2023 Toyota Prius | Talking Cars

[@saadtheman1]

toyotas will always win my heart 1.reliability 2.resell value 3.drives so smooth 4.cheap on maintence 5.amazing on gas

[@TheEquationSlayer]

Hybrids and EVs get lower efficiency in winter, so not hitting the EPA estimates around your Connecticut test location is expected. Try retesting in the spring.

[@jonathanratliff4780]

Exactly....in cold weather, mpg will drop 20-40% depending on how cold it is.

[@juanojeda8069]

That's right

[@Billybobthor]

Definitely! Not sure how they didn’t know that and at least mention it.

[@toyotaprius79]

All cars (trucks etc) have lower efficiency in the cold, suffering more efficiency loss too but nobody cares about that because burning gas is too easy

[@maximx1933]

​@Jonathan Ratliff yes but I can average 55mpg easy on that commute in my 2015 prius. Summertime 60plus. I think it should have done better than that.

[@ccroy2001]

Unless I heard it wrong the explanation of Prius AWD was wrong. I heard "the gas motor drives the front wheels, the electric motor the back wheels." There are electric motors at the front of all Prius they are front drive, and the AWD models get an additional lower powered electric motor at the rear.

[@johnbrews9724]

Correct

[@ltkwok]

Very thorough and practical review of the Prius… especially comparing it to the old one and how you may fit in it.

[@maheshy1]

I like the design so much, I'm willing to live with some practicality compromise. But i prefer smaller 16 inchers for better comfort. May be with taller sidewall for better ground clearance. The lower rotating mass will more than compensate for the aerodynamic disadvantage and bigger contact patch.

[@Sublimer79]

I saw a white 2023 Prius it was beautiful in person. I love myself a white car. I enjoy other colors as well. But, I feel like in many situations white is easier to see. On the road compared to darker colours. Plus, dark colors show dirt way easier.

[@johnbrews9724]

Personally, with my 2021 Venza, a hybrid with CVT, I have zero complaints about the CVT or about noise when the gas engine kicks in. To me, the throttle response is seamless and noise level is fine. There is tire and wind noise however. As for gear shift nostalgia? Who needs to think they are in an antiquated gear shifting vehicle? I think a smooth uninterrupted acceleration to speed is great!

[@mfbikle]

I agree, the Venza is basically just like my NX350H but the RAV4 is lacking noise and refinement. + the NX has 240/hp vs RAV4/Venza 219/hp makes a bigger difference than I expected!

[@juanojeda8069]

Because is Lexus with Toyota badge you are lucky

[@howlingwolf125y]

Another point that I would like to make about the Prius is that Toyota probably designed it this way so that it would be more aerodynamic and have better fuel economy.. I think Toyota, Lexus and others have lowered rooflines and tried to go with more swoopy aerodynamic designs to improve MPG - and look "Sporty" . They even lower the rooflines for Crossovers and SUV's to try to get better MPGs. I would much rather have a more boxy vehicle design and a less-raked or less layed back windshield, and a higher roofline. This would give less fuel economy (which would be fine with me). I would gladly trade less MPGs to get better visibility (which makes it safer), more interior space, more headroom, less cramped, and more driving enjoyment - that a more upright boxy design gives you.

[@carbondragon]

I bought a 2024 LE (my third prius, previous was 2012 and 2007). I've had it for 8 months and the main issues I've had are the lack of a spare (no flats, just makes me nervous), lack of a rear wiper, lack of lock sensors on the passenger side door and hatch, and carplay instability issues. I tried a lot of solutions for the carplay and the most promising is pressing the volume button on the main display till it turns off and then turning it on (turning the car off doesn't work). Curiously, you're right about MPG emphasis. It took me a week of study and research before I even found the way to put trip mpg on my center display (or any display). In previous cars there were all kinds of mpg displays I could use. Very annoying. That said, it's a good car that I do like. I'm getting an average of 56mpg over the last 8 months over 4500 miles or so.

[@Brian-Burke]

I love CR. Been reading for 30+ years. I have a minor quibble. In addition to horsepower, why not also list the torque? Your consumers are sophisticated enough to understand and appreciate that data. It gives a clearer picture of a car's performance. Otherwise, great work.

