Toyota has finally revealed the all-new fifth-gen Toyota Prius, news we have all been waiting for a long time.

Introduced for the first time in 1997, the Prius is the world’s first production hybrid. To date, there is no other nameplate more synonymous with the word ‘hybrid’ and over the years has managed to remain popular with around 5.05 million units sold since. As for the model year 2023, Toyota has adopted a brand new approach to making sure the Prius fulfills the expectation everyone has of the model. In Toyota’s words it “decided to start from scratch and look at what the Prius needs to remain popular for the next 25 years.”

In its 5-generation, the iconic Toyota showcases an edgy new design, an updated powertrain configuration, and much more.

Also Read: Toyota unveils a new electric SUV concept, the bZ

All-new 2023 Toyota Prius in detail

Design

Like the fourth-generation Prius, the new model is built on an evolution of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). The five-door hybrid now showcases a more windswept design with a severely angled windshield. Compared to the previous-gen model, this one gets a 2-inch lower roof and sealing position closer to the ground by an inch. Also, it is one inch wider at the rear.

The hybrid like the new bZ4x EV features a striking pair of aggressive-looking Hammerhead headlights. The lighting unit also comprises C-shaped DRLs sitting above the narrow air intakes and headlamps. The front also features a large, hexagonal intake with gloss back trim and striking bonnet creases.

The rear says goodbye to the protruding boot and secondary window and instead gets a liftback profile. The hybrid features wide-width tail lights merging neatly with the carved-out sections in black trim and a trapezoidal-shaped number plate.

Cabin

Like the previous-gen model, the new Prius showcases a super inviting interior design that is blessed with a new ergonomic setup and advanced features. The list includes

• New steering wheel from bZ4x
• New, higher placement for the digital instrument cluster with an illuminated warning system
• Center console with the gear lever, wireless phone charger, and various other controls
• Discreet air-con vents sandwiched between the massive touchscreen display and climate control system
• Fixed panoramic glass roof, power liftback, JBL premium audio system (based on the variant picked)
• Standard 8-inch central touchscreen system (12.3-inch optional) with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay support
  Six USB Type-C ports throughout the cabin
  Over-the-air updatable software

Powertrain

Powering the all-new Prius is Toyota’s 5-gen hybrid powertrain setup including a 2.0-liter petrol engine and a new lithium-ion battery which is more powerful than the old nickel-metal pack. The powertrain with a Dynamic Force Engine generates 151 PS and the electric motors are rated at 163 PS. The total system output comes down to 223 PS.

The new battery pack is located deep into the chassis beneath the second-row seat and so saves cargo space. Also, despite the larger displacement, the front-wheel drive powertrain offers the same level of fuel efficiency as the previous 1.8L unit.

The new Prius is also offered with other powertrains (2.0-litre and 1.8-liter) with Toyota’s Series Parallel Hybrid System.

Charging

In-car charging consists of two 100V, 1.5 kW AC accessory power outlets, one in the booth and the other at the back of the center console.

Also part of the setup is the HEV external power supply mode (the battery is recharged by the engine if the power is low) and the BEV external power supply mode (uses the battery’s power without igniting the engine).

Other power-related features include - an external power supply with doors & windows closed to prevent rain, dust, and insects from entering inside, and a solar charging system (for the PHEV model).

Chassis

As mentioned above, the new Prius is supported by a second-gen TNGA platform that offers a lower center of gravity, larger diameter tyres, increased rigidity, and enhanced quietness.

The car’s platform gets MacPherson struts at the front and a double wishbone at the rear, which combined with the latest engine setup offers captivating driving performance.

Safety

The new Prius benefits from a range of standard features, part of which is Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 drive aid suite which includes - a front modular camera, rear-facing camera for Digital Inner Mirror, pre-collision alerts with pedestrian detection, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing steering assistance, and more.

Depending on the variant, the hybrid gets - hands-free parking assist, front cross-traffic alert and lane change steering assist, and Traffic Jam Assist.

What do you think of the all-new Prius? Let us know in the comments.

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