Hybrid Reborn: 2023 Toyota Prius Revealed - 57 MPG, 196 HP

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Main Forum' started by Danny, Nov 16, 2022.

  1. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    Official Press Release from Toyota, with photos at the bottom of the US-spec Prius:

    • All-New Sporty Exterior Styling with Flowing, One-Motion Silhouette
    • Most fuel-efficient Prius ever with up to Manufacturer-Estimated 57 Combined MPG
    • Fifth Gen Hybrid Powertrain with up to 196 horsepower
    • Legacy Name to Carry on Toyota’s Commitment to Carbon Neutrality





    LOS ANGELES, Calif. (November 16, 2022) – Twenty-two years ago, a high-tech sedan rolled into
    U.S. Toyota dealerships and forever changed the automotive industry. The 2001 Prius, Latin for “To
    Go Before” became the world’s first production hybrid car and ushered in a new generation of
    vehicles that combined an electric motor with a high efficiency engine to squeeze more miles out
    of every gallon. Now, over two decades later, this legendary nameplate is ready to yet again show
    it is at the forefront – with the reveal of the all-new 2023 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime at a kickoff
    event the eve of the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show at the LA Convention Center.

    “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 most fuel-efficient Prius to date, achieving a manufacturer
    estimated 57 MPG combined fuel economy rating on the LE FWD model, this Toyota hybrid brings
    accessible electrification to drivers everywhere.

    As part of Toyota’s diverse approach to carbon neutrality, the Prius hybrid is part of lineup that
    looks to move “beyond zero”. With ten hybrids, two plug-in hybrids, the new bZ4X battery electric
    vehicle, and zero emission hydrogen fuel cell technology Mirai, Toyota is committed to finding
    highly efficient and zero emission solutions that fit customers lifestyles across the US. As a symbol
    of that commitment, the 2023 Prius will be the first Toyota vehicle to wear a new “Beyond Zero”
    badge, a global effort to achieve carbon neutrality in our products, manufacturing, and beyond.

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

    Sporty Yet Comfortable

    For this latest Prius, the goal was to create a vehicle that not only met the practical needs of
    today’s customers, but also had emotional appeal. Available in LE, XLE and Limited grades, the
    2023 Prius is built on the second-generation TNGA-C platform, offering a low center of gravity
    with reduced weight and increased rigidity compared to the previous generation. The result? A
    wider stance and a lower driving position that feels nimble, yet comfortable.

    Designed in Japan, the all-new Prius offers a style that is modern, progressive and understated
    from the inside out. With its piercing silhouette that evokes a level of aerodynamic flair, the new
    Prius lowers the roofline 2-inches from the prior generation, for a more athletic look. Moving to the
    rear of the vehicle it is nearly 1-inch wider, adding a dynamic look to its modern style.

    The larger wheels available on XLE and Limited also catch the eye – resulting in a sporty look while
    also that offers drivers added performance and handling. Additionally, the hip point is about one
    inch lower than the previous generation Prius, while the battery placement is optimized for a low
    center of gravity and enhanced luggage capacity.

    Purpose-Built Performance

    When it comes to performance, Prius is purpose-built. The new hybrid system enhances both the
    fuel economy and driving performance with increases to both engine and battery output. The
    acceleration feel and vehicle handling have also been enhanced, providing a driving feel and
    accelerator response unique to electrified vehicles.

    Under the hood is the 5th generation hybrid powertrain coupled with a larger 2.0L engine and a
    newly developed lithium-ion battery, located underneath the rear seat. On AWD models, an
    Electronic On-Demand AWD system has been adopted which uses a motor to drive the rear
    wheels, enabling stable driving performance when starting off and when driving on slippery road
    surfaces such as snow. The newly developed lithium-ion battery pack offers a 15% increase in
    output compared to the previous generation Nickel Metal battery – reducing the size and the
    weight.

    The result is an engaging acceleration experience with 194 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.2
    seconds for the Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) models. This is a 26% improvement compared to the
    outgoing FWD model of 9.8 seconds.