[@louislopez55]

I have a Camry hybrid. It makes 208 combined horsepower. I have no idea how much torque it makes because Toyota didn’t say. Maybe somewhere someone put one on a dyno but I haven’t seen that data. One of life’s mysteries.

[@carljaekle]

@@louislopez55 I just Googled the Prius, says 139 ft/lbs. Try Googling your Toyota Camry Hybrid, I am sure it's out there somewhere.

[@jywn]

"196 net hp (up from 121 hp). Maximum engine torque for this generation climbs nearly 16%, up from 120 to 139 lb. -ft. on all models."

[@markplott4820]

Conjob Reports

[@hereigoagain5050]

Prius looks somewhat like a Lamborghini Aventador, which is loud too :)

[@longochu8588]

Current Gen 4 Prius owner. Thank you for the review. I was so excited about the new Prius but have to admit, the more I learn about the new Prius the less I like it due to what’s lost from the revision.

[@DBtwoz]

Don’t base your decision entirely off of KZbin videos. Go drive one.

[@canadianh3r070]

Very informative. Thank you. I put my name down for a 2023 Prius Prime back in August but recently ordered a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Totally different cars and I’ve been on the fence but I think I’ll be much happier with the Outlander.

[@rightlanehog3151]

How do you feel about the 26 mpg your Outlander will get when the battery is depleted?

[@canadianh3r070]

@@rightlanehog3151 I feel fine. I mostly city drive and it would be very rare for me to travel more than 20km in a day so a single charge should last me a few days. With top up charging at home and work, the gas will be mostly for giving the electric motors extra power from time to time and for highway driving.

[@gonzomuppet9255]

Its normal to loose 10mpg in the winter time the gas is a different mixture I live in southern Indiana have a 18 pruis does that but I still get around 50 mpg lot better in the summer time. Have a 23 Pruis XLE ordered have to see how they compare My trip to Walmart is 10 miles mostly city driving in warm weather it got 70 to 80 mpg sometimes more That is with 3 adults in the car .

[@superlight47]

70 to 80 mpg? Wow! that is excellent fuel efficiency.

[@bho6486]

I know the Prius is loud. An ex had a new one in 2005 and that thing was LOUD when accelerating or going up steep hills. But with this new model (and past Prii) and the same with the RAV4 Hybrid, I wonder if there is a lack of sound deadening to keep the weight down. We have a 2021 Venza and it is pretty quiet due to more sound deadening material vs. the RAV4 Hybrid of the same year.

[@jonathankleinow2073]

If I find myself in a position to buy a new car in the next 12-18 months, I'll be curious to compare the Prius, Camry Hybrid, Corolla Hybrid, and new Accord Hybrid. Corolla is obviously the least expensive option, and I don't mind the size of it coming from a 2007 Accord. Corolla also comes with TSS 3.0, whereas the Camry Hybrid is still using TSS 2.5. But I also turn 40 this year and want ventilated seats. Time to treat myself to some relief from swamp-ass. :D So I'll be curious to see what the 2024 Camry will look like too. Who knows, this could all be moot if my daughter gets into art school but doesn't get a full-ride scholarship. I might be driving my Accord for another 250,000 miles.

[@kc5077]

I'm a bit confused by where the new Prius fits in with the Corolla Hybrid and Camry Hybrid. The Corolla Hybrid might get higher gas mileage due to the smaller engine, CR measured 48 mpg overall. The 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid might steal the old Prius' thunder of good space and versatility. The Camry Hybrid is more powerful than the 2023 Prius and I think it will also get better gas mileage too at CR's 47 mpg overall. Among Toyota Hybrids I would pick the Camry Hybrid.

[@4Everlast]

Will this thing be sold in Europe?

[@georgeh6856]

I owned a 2007 and currently drive a 2016 Prius. I loved the looks of my 2007 and hate the looks of my 2016. I love almost everything else about my current car. I get ~51 mpg with no air on, mostly around town. The car calculates ~2 mpg higher, at 53 mpg. Going down to 40 mpg would be bad. I would miss my real color head-up display which was an option and my opening sunroof. The 2023 Prius looks so much better. MPG is the whole point of the car. They should keep the cab forward and stop lowing the car. The 2007 had a great upright driving position, but with lower mpg.

