A sleek and futuristic hybrid car will be on the market in 2023. With 57 miles per gallon, a nearly unheard level of efficiency, accompanied by a high power-horsepower engine, the vehicle stands out as a speedy newcomer in the next generation of the automotive industry.
Some readers may be thinking of a Tesla or other competitors, but what we just described is the 2023 Toyota Prius, fresh from a brand-new overhaul. This ambitious re-design is sure to turn heads and cement the Prius once again as a trailblazer among hybrid, fuel-efficient vehicles.
When we heard rumblings about this new Prius, we knew we just had to learn more. So, we’ve reached out to the folks who know more about Toyota’s models than anyone — Mount Airy Toyota. Richard Coburn, one of the many qualified professionals who help Mount Airy Toyota’s customers find the perfect car, worked alongside us to bring you the best information possible about the new model.
“I think Toyota has really captured a wider audience for the Prius with its new design, and all of our customers waiting are very excited, including all of us here at Mount Airy Toyota.” – Richard Coburn
But before we check in further with Mr. Coburn about his take on the ambitious new model, it’s important to know how we got to the Prius of 2023.
The Toyota Prius — A Retrospective
In January 1992, over 31 years ago, Toyota introduced a “Global Environment Charter.” The whole charter is well ahead of its time, though a key section under Toyota’s “Action Guidelines” serves as a foundation and launch pad for the Prius of old and today:
A. Assign Top Priority to Environmental Concerns
1. Vehicles
– Minimize overall exhaust emissions.
– Purge harmful substances from emissions.
– Develop vehicles that run on alternative energy sources.
This top priority later led to the development and release of the original Prius in 1997, making it the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car.
Before the 2023 Prius redesign, the car was still one of the best-selling vehicles on the market. Its original design set the tone for energy-efficient vehicles and led many other car manufacturers to look to the Prius as a baseline for efficiency.
While it was a top seller, the old Prius took a few hits for its speed — a criticism that received some primetime pushback from Toyota themselves with the 2016 advertising campaign, featuring getaway robbers outrunning the police in a 2016 version model of the car.
The takeaway quote from the ad came from chatter over the police radio, “It’s actually pretty fast!”
A lot has changed since 2016, and the 2023 Prius upgrades are significant. If you thought the 2016 Prius was fast, wait till you see what the 2023 version has to offer!
Speedy Performance
Mr. Coburn had much to say about the new Prius’ performance capabilities:
“The new Prius is the most powerful Prius ever built with an impressive 194 horsepower FWD and 57 mpg. For all-wheel drive Priuses, Toyota adds a high-output permanent magnet electric motor to the rear axle, bumping total powertrain output to 196 horsepower. That’s a 60 percent power increase!”
Mr. Coburn’s take on the Prius wasn’t an over exaggeration — the 2023 Prius is the quickest Prius ever. The new model’s most potent trim can reach 60 seconds in seven seconds (3.5 seconds quicker than previous iterations!).
The Prius didn’t just improve on its 0 – 60 tests; it performed much better on general acceleration tests as well. Testers report a much-improved quarter-mile time and a huge boost in the Prius’ 50 – 70 mph, which now climbs 20 miles on the odometer in just 5 seconds (a 2.1-second improvement). In other words, there’s no reason for concern when you tackle the highway in your new 2023 model.
That said, if you want to push the model to its limit, the 2023 Prius can reach speeds of 100 mph in 18.8 seconds — 11.7 seconds quicker than older models! This shows just how exceptional the new Prius’ power levels are.
Speed isn’t everything when it comes to performance, and many drivers are likely wondering how the new Prius “feels” when driving. There’s some great news in that department — it’s the best handling version of the Prius yet! Tweaks to suspension, improvements in braking systems, and boosters all create a responsive driving experience that leaves you in control, allowing you to handle all of the new speeds.
“Love at First Sight Design”
While the changes in performance are substantial, they aren’t what causes the initial shock. Anyone looking at the new 2023 Prius is sure to be stunned by its design. The new design takes elements from a number of notable sports and luxury cars, culminating in a vehicle that’s sure to draw you in as soon as you see it.
That reaction the new Prius receives doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built-in, represented by a “Love at First Sight Design.” A design approach that chief engineer Satoki Oya sought since the beginning. The bedrock of the design is allowing designers the freedom to do as they please, unrestricted by traditions or a “relentless approach of aerodynamic efficiency.”
This freedom pays off, creating a Prius that can compete with some of the most sought-after vehicles on the market while providing the power and fuel efficiency under the hood to make driving feel as good as the car looks.
The good looks aren’t limited to the outside. The new Prius’ interior has also received a much-appreciated update. An increase in legroom creates a driving experience that’s less rigid and upright than previous interiors. A tweak on the instruments and dash creates a modern, simplistic look that captures the sleekness evident in the Prius’ exterior. That sentiment of capturing the sleekness is true to much of the interior changes, which match the significant exterior upgrades.
What Do The Professionals at Mount Airy Toyota Think?
We’ve infused a few quotes from Mr. Coburn throughout the article and his excitement for the new model is palpable. After talking at length about the leap in power and beautiful design overhaul, he added, “We can’t wait to keep providing the best customer experience here at Mount Airy Toyota.”
There’s a lot more we can say about the new Prius, though it’s best to see it yourself from behind the wheel. Feel free to reach out to Mr. Coburn to meet the professional who helped guide this article and see the Prius in person!
Getting You the Right Car With Mount Airy Toyota
Mount Airy Toyota has the knowledge when it comes to buying a Toyota. But while the professionals at Mount Airy Toyota are one of the dealership’s best-selling points, they’re not all they can offer.
Mount Airy Toyota’s website offers a robust set of resources to make the car-buying experience as easy as possible. A helpful finance center, a substantial amount of research, and online chat portals all cut through the problems typically associated with going to a dealership.
Plus, the new Prius just hit the lot, releasing in January of this year. Getting your hands on a new sought-after vehicle can be difficult, so choosing the right dealership is an excellent way to save yourself some trouble. Not to mention their Digital Model Showroom that gives you an up-close look at the 2023 Prius in all its glory.
Trim Overview
The 2023 Prius has three trims to look out for, all starting at different values. The base LE trim starts at around $28,545. It offers the highest levels of fuel efficiency, ensuring a happy wallet in more than one way!
The XLE falls in the middle with pricing that begins around $31,990. You can expect a wealth of additions, though some of the bigger highlights are the model’s rain-detecting wipers, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, and a wireless charging pad.
The model with the highest price tag comes with some serious perks. The Prius 2023 Limited starts at $35,560 and comes with a larger touchscreen, a fixed glass roof, and heated and ventilated seats — just to name a few features.
Whatever trim you feel best matches your needs, Mount Airy Toyota has you covered. You can reach out to a number of professionals and, most importantly, get the perfect 2023 Prius for your needs!
