius Prime is so good that it could be considered a middle finger to all-electric vehicles. It will be the fastest and most powerful Prius you can buy when it goes on sale later this year. The 2023 Prius Prime boasts various features that make it a competitive contender in the PHEV market. So, here we will review the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime’s performance and features and how it compares to all-electric vehicles.

Sharp Looks

Since the new Prius Prime doesn’t look all that different from the regular hybrid model, we have praised its design. The Prius Prime has a sleek, aerodynamic shape that improves efficiency and gives it a modern, futuristic look. On the Prius, where they enhance its overall simple, svelte, and clean appearance, it’s okay. The two fuel doors—one of which hides a charging port—and the cursive “Prime” insignia on the trunk lid distinguish the Prime most from its ordinary hybrid sister.

Sharp-looks

The Prius Prime combines a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with an electric motor powered by a 13.6-kWh battery to provide 220 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque at its front wheels. It is the most potent Prius ever, with 26 more horsepower than the basic 2023 model and 99 more horsepower than the outgoing Prius Prime.

  • Engine and Performance

Additionally, it is the fastest Prius ever. Prius accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds and completes the quarter mile at 95.4 mph in 15.0 seconds. The regular Prius from 2023 completes the quarter-mile at 91.7 mph in 15.5 seconds and reaches 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Funny enough, it takes the Prime less time to reach 60 mph than the Toyota GR86 performance coupe with an automatic transmission, which needs 6.6 seconds.

This Prius Prime is considerably quicker than the previous model. The departing vehicle labors to 60 mph in 10.0 seconds and completes the quarter mile at 79.9 mph in 17.4 seconds, thanks to the combined power of its engine and electric motors. The 2023 Prius Prime is slightly slower than the outgoing model when in EV mode, which disables the 2.0-liter I-4 and uses only the primary electric motor. It completes the quarter-mile in 17.8 seconds at 77.1 mph.

There is more than enough power for driving. The Prius Prime is biased towards its electric motors for a robust and quick torque response. It requires no preparation to accelerate out of stops or pass slower-moving vehicles when the engine acts as a willing partner. The Prius Prime has an automatic CVT gearbox like previously, although it appears to be tweaked to lessen annoying engine whining.

Driving Ability

The Prius Prime’s key selling point is its all-electric driving ability, which drives perfectly in EV mode. The motors of dedicated EVs are more powerful and responsive, yet the Prius Prime can quickly go through traffic without an engine even when the accelerator is pushed to the ground when in EV mode; as long as the speed does not exceed 84 mph, the engine will not start.

Driving-Ability

The Prius Prime stops from 60 mph at 122 feet, slightly less than the conventional Prius’ 123-foot time and comparable to well-known Toyota models like the Camry, Corolla, and RAV4. The Prius Prime’s brake feel is an area where it excels. The smooth transition from regeneration to friction braking is challenging for many hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs), yet Prius Prime’s brake pedal always feels constant and natural. Even with its “B” regen mode set to maximum strength, it does not enable one-pedal driving as some EVs do.

Comfortable and Better Handling

Except for the 2023 Prius, the new Prime handles better than other Prius models. The average skid pad grip for the Prius Prime was 0.82 g, compared to 0.88 g for the standard Prius. Similarly, the Prius Prime’s most excellent lap time on the figure-eight circuit was 27.2 seconds at 0.63 g average, falling short of the 2023 Prius’ time of 26.8 seconds at 0.65 g average. Because both Prius models use the same Michelin Primacy all-season tires, the Prime weighs 3,589 pounds at the curb, 460 pounds more than the basic Prius. Driving a Prius will be genuinely enjoyable. Its handling feels fluid and intuitive thanks to its precise steering and outstanding composure. The Prius Prime’s quick acceleration and reliable brakes make it surprisingly fun to drive down winding roads. The Prius Prime could resemble a hybrid hot hatch with some sticky tires.

Engine-Performance

Your new Prius Prime ride may appeal to a more ambitious demographic; Toyota knows that most customers prefer simplicity and economy. Any of the car’s behaviors won’t deter those drivers. The body is well isolated from the motion of the 30 inch rims and wheels by a sophisticated suspension setting. The ride can’t quite be described as smooth because enough road texture is visible, although this is rarely an issue. Although the outside world may still be heard inside due to the body’s unusual wedge shape, the car is quiet and comfy.

Features

The Prius Prime’s 44-mile all-electric range in SE trim and the 39-mile range of the XSE trims (with wider wheels) are sufficient for many drivers’ daily needs. If those drivers are vigilant about plugging in or allowing the solar roof panel to do its magic, they won’t need to worry as much about running out of power as they will about stale petrol. The Prius Prime will still deliver over 50 mpg combined in hybrid mode, allowing for a range of more than 500 miles between fill-ups, so a low charge is not much of a concern. Put that in an EV driver’s face as they make their nth charging stop down the highway.

One of the most attractive features of Prius Prime is its Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of safety features. This suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, and pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection. These features make the Prius Prime one of the safest cars on the road and come standard on all trim levels.

Prius Price

Prius Prime is one of the cheapest yet least expensive EVs. Like other EVs, it has a starting price of roughly $33,500 and can go up to over $40,000. As a result, its loaded pricing is still below the national average for new car sales, but its base price is similar to the national average for used car sales. If you can’t or won’t frequently plug the Prime in, purchase the ordinary hybrid because it is only a few thousand dollars more expensive than the standard 2023 Prius.

 

Read Also: 2023 Toyota Prius Prime First Test Reviews: Sharp Looks, Better Performance, and More Comfortable

 

Final Thoughts

The Prius Prime solves this problem by providing a gasoline engine that can provide additional power when needed. The Prius Prime can be refueled at any gas station. It means drivers don’t need to worry about range anxiety or finding a charging station. The new Prime is the best electric vehicle; with the 2023 rework, it’s a better, quicker Prius than any Prius that’s come before it. The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime boosts plug-in hybrids as a cost-effective, best-of-both-worlds alternative.