New Toyota Prius Prime SE Review - WHY WASN'T IT THIS GOOD BEFORE???

The new 2023 Toyota Prius is a shockingly good car, and today I am going to review it for you.
To watch my POV test drive on this 2023 Toyota Prius Prime SE, please click here:
• 2023 Toyota Prius Prim...
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:46 Styling
1:51 Engine, Transmission and MPGe
4:09 Cargo Measurements
6:35 Passenger Room
7:43 Convenience Features
10:00 Safety Features
11:40 Please Like And Subscribe!

[@energyexecs]

I just purchased a new 2023 Toyota Prius PRIME SE - and best investment I have made in a long time. I have purchased many cars over my life but cannot compare to Prius Prime. I already received a complement and some head stares. I have the Royal Blue color.

[@TacklingTheGiants]

What do you do about a spare tire?

[@energyexecs]

@@TacklingTheGiants - Good points. I discovered your pointes when I had a Ford hybrid that is my favorite but no longer being manufactured.

[@njackson3148]

Thank you very much for reviewing the base model prius prime. All other automotive journalists always review the high trim levels. this was exactly the review I was looking for.

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you for watching!

[@jeromemainmanmanne7496]

We have ours shipped from Japan, estimated arrival 1 Dec 23. Guardian Grey SE...

[@lukewilliams9682]

For sure, especially since(in Canada, at least) this is the version that gets the longest range. I like some features on the higher trims, but overall I'm not looking to spend more money to get 6km less of range per charge.

[@wbwayne8887]

I'm also a huge fan of the new Prius. I have seen a few on the road already, and I was really happy to see that the Prius, especially in upper trims, has some REAL road presence now. Great review.

[@CarDietrich]

Couldn't agree more!

[@rockroll575]

In Canada we do have heated seat

[@robertandjose]

Let’s focus on 2024 Congratulations Toyota

[@trevorelliott6836]

where is the rear fog light switch on this model,it's a sham there NOT bringing the new Prius to the United Kingdom,what where Toyota UK thinking of,keep up the good video's

[@ecealgan]

I got a 2023 Prime XE a few months ago. I have noticed that back rear corner is pretty warm to the touch when the car is charging (the back right corner is not). There is also quite a loud buzzing noise that comes from there. Somebody rear ended me at the red light but it was enough to cause the bumper to be replaced. I am trying to figure out if all 2023 Prius Primes get warm in the left corner when the car is hooked into the electric charger. Have you noticed if yours does that? I'd appreciate it if you could check and write an answer as the insurance people do not want to pay for diagnostics again.

[@mmmille24]

It does have automatic headlights according to the listed features

[@dorinvesa1109]

Strange!In Europe the same Prime but the entry level named Active,not SE,comes with 12.3 inch display and the button on the right corner!

[@SpoilerofGames]

I like the color a lot, would you know the name of the color for the car your reviewed?

[@CarDietrich]

They call this color “Cutting Edge”

[@Losttouchjs]

I’ve had one since April and between that time and now I have never seen another 2023 Prius. 🤷‍♂️

[@dproulx222]

Prius is gorgeous.. $43,000 Canadian I put a deposit on the 2024 Corolla Hybrid SE AWD. $35,000 Canadian I wonder if I should have chosen the 2024 Corolla Hybrid LE AWD $33,000 Canadian I could have saved $2,160 when comparing SE vs. LE MSRP.

[@michaelmcmurphy3781]

Does anyone know if the old glass roof creates excessive heat?

[@CarDietrich]

Not excessive heat because it is UV tinted

[@agnieszkazgl]

I have toyota corolla xse and I’m thinking to switch for plug in hybrid prime SE. what do you think?

[@CarDietrich]

I would certainly consider the new Prius Prime to be a worthwhile upgrade from your current Corolla

[@agnieszkazgl]

@@CarDietrichI’m worry about the engine. Should I buy extra warranty? I think this technology is still new and that’s why I’m not sure this can work with no problems over 5 years.

[@CarDietrich]

I never discourage people from buying extended warranties because it will protect you from unpredictable costs, but Toyota are the kings of the hybrids and their powertrains are typically very reliable so I wouldn't worry about it too much

[@ahbenjamin2889]

I am confused. How often would you have to plug it in. Do you still have to fill it with fuel? Or is it a hybrid / fuel??

[@CarDietrich]

You can just put gas if you want, but you have the option to plug it in, and if you do you can go up to 44 miles on full electric drive and you’ll burn less gas.

[@toronado455]

You actually don't have to plug it in at all if you don't want to. there was a guy in my apartment building that did this for years. But it seems like a waste.

[@ahbenjamin2889]

@@toronado455 Thank you so much for the reply. I very much appreciate that.

