Toyota Prius (2023) – Back to Basics

Toyota Prius 2.0 Plug-in Hybrid Dynamic, €44,695

It was November 2022 when Toyota surprised friend and foe with its new Toyota Prius. The characteristic overall shape is still there, but the somewhat strange light units were lost and the powertrain (in the Netherlands) by no means geared to speed as well. The new one is more lifestyle than ever: with up-to-date light units at the front (daytime running lights placed above the dipped and main beam) and rear (a light bar), proportions that radiate more dynamism through a flatter windshield and visually slimmer side windows and an always 223 hp powertrain, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid must create a contrast with the past not only in terms of looks, but also in terms of performance.

Now that the Prius is only available as a plug-in, it appeals to a different buyer group anyway. The previous one was available as a full hybrid in addition to a plug-in. Now the shape of the Prius still suggests a focus on efficiency, but to make the necessary ‘teardrop shape’ look dynamic, concessions were made in terms of space. For example, the new Toyota Prius is much less suitable for the Uber drivers among us due to a lack of headroom in the back and a certainly not oversized trunk.

As a family car, the new model will also not often leave the showroom. The space available is not suitable for a pram, for example, and neither is it for pubescent lans at the other end of the spectrum of life-with-children living at home. Who and how many people are excited about the new Toyota Prius? The registration figures and user experiences should show that in the coming years. In any case, the glitzy appearance of the fifth generation Prius will not often be an argument to leave it.

Basic version does not look scanty from the outside

Not even when it comes to the basic version. The new Prius can be ordered in three versions, with the ‘Dynamic’ being the entry-level model. Above that are the ‘Executive’ and the ‘Solar Edition’ for €47,195 and €53,595 respectively. Both ‘more luxurious’ versions are easy to distinguish from the Dynamic, as both are always on 19-inch alloy. The Dynamic rolls on 17-inch aluminum wheels with ‘decorative covers’. So caps, but no steel – a trick from Tesla. The Dynamic also distinguishes itself around the wheels, because it is the only Prius version that has ‘basic’ plastic wheel arch edges. In the more expensive versions, they are painted glossy black.

The Dynamic does have standard privacy glass. The middle part of the rear light bar cannot light up with the Dynamic (it does with more expensive versions), the sleek daytime running lights at the front are present. The only surcharge-free color is ‘Orion Blue’, the bright yellow introduction color costs €995 extra. A ‘premium metallic’ bright red or pearl white paint is also possible, for €1,395 extra.

Basic or not, the new Prius never puts on a frugal face.

Interior

Inside the Toyota Prius you are also not constantly reminded that you have gone for the basic version, because it is not very basic. On the contrary. You will not find luxurious leather upholstery or strikingly chic finished panels, but an oversized infotainment screen, dashboard finished with different materials and neat seat upholstery with contrasting piping are always present. Even an LED strip of mood lighting may just be there; the interior of the most luxurious and just under €9,000 more expensive version (the Solar Edition) – except for the upholstery – does not even show any differences.

Also when it comes to functionality, everything you could expect in the basic Prius is on it: LED lighting and parking sensors all around, heated exterior mirrors, an electrically and eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a reversing camera, blind spot monitor, climate control (two zones), keyless entry, adaptive cruise control: all present. Several USB-C ports are also always available, although you don’t need them for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They are both wireless.

The infotainment system – with a 12.3-inch screen – that sends its sounds into the interior via six speakers is also standard, as is a digital set of instruments. Furthermore, you can have the basic Prius preheat or cool the interior before a ride, there is ‘just’ a navigation function on it and you will always find a 230-volt connection in the trunk – handy for vacuuming, or for a cheap cup of coffee coffee on the go. All kinds of active driver assistance and safety systems are also standard: there is an active lane keeping assist, fatigue and traffic sign recognition and an emergency braking system.

This dashboard is the same in the basic version as in the more expensive versions.

Toyota Prius: the more expensive versions

The more expensive versions actually only have ‘real extras’ to offer. For an additional cost of €2,500, the Executive mainly offers appearances in the form of an LED strip on the back, 19-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights that act as a flashing light in the front, and the aforementioned gloss black painted bumper and wheel arch parts. That variant also offers a heated steering wheel, electrically operated tailgate and an adaptive high beam.

The Solar Edition also comes with yellow paint, solar collectors in the roof, synthetic leather upholstery, seat ventilation, rear seat heating, a memory function for the position of the driver’s seat and more extensive parking assistance, but costs an additional €6,400. In short: except for some appearances, the basic version leaves almost nothing to be desired, so that a back to basics Prius will be more than enough for many.