    For All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models, Prius offers 196 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.0 seconds. A
    high-output IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) motor has been adopted for the rear motor on AWD
    models, allowing for a compact design that enhances the low traction road climbing performance
    and the stability when turning.

    Prius offers three drive modes – NORMAL, ECO and SPORT mode. In ECO mode, the drive force
    increase in response to accelerator operation is suppressed slightly to enable finer accelerator
    control and enhance the fuel economy. In POWER mode or SPORT mode, the drive force in the
    low-/mid-accelerator opening is increased to enhance throttle responsiveness.

    Making the Grade

    The all-new 2023 Toyota Prius offers an array of standard and available features no matter the
    grade. Whether choosing the LE, XLE or the Limited grade – in Wind Chill Pearl, Cutting Edge,
    Guardian Gray, Black, Supersonic Red, or Reservoir Blue – Prius drivers will be ready to look to the
    road ahead.

    LE grade
    • Standard Features
    o 17-inch alloy wheels with wheel covers
    o 8-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
    o 6 USB-c ports
    o Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
    o SofTex leather steering wheel
    o Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
    • Optional features
    o Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)

    XLE Grade
    • LE Standard Features+:
    o 19-inch alloy wheels
    o 8-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
    o Digital Auto Dimming Rear-View Mirror & Home Link
    o Two additional cup holders for rear seat passengers
    o Driver and front passenger heated seats
    o 8-way power driver’s seat
    o SofTex seats
    o Rain sensing wipers
    o Smart Key
    o Qi wireless charger
    o Direct light illumination
    o Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)
    • Optional Features
    o 12.3-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
    o Fixed glass roof
    o Digital Key

    Limited Grade
    • XLE Standard Features+:
    o 12.3-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
    o JBL® Premium Audio System with 8 speakers
    o Fixed glass roof
    o Heated steering wheel
    o Driver and front passenger heated and ventilated Seats
    o 8-way power driver’s seat with driver memory
    o Digital Key
    o Power back door
    • Optional Features
    o Advanced Park
    o Digital Rearview Mirror
    o Heated rear seats
    o Panoramic View Monitor

    Technology

    The all-new 2023 Toyota Prius is equipped with the tools to make life more convenient – thanks to
    the available 12.3-inch, Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota’s
    Texas-based Connected Technologies team. Prius drivers will also have the opportunity to access
    a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA)
    updates.

    Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With the
    available Connected Service Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent
    Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like
    “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice activated commands to search for directions, find Points
    of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more. Cloud
    Navigation, the available onboard navigation solution, utilizes the cloud to download the latest
    available map, traffic and routing information. To ensure users have the most up-to-date search
    capabilities, POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also
    gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate the next destination.

    The new Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity, with support for
    standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. With further connectivity, the
    Prius has an available Wi-Fi Connect 1-month trial that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices
    – turning the Prius into an AT&T Hotspot. Adding to the already robust offering of audio playback
    ability with HD Radio®, USB data and a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan 3-month trial subscription, Wi-Fi
    Connect also enables the new Integrated Streaming feature, providing customers the ability to link
    their separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control.

    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 on the Limited
    grade only, with the use of Clari-Fi® technology, the system is also able to breathe life into
    compressed digital music formats enhancing the audio experience.

    Each Prius offers a host of additional available Connected Services. Safety Connect includes an
    Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision
    Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator and Collision Assistance with up to a 10-year trial. Service
    Connect gives drivers the ability to receive Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts and
    reminders, also with up to a 10-year trial.

    With the Toyota app, users can stay connected to their Prius with a 1-year trial of Remote Connect
    service, available on LE grade and standard on XLE and Limited. Users can activate headlights,
    lock/unlock the doors and remotely start the vehicle. Users can also check vehicle status, receive
    reminder notifications and set Guest Driver Alerts. Digital key is also available with Remote
    Connect for the XLE and Limited Grades – making it easy to lock and unlock doors, remote start
    and more all from a smart phone.

    Ready to handle all your device charging needs, the Prius is equipped with six USB ports in the
    cabin. Up front, two Type-C USB ports at the bottom of the center stack plus two more Type-C USB
    ports in the center console. For second-row passengers, two Type-C USB ports are located at the
    bottom rear of the center console.

