Recently, I had the opportunity to scrutinize and drive the 2023 Toyota Prius for a week, which reminded me of big Hollywood movie franchises that have been entertaining us for decades. Just like these famous movies, the Prius has a fresh new look with some twists, but it’s still a familiar known quantity. The 2023 model is reminiscent of the wildly successful 2004 model that drew in Hollywood’s elite.
However, the Prius lost its way around 2012, thinking of itself as an entire family of appliance-like vehicles. It has since returned to its senses, spreading hybrid technology throughout its lineup. Against those odds, it has found a place as a standalone hybrid, with a stunning design that draws people in.
The Prius has always impressed with its gas mileage, and the latest iteration is no exception. However, it falls more than 10% short of the 2022 model in combined driving and on an efficiency loop, despite a 52-mpg EPA rating. The loaded Prius Limited weighs about 150 pounds more than the outgoing model, and the temptation to take advantage of its peppier acceleration may be a factor.
While the new Prius has jaw-dropping good looks that hold handsome from about any angle, the infotainment is a mishmash. The menu items aren’t as flat or logical as they could be, and few items fit on the screen at a time, causing you to keep your eyes on the screen for too long. Voice commands have to be simple, and it’s clumsy to exit CarPlay.
Nevertheless, the design of the new Prius is a head-turner that holds true to the Prius family with its exceptional gas mileage. The Prius performs beautifully and accelerates more quickly than previous models, making it a pleasure to drive on curvy backroads. Overall, it’s the perfect Prius for some but a decade too late for others.