[@tdgdbs1]

Winter blend fuel is not so kind to mpg.

[@berts4877]

I don't agree with the comments about the MPG accuracy on trip computers. I find that with my vehicles the trip computer MPG is anywhere from 1.5 to 3 MPG higher than when I calculate it by dividing the miles travelled since the last fill up and the amount of fuel needed to refill the tank. This is with all 3 of my vehicles - an '07 Honda Odyssey, '16 Subaru Legacy, and a '21 Mazda MX-5 Miata. I really would think it should be much closer and about evenly be higher or lower than what I calculate.

[@echang527]

Which means the real world MPG is even worse than imagined.

[@Phoggbank]

That is my experience too. On the Toyotas we own ('14 Highlander hybrid, '06 Prius), the computer mpg is consistently higher vs. the manual calculation method.

[@ccolivardia]

I would be very interested to see how the lower trim level with the smaller wheels changes a lot of the complaints that you guys have regarding road noise and fuel economy estimates. Especially seeing as the model you guys have is the limited AWD which according to Toyota decreases the economy significantly. Regardless, Toyota made the decision to sacrifice some practicality and usability for style which could potentially ostracize some preexisting Prius people in attempts to garner the attention of some more style focused customers. Can’t wait to hear the comments on your long term unit (hopefully with the smaller wheels) you end up purchasing.

[@PHILLIPS8822]

Forty grand for a Prius new car prices are out of control . The reason why they totally redesigned the Prius from the ground up is because it was losing customers

[@rightlanehog3151]

Jennifer, Mike and Ryan, This is the most accurate and comprehensive review of the new Prius posted on KZbin. 👏👏👏The A pillar is obnoxiously intrusive, the rear window is hazardously small, the severely chopped roof line is a menace to taller drivers and passengers. To add insult to injury, the cargo capacity has been reduced by 35%. In short, the new Prius will be seriously compromised as a family vehicle and utterly useless as a taxi. Let's hope Toyota utilizes the improved drivetrain in a rationally proportioned model to fill the gaping hole left by the formerly practical Prius. Ideally a new Prius V will come to market as soon as possible.

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

A new Prius V would be dope

[@future62]

If you want a bigger Prius just get a Camry Hybrid.

[@huyduong7202]

Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Lexus is very roomy for tall people.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@future62 We want a real Prius not a half-baked hybrid sports sedan pretending to be a Prius.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@huyduong7202 When compared to the previous generation, headroom has been severely reduced in every TNGA model you listed. In fact, the last genuine Toyota Yaris offered more headroom than today's RAV4. The 2016-2022 Prius offered very generous headroom in the front seat. The new Prius and Crown show Toyota is making things worse.

[@DebbieB2023]

I can't seem to get this question answered anywhere, from Prius KZbins, to local Toyota dealers, including where I'm on the waitlist for a 2023 Prius. They were expected in January, but has anyone actually been able to get one? I've been waiting since July 2022 when my 2006 Prius was failing (almost 300,000 miles). I'm finally in the top 2 spot, if not 1, in line but all that are coming in still are 2022s. I've not seen any on the road either. Thanks for any input from anyone! ETA I live in New York. (PS I've watched just about every video reviewed and you guys gave the worst reviews, most were all great with few complaints if any).

[@BillBarnum]

Thanks for answering my question about the AWD!

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

CR haven't you noted that anything electric gets worse mileage in cold temperatures? The fact you went over the EPA numbers at great length not even mentioning the cold weather is amazing you missed on that possibility causing you to miss the EPA numbers greatly. I never expected you to skip this point.

[@Requinix17]

Complaining about the sudden engine noise in PWR mode? If you use the PWR mode in a prius you're doing it wrong. I've driven mine for 10 years and I can count on one hand the number of times I felt like I needed to use anything other than ECO mode

[@kiefershanks4172]

Sorry but you lost me when you suggested the eCVT is bad because it doesn't do fake shifts. The eCVT should behave like a CVT should or what's the point? The Prius CVT works properly and is gear driven which makes it amazing. I have no issue with the drone. Not annoying at all. It's a relaxing transmission to drive.

