Long a subject of jokes about eco-conscious drivers and quirky science experiments, the Toyota Prius has undergone a stunning transformation, emerging with a sleek, swan-like design and an unexpectedly enjoyable driving experience.
The redesigned 2023 Prius boasts either a 194-hp front-wheel-drive or a 196-hp all-wheel-drive powertrain, offering acceleration that feels brisk rather than sluggish. Fuel economy ratings? They peak at a remarkable 57 mpg combined.
Toyota also offers a plug-in hybrid variant, the Prius PHEV (formerly the Prius Prime), which delivers slightly more power and an estimated 40–45 miles of all-electric range. That model is reviewed separately.
Inside, the Prius has adopted a more traditional design, moving away from the unconventional elements like the centrally mounted gauge cluster found in earlier generations.
2025 Updates: New Nightshade Edition
For 2025, the Prius introduces a Nightshade Edition, featuring striking black accents, including 19-inch wheels, exterior badges, door handles, and gray-stitched upholstery. Puddle lamps project the Prius logo onto the ground, and buyers can choose between Wind Chill Pearl (white) and Midnight Black Metallic.
Pricing and Trim Options
The 2025 Toyota Prius is expected to range from $30,000 to $37,000, depending on the trim level.
- LE: $30,000 (est.)
- XLE: $33,000 (est.)
- Nightshade: $34,000 (est.)
- Limited: $37,000 (est.)
The LE trim offers great value with 17-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross-traffic alert. Its affordability and excellent fuel economy make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.
For added luxury, the XLE is recommended, featuring 19-inch wheels, a wireless phone charger, faux-leather seating, rain-sensing wipers, and heated seats and steering wheel.
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the Prius uses a 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine from the Corolla Cross hybrid, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and electric motors.
Front-wheel-drive models produce 194 horsepower, while all-wheel-drive variants reach 196 horsepower thanks to an additional motor on the rear axle.
The Prius now accelerates with confidence and even a hint of excitement. Improved braking capabilities reduce the stopping distance from 70 mph to just 171 feet, compared to the previous model’s 194 feet.
- 0–60 mph Acceleration: The new Prius zips from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, significantly faster than the previous generation’s 10.5 seconds, surpassing competitors like the Camry Hybrid and Elantra Hybrid.
Fuel Economy
The base front-wheel-drive Prius LE achieves an impressive EPA rating of 57 mpg city and 56 mpg highway. All-wheel-drive models slightly decrease to 53 mpg city and 54 mpg highway.
Higher trims, with larger wheels, offer 52 mpg city/highway for front-wheel-drive and 49 mpg city and 50 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive models. In real-world testing, a front-wheel-drive Prius Limited achieved 49 mpg on a 75-mph highway run.
Interior, Infotainment and Cargo
The Prius’s new design brings a traditional interior layout, including a driver-facing gauge cluster positioned directly behind the steering wheel.
However, the lower roofline trims some rear-seat headroom. Despite these changes, the Prius maintains a refined and comfortable cabin.
The LE and XLE trims feature an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, while the Limited offers a 12.3-inch display as standard (optional for XLE).
The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. A voice-activated “Hey Toyota” feature adds convenience, while all models provide available Wi-Fi.
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