    Convenience features are aplenty for Prius, too. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic
    Alert (RCTA) is standard on all grades. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is
    available on all grades. A Panoramic View Monitor is available on Limited and provides a live
    rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle. Advanced Park is available on Limited, a hands-free
    system designed to assist you with parallel parking or backing into a parking space.

    Safety

    For 2023, Prius will come standard with the latest Toyota Safety Sense generation, TSS 3.0. This
    suite of active safety systems includes the existing feature set available on the prior generation
    Prius but includes some additional enhancements and capabilities. This suite of safety features
    includes:
    • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
    • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
    • Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
    • Lane Tracing Assist
    • Road Sign Assist
    • Automatic High Beams
    • Proactive Driving Assist

    Proactive Driving Assist is new to Prius and the Toyota Safety Sense package. When system
    operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, this system provides gentle
    braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as
    distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. Proactive Driving Assist is
    not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates in different circumstances.

    The Toyota Safety Sense feature from the prior generation Prius has been enhanced for TSS 3.0:

    • The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection has enhanced detection capabilities
    thanks to new system sensors. It receives enhanced intersection support with improved
    detection capability in certain circumstances. It also adds the capability to detect
    motorcyclists, in addition to bicyclists and pedestrians.
    • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist has enhanced lane recognition that includes
    detection of certain 3D objects, like guardrails, that may be used to help define the lane.
    • Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control adds a fourth following distance setting,
    from the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to
    detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps
    the system to provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the
    driver changes lanes.
    • Like Lane Departure Alert, lane recognition is enhanced for Lane Tracing Assist. This system
    now also helps provide more space between vehicles being passed in adjacent lanes. It
    works by offsetting the vehicles’ driving path with minor steering adjustments while
    keeping the vehicle within its lane.
    • An Emergency Driving Stop System has been added to Lane Tracing Assist. It’s designed to
    monitor the driver’s inputs, such as steering operation, to determine if they’re inattentive or
    non-responsive, such as during a medical emergency. This feature can bring the vehicle to
    a stop if the driver doesn’t respond to alerts to take control.
    • Road Sign Assist gets expanded sign detection capabilities that now include certain
    intersection signs and warning signs, like pedestrian crossings.

    Prius_MY23_0001_V001 (Large).jpg Prius_MY23_0002_V001 (Large).jpg Prius_MY23_0003_V001 (Large).jpg Prius_MY23_0004_V001 (Large).jpg Prius_MY23_0005_V001 (Large).jpg Prius_MY23_0006_V001 (Large).jpg Prius_MY23_0007_V001 (Large).jpg Prius_MY23_0008_V001 (Large).jpg Prius_MY23_0009_V001 (Large).jpg
     
    #1 Danny, Nov 16, 2022
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2022
  2. MikeDee

    MikeDee Senior Member

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    I read that the roofline is 2" lower than the previous generation. Does that mean less headroom?
     
  3. farmecologist

    farmecologist Senior Member

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    It will be interesting to see the official EPA city/hwy breakdown. I was hoping they would hit the magical 60 MPG EPA combined...but that isn't happening and was wishful thinking. 57 combined isn't anything to sneeze at though and makes me feel a lot better about it considering the disappointing MPG of some of the other Toyota hybrids.

    Also, is the 12V battery moved to the rear again? I'm not seeing it in any of the engine bay shots...but I certainly could be missing it.
     
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  4. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    WOW factor- I am so excited!!

    More than a car, Gen5 it is making an eco-argument that Hybrids are big part of the future solution. Of course there are still many EVangelist voices that say Hybrids in USA are environmentally highly unethical vs, BEV's. But at the same time, enough people have owned Hybrids are starting to say Hybrids are getting unfairly treated (eg in USA EV mandates).

    Not sure how the book ends, or if I live long enough to see the outcome in 10-15yrs. Getting to the point we may not need too many more new cars....one never knows.
     
  5. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    No.

     
  6. hans1

    hans1 Member

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    Is the yellow color only the demo vehicle? Would be a big shame to not have that option! Only thing that would make me consider upgrading from my new-ish PP.
     