[@roguedogx]

23:22 I do get what she's saying, but I would argue this is more a case of the Prius needing to become more complex. Remember for the longest time the association with Prius was just that "it's a hybrid" now, almost everything has some level of electrification, so that's not really a trait anymore. So they have to do something with it to evolve it, and going cool makes some sense. I would having the car be the "standard bearer" for efficiency and propulsion methods also would have been acceptable (having a hydrogen version, a BEV version, and plug in) would have also been acceptable. However I see how that wouldn't fit into Toyota's current portfolio.

[@ItsAlive111]

@23:21 Mike’s look trying to understand the analogy is hilarious

[@Steve_in_NJ]

I love the new look -- the price for the top model is comparable to top models of Camry Hybrid XSE and new Accord Hybrid Touring (all 2023 models). For us, however, it's whether my partner -- who will be the sole driver -- can fit into the car. He's 6'3" and all legs with short arms (think of a male Tina Turner). He now drives a 2020 Accord Touring and needs a mid-size sedan. While the Camry is a "boring-looking" car, it's bigger than the Prius. We'll still compare as we have to sit in the 2023 Camry and lucky for us, his current lease isn't up until May. So, hopefully, cars will be in the showrooms by then.

[@stacyhackney6100]

I thought Jen landed the plane timely. I wasn't surprised when she and Ryan said they preferred the old Prius model. The points she and Ryan mentioned, like the elevated noise when getting on the freeway, and the significantly reduced gas mileage, are not positives.

[@Sublimer79]

I wish the prices of cars weren't so high now. I keep thinking i want a new car but, I keep finding a reason not to one of them being my current car still runs well. And even spending an average of 1,000 a year. With the cheap insurance and no payments. Its hard to complain. Another issue I'm having is knowing if I should get the rust fixed or at least sanded and stoping its progression. I keep going back and forth. One of the reasons TO get a new one is the better safety compared to driving with 2005 technology. Plus, Those new safty technology could prevent accidents it could be a game changer. But, on the other hand I haven't had an accident for nearly 11 years. So, apparently I'm pretty good at avoiding accidents. Then there's the idea of having a new car to be proud of is nice. Though fixing up the old car could bring some pride back to Said civic coupe 2005. Feel free to state opinions on if its worth spending the money to stop the rust.

[@thinkabout602]

The new Prius looks great but that's it. All downhill after that (pun intended) and way too high of a cost. Good show 👍

[@embeddedmatt]

This description of the AWD drive system at 9:50 is inaccurate: "Basically the electric motors in this are in the rear and they power the rear wheels [...] and the gas engine powers the front wheels." There is only one motor in the rear (for the AWD version) and the front wheels can be propelled be either gas or electric drive or both (all versions). Also sounds like I'm in the minority but I'd much rather have the car pick the engine speed based on efficiency rather than ramping the engine speed up and down to mimic a traditional automatic transmission.

[@donswier]

Prime: 13,000 miles annually all-electric on cheap residential electricity. - 75% cheaper than gasoline for commutes. - Never hostage to public charging that's often occupied, ICED or broken. - On long trips, refuel in 60 seconds, not 30-360 minutes. - No need for an enormous, expensive, heavy battery to cover every eventuality. Imagine being a "pure" BEV driver on a long trip, needing charging on a rainy night far from home with a car full of crying kids and whining dogs. After just 10 minutes of sitting idle at a charger, you're gonna have a mutiny😖

[@TheGecko213]

Agreed Instead of enjoying sightseeing on a vacation, you spend time at the chargers and hunting for one.

[@thr33nine]

I only want to know one thing, how much less headroom does it have compared to the previous model.

[@dct124]

Do you still need to remove the windshield wipers to replace the spark plugs?

[@aerohk]

Very different style of review, and very helpful. Thank you.

