After languishing in obscurity for almost two decades in the style department, the 2023 Toyota Prius has finally morphed into a swan. Underpinned by the brand’s lighter and more rigid TNGA-C architecture, the new Prius is broader and has a lower center of gravity. The roofline is two inches lower than the outgoing Prius, and Toyota moved the hip point an inch lower to complete the lower-slung silhouette. The results are a more aerodynamically-sculpted vibe and the most desirable haunches we’ve seen in a Prius.

Fifth-gen hybrid powertrain

Toyota USA

Underneath those curvy body panels is Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid powertrain, comprised of a burlier 2.0-liter gasoline engine and an optional electronic, on-demand all-wheel drivetrain using an electric motor to power the rear wheels. The new Prius FWD has 194 horsepower, while the AWD variant has 196 horsepower. Moreover, a new lithium-ion battery pack under the rear seats offers a 15% increase in output while reducing size and weight.

Toyota claims the FWD Prius goes from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, better than the outgoing model’s sluggish 9.8 seconds. Choose the AWD variant, and you get zero to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, while getting more traction over slippery or challenging terrain.

Astonishing fuel economy

The 2023 Toyota Prius is not only more potent and quicker off the line, but it also remains a fuel-sipping machine. Toyota claims an estimated 57 mpg in the combined cycle for the Prius LE FWD variant, making it the most fuel-efficient Prius to hit the streets.