2023 TOYOTA PRIUS FIRST DRIVE REVIEW | IT’S QUICK, IT’S SEXY, ITS TRUNK HAS SHRUNK

EV Channels Review

The 2023 Toyota Prius marks a significant departure from its predecessors, prioritizing style and performance alongside its traditional fuel efficiency. The reviewer highlights its "sexy" and "quick" nature, boasting up to 196 horsepower in the AWD model and a 0-60 mph time of around 7 seconds, a substantial improvement. The redesigned exterior is praised for its attractiveness, though the sleeker profile compromises rearward visibility and reduces cargo space from 27 to 20.3 cubic feet. Interior space, particularly rear headroom, is also noted as being compromised due to the lower roofline. The AWD system is significantly upgraded, offering more power and ground clearance. While fuel economy remains strong, averaging between 43-52 mpg in real-world testing (with the XLE trim rated at 54 mpg), it doesn't dramatically surpass competitors like the Camry Hybrid. The reviewer finds the driving dynamics surprisingly engaging for a Prius, comparing it favorably to vehicles like the Mazda 3, and considers it a viable alternative to the Kia Niro, though the Niro offers more practicality and rear headroom. The reviewer concludes that the new Prius offers a compelling blend of style, performance, and efficiency, making it a "mind-blowing" evolution of the model.