2023 Toyota Prius Remodeled with Improved Performance and Style

The Toyota Prius has been redesigned for 2023 and unveiled Wednesday ahead of its official debut this week at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The fifth-generation hybrid has a handsome, almost premium design and is much less appliance-like than previous generations. Their improved performance in terms of both efficiency and power should appeal to a broader audience.

The hatchback is based on a second-generation version of Toyota's TNGA-C modular platform designed for compact cars, which is lighter and has a lower center of gravity than its predecessor. The new Prius is approximately 2 inches lower and 1 inch wider than the 2022 Toyota Prius.

The model change also brings a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine, compared to the current model's 1.8-liter, and a significant increase in horsepower from 121 hp to 194 hp. Also contributing to the power increase was the use of a lithium-ion battery in place of the nickel-metal hydride unit of the previous model.

All-wheel drive is still available, in which case an additional motor drives the rear axle for a total output of 196 hp.

Toyota estimates fuel economy of 57 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, versus 56 mpg for the existing model.

More performance is offered in the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid variant. In this model, total output is 220 hp, nearly 50% better than the current model, with 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.6 seconds. The lithium-ion batteries are also larger, and Toyota says the range will increase by more than 50% from the current model's 25 miles.

Inside the cabin of both versions are digital screens in the instrument cluster and infotainment hub, as well as a JBL audio system, a wireless charging pad for mobile devices, a digital rearview mirror, a voice assistant, a glass roof (solar glass roof on Prius Prime has a solar glass roof), numerous electronic driver assistance features, and other premium features.

Pricing and launch dates for the 2023 Prius and Prius Prime will be announced later this year.

In addition to the new hybrids, Toyota's booth at the L.A. Auto Show showcases the BZ compact SUV concept. Toyota is planning five members to its BZ family of EVs, and this new concept seems to preview one of them.