2023 Toyota Prius aims to be the most stylish, efficient version to date

MANILA: Decades ago, a high-tech automobile arrived in the United States. Whose name translates to Latin for "To Go Before," the Toyota Prius, introduced a new generation of automobiles — that paired an electric motor with a high efficiency engine to get more miles per gallon — with its 2001 introduction.

The all-new 2023 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime was unveiled at a launch event the night before the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show at the LA Convention Center — more than 20 years after the renowned brand first made its mark.

“As a company, we set our sights on developing a new Prius for the future, and our design and engineering teams really delivered,” said Toyota Group Vice President and General Manager Dave Christ. “The weight of the Prius name is heavy – it carries with it the identity of an entire category of vehicle powertrain. We’re confident the all-new 2023 Prius and Prius Prime will continue this important legacy.”

Since the original Prius launched, the automaker envisioned a world where hybrid-powered fuel efficiency was not the alternative, but rather the norm. Now, with over 5 million units sold in North America, and over 20 million globally, Toyota hybrids are not only a common sight, but they have made a difference, too, preventing over 82 million tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere.

With the addition of the 2023 Toyota Prius — the most fuel-efficient Prius to date, achieving a manufacturer estimated 24kpl combined fuel economy rating on the LE FWD model — this Toyota hybrid brings accessible electrification to drivers everywhere.

The 2023 Prius Prime plug-in hybrid model offers customers the flexibility of getting around town in zero emission EV or road tripping in hybrid mode. Now, this plug-in hybrid offers a thrilling experience in its own right – by bringing even more performance and technology to an already incredible package. With a larger lithium-ion battery that increases its EV range by more than 50% over the previous range of 25 miles, a sleek, sporty exterior design and updates throughout, the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime is designed to perform and surprise.

Toyota is dedicated to finding highly effective and zero emission solutions that fit customers' lifestyles across the US, and the Prius hybrid is part of a lineup that looks to move "beyond zero.” The carmaker aims to do so with ten hybrids, two plug-in hybrids, the new bZ4X battery electric vehicle, and zero emission hydrogen fuel cell technology Mirai.

The 2023 Toyota Prius will be the first Toyota vehicle to sport a new "Beyond Zero" logo as a representation of that commitment. This emblem represents the automaker's global initiative to attain carbon neutrality in its products, manufacturing, and beyond.

The price and on-sale date of the 2023 Prius will be announced later this year.

It was important to design the newest Prius so that it would satisfy customers' practical and emotional needs as well. The second-generation TNGA-C platform, on which the all-new Prius is based, provides a low center of gravity, decreased weight, and greater rigidity over the first generation. The end effect is a lower driving position and broader stance that feels agile but comfortable.

The 2023 Toyota Prius features a style that is contemporary, forward-thinking, and subtle from the inside out. It was designed in Japan. The new Prius lowers the roofline by two inches compared to the previous generation for a more athletic appearance, giving it a piercing profile that conveys a sense of aerodynamic flair. The back of the car is almost an inch wider than the front, giving it a more dynamic appearance.

Larger wheels that are available on some variations also attract the eye, giving the vehicle a dynamic appearance while also providing drivers improved performance and handling. Additionally, compared to the previous generation Prius, the hip point is nearly an inch lower, and the battery arrangement is optimized for a low center of gravity and increased cargo space.

The 2023 Toyota Prius was designed with performance in mind. The new hybrid system improves engine and battery output, which improves both fuel efficiency and driving performance. Also improved are the acceleration sensation and vehicle control, giving the hybrid car a distinctive driving experience and accelerator response distinct to electric vehicles.

The freshly created lithium-ion battery is paired with a larger two-liter engine and the fifth generation hybrid powertrain under the hood.

An Electronic On-Demand AWD technology, which employs a motor to drive the rear wheels on AWD models, has been implemented. This system provides stable driving performance while starting off and when driving on slick road surfaces like snow. In comparison to the previous generation Nickel Metal battery, the newly created lithium-ion battery pack offers a 15% boost in output while shrinking in size and weight.

The Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) models achieve an exciting acceleration experience with 194 horsepower and a zero-to-100kph pace of 7.2 seconds. In comparison to the outgoing FWD model's 9.8 seconds, this is a 26% improvement.

For AWD variants, the 2023 Toyota Prius offers 196 horsepower and a zero-to-100kph time of 7.0 seconds. On the same variants, a high-output IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) motor has been used for the rear motor. This allows for a compact design that improves the vehicle's performance when climbing roads with limited traction and its turning stability.

The Toyota Audio Multimedia system in the 2023 Toyota Prius supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. The Prius offers a free one-month trial of Wi-Fi Connect, which provides 4G connectivity for up to five devices, for additional connectivity. For those looking for an enhanced audio experience, the Prius offers a JBL Premium Audio system with eight speakers, creating a mobile concert from any music genre.

Standard in the 2023 Toyota Prius the most recent Toyota Safety Sense version, TSS 3.0.The existing feature set found on the Prius of the previous generation is included in this group of active safety systems, but there are also some new improvements and capabilities.

Proactive Driving Assist is new to Prius and the Toyota Safety Sense package. This system offers soft braking into curves or mild braking and/or steering to aid supporting driving tasks including distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist when system working requirements are satisfied, using the vehicle's camera and radar. The Pre-Collision System still applies even when Proactive Driving Assist operates under different conditions.

Meanwhile, the switch to varied electrified cars (xEVs) increased quickly in the Philippines, where the market is now experiencing the fastest adoption rates since the country's first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) was made available for purchase in 2009.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is at the forefront of this transition, with 95% of xEV customers in the Philippines currently driving an electrified model from Toyota and Lexus lines. Toyota’s ground-breaking HEV Prius kicked off the electrification trend when TMP introduced it 13 years ago.

According to the most recent official statistics provided by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), as of the end of June 2022, there had already been 1,013 xEVs sold in the market, exceeding the total amount for 2021 (843), as well as 2020 (378).

A total of 962 of the 2022 year-to-date sales are Toyota and Lexus models.

Toyota and Lexus offer the widest range of HEVs in the country today with multiple variants across 10 models. Toyota offers the Corolla Altis, Corolla Cross, Prius, Camry, and RAV 4, while Lexus offers the IS, ES, LS, NX and RX.

Photos from Toyota

Also read: Toyota PH targets carbon neutrality of Sta. Rosa plant by 2035