[@chillwill120]

I've had a 2010 Prius for 8 years and I absolutely love it; it's reliable, efficient and practical. My only complaints are that it's slow and not the best looking. I was excited about this new Prius because it seemed to solve my two complaints (i.e. it has more power and is better looking). However, after watching this video, I'm no longer excited. 40mpg is a joke, I regularly get over 50mpg on the highway in my 2010 Prius. I'm also not happy about more noise, worse ride, visibility and tighter space. I appreciate that they made it look nicer but they made too many compromises to do so.

[@TheEquationSlayer]

The mpg they saw is probably because they tested in winter. It will probably meet EPA estimates in warmer conditions (the batteries in hybrids and EVs hate the cold)

[@jimthumerzs2301]

@@TheEquationSlayer The nickel metal hydride battery in the 2010's are less affected by cold temperatures, not to mention much more stable than the lithium ion batteries of the newer Prius models. I also have a 2010 Prius and agree with Chillwill that it simply needed to look better, and for me, be much quieter when doing so. I wanted a "nicer" Prius but Toyota failed to deliver. I'm not tempted to replace it with this new redesign.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Test it yourself. These are cranky, critical reviewers. Most reviewers love it.

[@TheGecko213]

@@benjaminsmith2287 CR thinks they are the elite reviewers. It goes to their head.

[@Mabeylater293]

I like the camaraderie of these three.

[@bobpech6576]

You all felt that the mileage computers on modern cars are extremely accurate. My experience with a Honda Fit and a Honda Civic is that the computer estimates about 2-3 MPG better mileage than my calculations. This is consistently true.

[@kenkozawa9810]

With the other toyota hybrid options available for people who want more room with a RAV4H or better driving with a CamryH, think it put the future of the Prius in an awkward spot. Think Toyota made the right choice to move the Prius towards something sportier, wouldn't mind swapping out our 2011 for the new gen, but it will be interesting to see how it evolves from here. GR Prius?

[@joannbarna8235]

I love this new prius and I plan on getting the prime when its available

[@CaesarDarias]

Toyota discontinued the Prius without saying so. In it’s place, they replaced it with this unrecognizable substitute and used the same name. The 19” wheels are ridiculous. My current Prius has 15” wheels and drives fine. All I wanted with the highly anticipated Gen. 5 was more mileage/efficiency and a quieter ride. I got neither… I didn’t even get a Prius.

[@rightlanehog3151]

You are so right. 👏👏This is a half-baked, hybrid sports sedan not a real Prius. 🤨

[@TheGecko213]

Agree Toyota should have continued Gen 4 Prius and given this 2023 a new name like , MUSTANG 🙃

[@bitbat9]

You’re not the market for this then. The older Prius’ are ugly as sin and aren’t selling well. Toyota made the right move in revamping the styling and upping the power.

[@Sublimer79]

40mpg is pretty bad. I get 36mpg on my old civic actually more lately using thinner oil. And messing around with additives. To raise my octane. My car seems to like higher octane. But it's more expensive to pay for premium. One can use things like ethanol or acetone I'd say around 1oz-2oz depending on how much gas you add. My most recent tank I'm using 1oz ethanol to raise my octane. I am using Ethanol bec I have it laying around. I also use a lubricant additive made for the tank since ethanol and acetone is drying. Getting 3mpg higher is enough to pay for itself. It seems my current tank with BP is doing very well. I'll find out when I top in a few days. To check my mileage. My last tank was nearly 41mpg which is rare and the previous tank was 39mpg. My average as stated was 36mpg with over 10 years with the car. I just looked I'm averaging over 38mpg This year.

[@superlight47]

Thanks for this first hand review CR/Talking Car, I was looking for this video from CR for a long time now.. I love hybrid though I do not presently drive or own a hybrid vehicle. This is the first time I can say I want to get into a Prius. so this Prius along with 2 or 3 more hybrid in Toyota line up under consideration as a replacement for my very old, oil leaking, 2001 Corolla, with over 159,000 miles. As for not getting the not getting the estimated fuel economy; since cold temperature do affect the efficiency of both ICE and EV; Can this be because it not break in as yet or cold temperature? Like the BZ4X, I like the placement of the instrument clusters because it is like almost having a HUD in your line of sight so you don't have move your eyes to far from the road. As for the sloping front, yes I think it will be a problem for taller people but maybe not for shorter people.