[@ahbenjamin2889]

@@CarDietrich Thank you Hardworker 12

[@paranoidhumanoid]

It's like the Rav4 Prime. You park and plug it in before going in for the night. By the time you wake up, it's fully charged. You can also charge the battery through the hybrid engine but then you're using gas. Overall, if you travel less than 45 mi. as part of your daily commute, it's totally worth it as you won't ever have to touch your tank. The only time you start using gas is when the battery depletes, then it switches to hybrid seamlessly but you still get great MPG from the hybrid engine. Rav4 Prime annd Prius Prime are a safe bet for those who can't fully commit to EV. I like it because it gives you options and the vehicle still has value after a few years whereas full EV is done when the battery is old.

[@DJGAMINGRocks]

I do have a kia niro Phev which i bought because i couldn't get my hands on a prius but now i am getting Prius prime, should i upgrade sir

[@CarDietrich]

If it makes financial sense for you and you'd rather have the Prius, do it!

[@toronado455]

OMG the $35 on the Toyota website. I just checked, and sure enough it says $35. Wow that's really strange.

[@CarDietrich]

Weird, right??

[@jay-c6128]

35$ for what?

[@toronado455]

@@jay-c6128 Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. $35 MSRP

[@z1az285]

​@@CarDietrichhat was your take on the forward visibility? Is there a front camera that is available or provided that helps in maintaining safe distance from a wall for example

[@CarDietrich]

To see my POV test drive video in this car, please click here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moDHaY2Dnq6moK8

[@joshluvsla]

Is this a US Prius prime? Canada has different options

[@CarDietrich]

This is a US Market car

[@beautyofgrace3915]

Great looking car, too narrow for me, have elderly parents that probably couldn’t get in the car, so I bought a 2018 Chevy Volt instead.

[@LorenzosBenzo]

Toyota dropped the ball in regards to just adding that $35 option into the base models - who wouldn't want that option? Most of the base models did not have that PABA option included, but you can bet the dealers would tack on that $90 usb data/charging cable 🙄

[@CarDietrich]

It does seem like a very odd choice

[@LorenzosBenzo]

@@CarDietrich I did get one though, the XSE Prime - awesome fuel sipper

[@fredc8618]

​@LorenzosBenzo can you run ac or heat with the car off?

[@LorenzosBenzo]

@@fredc8618 Yes, via the Toyota app, as long as you have over 30% battery charge

[@leaaae4638]

how much would it costs to replace the battery on prime in the future? That's what I'm afraid of.

[@CarDietrich]

I’m sure it’s a lot, but historically Toyota’s hybrid batteries typically last the life of the vehicle, and to prove that point Toyota includes a 10 year/150,000 mile warranty on hybrid batteries in their new cars. I wouldn’t worry about it

[@colin-nekritz]

There will be shops that can recondition the existing battery which costs a tenth of replacement and will regain around 80-90% if it’s original capacity. We own a PriusV with over 200K miles. The battery was down to about 50% so we had it reconditioned for under $200 bucks and now it’s at 90%, and that’s with ten year old tech. Willing to bet the battery tech in the newer Prius and ability to recondition has only improved.

[@z1az285]

@@colin-nekritz That's fantastic to hear. On a side note, I was shocked to find out that the BZ4X/ Solterra battery cost is all or nothing and guess the cost? $45000. Individual cells can't be replaced.

[@lilblackfish2009]

kind of looks like a tuslia

[@toronado455]

Anyone else think Toyota copied the Tesla wheels for this?

[@CarDietrich]

They did, but that's what you get from wind tunnel testing on wheels. Its all for aerodynamics, which is very important for Hybrid and Electric cars.

[@matthiasdebernardini3388]

Tesla did not invent aero wheels

[@nartin86]

More like the Tesla copied Toyota wheels. The same type of wheel has been used by Toyota in older prius for many years before Tesla was born.

[@NoodlesExtraMSG]

Can't wait to see drunk people smack their heads on the C pillar getting into these as Uber/Taxis

[@toronado455]

not only drunk people, any people. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say these are gonna fall out of favor for taxi use. I would think that Corolla and Camry hybrids will replace the Prius for Uber/Taxi drivers.

[@NoodlesExtraMSG]

@@toronado455 very true. Most new taxis are Ford Escape HEV, Rav4 HEV and some full EV's, here in NY

[@toronado455]

@@NoodlesExtraMSG Maybe they will adopt the Corolla Cross Hybrid then.

[@Bonanzaking]

@@toronado455they work well enough. A lot of people do have trouble with opening the rear door. Although the same applies to other vehicles with similar doors. Not every trip is an airport run with crazy luggage so again it works well enough for your average uber ride that isn’t a long trip. I’ve been getting anywhere from 55-60 miles per gallon with it. A camry and corolla will work. But it’s far better than a lot of the other hybrid crossovers I see drive for uber like the rav4s. At a certain point with the math doesn’t add up. With the prius it still does. Unsurprisingly a lot of the riders I pick quite enjoy it and have gotten about as many compliments on it as I do with my 52 year old mustang. Also a lot of longing looks from other dad’s driving older prius, a look of envy. It’s quite enjoyable to drive. They will fall out of favor as ubers in the sense they actually made it a desirable car that fewer people will let go of as cheap used cars as is common for people to pick up for uber. Plus production volume on these will be low compared to the corolla and camry.

