Hybrids will remain a key part of Toyota's portfolio for some time. Fortunately, the brand's latest examples have been profoundly good. The new Prius certainly is, so it should come as no surprise that the plug-in Prius Prime is a fabulous little hatch too.
The Prius Prime has been around since 2017, and recently it's been feeling its age. While the PHEV's fuel-economy benefits are substantial, it was hard to ignore the outgoing model's time-it-with-a-sundial acceleration, middling electric-only range, and frustrating interior controls. With the 2023 version, Toyota sends all those annoyances to the Bad Place and gives the Prius Prime a massive mechanical and aesthetic glow-up.
The Prius and Prius Prime are nearly indistinguishable, which is great because the Prius looks better than it ever has. But it's the Prime's upgraded mechanicals that are truly transformative. The Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder grows from 1.8 to 2.0 liters, boosting output from a sad 95 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque to a more respectable 150 horses and 139 pound-feet.
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Car and Driver.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Car and Driver.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Fleeting Thoughts
Updates and hot takes on the vehicles fortunate enough to spend 40,000 miles with C/D's editors.
Swedish Bliss
The new Volvo EX90 channels the brand's characteristic approach to wellness and serenity into an electric SUV sized for the whole family.
Tick, Tick, Boom
Tesla Model 3 Performance HIGHS: Nauseatingly quick, airy cabin with great visibility, genuine value. LOWS: Off-putting user interface, inescapable clinical feeling, austere interior design.
Black Ops
The new Precision package for the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing hones one of our favorite sports sedans.
Pay to Play
Porsche Panamera HIGHS: Ample motivation, fun in every corner, surprising fuel economy. LOWS: Grip levels drop slightly, big price tag, dumb touchscreen vent controls. VERDICT: The bottom rung, but you'd never know it.
Man-o'-War
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Manthey Racing HIGHS: A clinic on proper steering response, 9000 rpm of sonic glory, more grip is good. LOWS: A mirror full of wing, upgrades useful only on track, quiet only when it's off.
Low-Pro Hero
Honda Civic Hybrid HIGHS: Fuel efficiency of a hybrid, Si-beating acceleration, as comfortable to ride in as it is engaging to drive. LOWS: No adjustable lumbar support, low-limit tires, quicker at the track than in the real world.
Back in Tune
CarBahn CB3 M4 HIGHS: A monster inline-six with an available warranty, massive grip and lateral stability, a better-looking face. LOWS: The exhaust needs an off switch, suspension links clatter, steering is still mute.
Hurricane Force
Ram 1500 HIGHS: Quicker than the old V-8 Ram, powerful and smooth turbo six, class-leading luxury. LOWS: Detectable turbo lag, slow-to-react touchscreen, hands-free mode zaps confidence.
Good Vibrations
No one has to guess what's under the hood of the Ferrari 12Cilindri.