[@Larry-nr9vd]

oh my god my new Prius is like from another planet!

[@DBtwoz]

Haha, you guys are crazy. I’ve watched about 20-30 reviews and you’re the only one who prefers the old design. This car will attract more buyers, which is what Toyota needed to keep the car alive.

[@JW77]

When you buy your Prius please let know about the dealer markup situation.

[@Requinix17]

Two dealers near me, one is quoting $3000 markup and the other one says no markup. But neither actually have any available yet

[@sanglee6073]

I appreciate your practical reviews of all the cars you test. One suggestion for the possible line of sight issue with the Prius and the new instrument pod is that Toyota install a flat-topped steering wheel. It would be more natural than a yoke and could solve the problem. Please suggest it to Toyota. Thanks.

[@buzman1985]

All three people we love to see on Talking Cars!

[@billmccalla]

I have owned the 2001, two 2004s, a 2005, two 2010s, a 2012 plug-in, and two 2017 Prius Primes. I recently sold the 2017s to a Toyota dealer and am ending my love affair with the Prius. One minor nuance...the video shows the first year of the previous generation in comparison, I guess so they could get another blue one, but those squiggly tail lights only lasted one year since it was not a positive visual feature of the previous generation. For side by side aesthetics, 2017 through 2022 models would be a fairer comparison. I am also a tall driver, so the new design is an issue. The video didn't mention you also lose 1" of ground clearance over the previous model. Our 2017s scraped the driveway going into the garage unless you drove at a crawl, so another big minus. I would think the Prime version coming out 2nd quarter 2023 might be worth a look, but Toyota marketing folks don't realize when you get a premium model, it should have some distinguishing looks, like the RAV4 XSE versions having bigger wheels and a black roof. My wife and I still love Toyota, so our current cars are a Rav4 XSE Prime and a BZ4X.

[@ItsAlive111]

They designed the Soltera and the Prius gauge cluster with the intention of putting a yoke, and they replaced said yoke with a round steering wheel blocking the gauge cluster 😢

[@TalismanPHX]

Toyota offers the yoke in Japan

[@ItsAlive111]

@@TalismanPHX this will be a very desired mod specially for tall drivers that need to set the round steering wheel higher

[@quixomega]

Yoke's are the type of thing that sound good until you actually test them. Tesla does it because with them, you're the tester.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

A yoke, yes. A drive by wire yoke with variable turning based on speed. For the traditional wheel, it was made smaller. You are not supposed to look through the wheel, you are supposed to look over it. Doesn't work for some. Perhaps Toyota should make the pod binnacle adjustable as well as the wheel. Because they're going to be using this design on a lot of their cars, especially the bZ series.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@quixomega Teslal's implementation is poor. Toyota won't have the hand over hand maneuvers because they've gone to a different system entirely. The two systems aren't comparable.

[@MechayaAlta]

Most of this car’s deficits are overcome in the Venza that gets 40 mpg. Car share and taxi drivers won’t like the rear seat’s head room. I prefer the old Prius V.

[@All-about-everything]

I couldn’t care less about the back seat cuz I’m not in it

[@johnbrews9724]

The Venza works fine, eCVT is seamless, switch from electric to gas is totally invisible, smooth acceleration and instant throttle response. In mixed driving I get 35mpg, but some shopping trips have reached 50mph.

[@Phoggbank]

@@johnbrews9724How is the Venza back seat legroom and headroom?

[@Sashazur]

I like the styling, it’s a departure from the usual whale face disco spaceship. Hopefully they’ll extend this to the rest of their lineup and Honda will pay attention.

[@mikefucito6030]

You failed to comment that Prius sales have dropped a lot over the years (big miss in your commentary) and this is likely why a redesign into a good looking and good driving car was necessary. They were losing Prius buyers. Prius has a lot of competition now, including BEV’s. The last version in particular was really ugly!

[@mobrien888]

Thank you for the insight Consumer Reports. Any idea on the electric range for the 2023 Prius Prime?

[@donswier]

Keep reading 38 miles, which would be over 13,000 annually for commuting daily.

[@mobrien888]

@@donswier I keep hoping for something that would beat the 2019 Chevy volt in plug-in range.