[@toronado455]

@@Bonanzaking did you say cheap used cars? where? when? BTW, cool name!

[@abrahammc2125]

I love the new prius. I am all for hybrid cars, BEV, gas cars, hydrogen, CNG and diesel powered vehicles. But as toyota knows its better to keep diversity when it comes to energy sources as reliancy on any one fuel is going to lead to price gouging and stability issues. But I hate how Toyota functions when delivering cars. They need to adopt teslas direct to consumer. Toyota is not jaguar or a rolls royce where you need a salesman to make a sale. Its a god damn toyota buy it and get on with it, if they can do that, i would gladly buy a new rav4 hybrid or new prius prime. But at the moment its cheaper for me to go buy a base model 3, and its not just cheaper by 400 bucks. when you account for markups and everything I can save a whole 8 grand going Tesla than going toyota.

[@toyotaprius79]

It's a good long (and deep lol) conversation why the Prius was never as good as it should be. Looks isn't everything FIY. Looks could've always been penned properly. A lot of it is due to the leading decisions of executives and pie charts. Despite the Prius' iconic fame in the late 2000s PR and execs tried to milk it without understanding what made it a cultural icon or the culture of die hard Prius drivers (design for efficiency, reliability and practicality). Real die hard owners back in 2006 were DIYing their own Plug in batteries because it made the car better. There's communities of Prius owners who stiffen the chassis and suspension for track days, there's a bigger community who put on lift kits and power inverters to go camping all over the US. So Toyota spent the last decade thinking that they could slap on some greenwash advertising on what became the Uber car. Sales flatlined because electric cars became available and those Prius die hards traded in for Teslas, Nissan LEAFs, iMiEVs, Volts, Bolts, etc. Executives should've known this but didn't. Instead they made the Gen4 deliberately edgy, that was an executive decision. Gen 3 and Gen 4 made some plugin hybrids but they were weak ass fuck. Compliance cars. The Gen4 Prime famously (but not limited to) only had 4 seats because of a pretentious decision that the Prime was meant to be exclusive. Executives were convinced that there wasn't a market for PHEVs, or a larger MPV Prius or a Prius C. No wonder their lineup is almost entirely a sub-Lexus crossover. That lack of diversity will prove fatal when the economy takes a nosedive. There was always a step forward two steps back with the Prius and it alwyas was disappointing to enthusiasts (but there were always +10x more buyers who didnt care what their car was) Now we have a 5th Gen. A decent PHEV with range that could've been made 8 years ago. A strong 2.0l hybrid that was in the EU Corolla hatch and wagon back in 2018 that the US doesn't get And body design that totally did not benefit from an astro turfed media sensation. Looks "sexy", awful A pillar visibility and total surround visibility. The rear seat and cargo space has taken a hit and that was always a strong point for the Prius, it was basically the moving van for many with more than enough torque to haul it. Practicality doesnt need to be saceificed for good design. Ultimately this Prius with a 220hp PHEV could've been produced in a 2018 Corolla wagon but Toyota is at the helm of idiot executives who are some 10 years behind global competition. Another recession is coming, lads.

[@Bonanzaking]

You’re about a year off on your recession claim. It started back last July. There was a layoff frenzy in tech. At my old job I saw it firsthand in the form of flurry and I mean flurry of job applications for a few weeks straight to the point I had never seen that many in years of working there. The volume of gas sold also tanked even as gas dropped from it 6$+ highs here in California. Once the daily paperwork showed a return to normal about a month ago I said peace. If you watch CNBC long enough over the decades you pick up the pattern. When there is a recession they will say there isn’t one. Once a recession nears it’s end the talking points changes to there will be a recession in 6 months, which is the current talking point. Once the recession is in the rearview the points change to talking about the recession in past tense. Given the usual pattern of recessions, toyota releases this new prius as it’s ending and a new economic cycle starts. You missed the most obvious recession signal with cars. The hummer EV. Kinda like the previous hummers of the 2000’s in the lead up to 08 following the trend of tailfins that called the recession of that era. Patterns tend to repeat.

[@ADa89mixus]

Too bad its €€€...

[@toyotaprius79]

The Chinese built MG4 is already better value for money

[@positronhaberdashery1583]

It's cool all around but It's not as beautiful as people say it is

[@dannykstick]

The zephyr concept really spoiled me.

[@alginyes]

It’s beautiful , I got one and you don’t. And that’s the bottom line because I SAY SO. 😂