  7. Downrange

    Downrange Active Member

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    Looks like some headroom lost to me.
     
  8. pakitt

    pakitt Senior Member

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    Did I understand correctly that the Digital Key is only available through a subscription?
     
  9. ColoradoBoo

    ColoradoBoo Senior Member

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    Well butter my butt and call me a bisquit....LOVING it! As a maintainer, I'm interested in knowing more:

    -Has liquid cooled lithium traction batteries (yeah). Hopefully uses same coolant as the engine and traction system.
    -Does it have a spare tire? (Would be a shame if it doesn't, especially since those 19-inch low-profile tires seem to get flats easier than regular tires.)

    The rear hatch electric motor addition is "about time!" But, are you freakin kidding me, Toyota, STILL a 1950's style prop bar for the front hood? Even your Camry has hydraulic struts up there! Toyota BETTER have the struts available as add-ons. (The Gen 4 does NOT...I've checked everywhere.)

    That HUD-style display and 12-inch screen are super cool....are we trying to compete with Tesla a bit?

    The Japanese version has 9 color options...hopefully we'll get the same....the yellow mustard looked bad, at first, but the more videos I've seen it's not so bad.

    We need a test drive....Toyota version said they've added more insulation for sound-deadening. (And when he opened the hood, you can see sound material on there....YEAH)
     
  10. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Senior Member

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    I'm really hoping that they omitted Smart Key from the LE by accident. That is a really nice feature to have on the car, even at the lowest trim.
     
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  11. farmecologist

    farmecologist Senior Member

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    No kidding! I was expecting disappointment...but Toyota seems to have knocked one out of the park. (y)

    As an engineer type, I'm really looking forward to seeing the tech specs soon!
     
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Not necessarily. Looking back at the last 3 gens, the front headroom ranged from 38.6" in the Gen 3 to 39.4 in the Gen 4 (Gen 2 was 39.0).

    Also, the hip point was lowered by an inch so I suspect the headroom will be the same, you'll just be sitting a bit lower.
     
  13. ColoradoBoo

    ColoradoBoo Senior Member

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    It does look to be a bit lower to the ground....hopefully the AWD version isn't so low or folks will be adding 1 1/2-2 inch lift kits. (Which are available for the Gen 4's already but I haven't added them to my car, I take the Tundra when it snows.)
     
  14. MikeDee

    MikeDee Senior Member

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    Actually, in my Prime, I've got about 3" of headroom and I'm tall from the waist up. It's in the rear that headroom is lacking. My head hits when sitting in the back. If they reduce the headroom in the back seats, that may be an issue for me. The cramped back seat was the main reason I bought the Prime over the Volt. I think GM really screwed up by canceling the Volt, which was done before the run up in gas prices, but that's a topic for another thread. The EV range of the Volt was what, 50 miles?
     
  15. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Senior Member

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    Yeah, somewhere it says its like 2" lower. I hope that's not too low to get into some parking lots, especially at my apartment complex.
     
  16. MalachyNG

    MalachyNG Active Member

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    I was checking out the 2016 Prius brochure and it was bragging about 58MPG (for the Two Eco)...So they actually lost 1 MPG with Gen 5. boo (jk)
     
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  17. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    The Eco stripped out features to reach a lower weight to achieve that 58mpg. This 57mpg is for a car equipped like the XLE, while also getting a big performance boost. A 60mpg rating wasn't going to sell more cars.
     
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  18. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yeah. Seems like Toyota could’ve aimed for a 60mpg headline but given today’s (well really last 20 years) go-to headline is “POWA”, a 100hp boost and increased performance will get more looks and discussion and from what I’m reading online on other websites, it seems to have worked.
     
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  19. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Power has been selling longer than that, and now there are BEVs to compete with. Even the low power ones are little torque beasts.

    Has emissions for the new Prius been discussed in any of the reveals and press releases?
     
  20. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Fair but there have been factors in place like the oil shock of the 70s or the gentlemen’s up agreement in Japan in the 90s that stunted the horsepower wars.

    No emissions mentioned.