[@ItsAlive111]

I was obsess with the new Prius but now I’m more reluctant, perhaps a hybrid RAV4 is better. I agree with Ryan when he said anything more than 40 mpg is minuscule in savings

[@ItsAlive111]

Well it’s been two months now and Toyota just revealed the new Corolla Cross Hybrid. Same engine as in Prius, more space. A tad smaller than the RAV4.

[@rvsk]

Great review you all! By the way, Mrs. Stockberger, your hair looks amazing!

[@paultidwell8799]

We have an older one I will just say it's a great car, it's somewhat less than ideal though, like the back windows are difficult to see out of and there's no rear facing camera on it. The gas savings was a life saver during the pandemic but our miles per gallon are not quite as high as the newer models. We're really awaiting the new models once solid state lithium batteries are in these things so we're following the news year over year about what's happening to the prius but hoping our older one last long enough.

[@ericvando]

Did you only check the gage for fuel economy? It would be more accurate if you do fill up, drive and fill up again use the consumption and distance to calculate your economy.

[@stephanieluigon5192]

I think the Toyota logic for the changes goes something like this: If we can convince even 10% more customers to drive a hybrid which has a lower carbon footprint by improving the styling, it will more than make up for little or no increase in already great mileage numbers. Current Prius owners, though perhaps not brand loyal, will not abandon hybrids altogether, but you must attract ICE drivers from Miatas, Civics, etc. if you want to remain competitive. Toyota realizes they won't keep Prius owners who DON'T like quirky unless they address the power and styling issues. The car will be a huge success in that regard, whine simultaneously attracting new customers. It's OK to have idiosyncrasies when you're the only game in town, but once folks have other roads to travel which arrive at the same destination, they will choose the alternate route.

[@ronkemperful]

With my first generation Prius (2003 Model) I consistently got 52 MPG driving over a 12,000 foot mountain pass, on a 200 mile drive, multiple times winter and summer. But on my later model (2009) on the same highway trip I only got 43 MPG during the winter and maybe 44 to 45 MPG during the summer. I believe starting with the second generation models, Toyota has been focusing more on city mileage at the expense of highway mileage, and this includes the fifth generation that you test drove. 43 MPG isn't really that good, and one has to bear in mind cheaper and more conventional cars such as the Honda Civic if mainly driving the highway.

[@kenno6514]

Mike Monticello's comments about the Prius being too small for him was meaningless unless he tells us whether he is 5'11 or 6'6 so we will know if it applies to us.

[@kenno6514]

We have had a 2018 Prius Limited since 2018 and it's the perfect size for us with plenty of headroom and gets a combined 55 mpg because we drive conservatively, so the raspy noise on acceleration likely wouldn't apply to us either. I would like to have had more information.

[@MonkeyPunchZPoker]

Hoping they replace the old Prius with a Corolla Hatchback Hybrid.

[@lash9400]

I think Toyota should have made the Prius a plug in hybrid and full electric. The Prius was a trail blazer but now the competition and even it’s stablemates have caught up. The styling is great though

[@benjaminpage4288]

Super great conversation, solid hosting, Jen was great except for the college analogy was like... what?? But I liked it anyway. That's Jen, comfortable and quirky.

[@petegalindez9961]

Jen…”You top it off!” Really? You guys are the ones who said topping off can be bad for your car!!! I fill mine at the same pump every time until it stops, no top off, then calculate my mpg…I drive a Wagoneer. I find the estimator is off by about 1.5mpg…

[@kdiggitydog7696]

Eye-opening review with lots of details I don’t hear the other automotive press members presenting in their reviews. Kudos! But for the love of all humankind, try not to talk over each other so much.

[@BrewBlaster]

At first glance it's like a Corolla hatchback.

[@johnossendorf9979]

I realize that reviewers review the model Toyota gives them but I and many others are only interested in the LE FWD and AWD. It's about bang for the buck not about having FASHIONABLE (ugly, less efficient, less durable, requiring more expensive tires) 19 inch wheels and bells and whistles a lot of people don't want to pay for ! I want 16's for so many PRACTICAL reasons ! I'm 50+ years old, I'm not out railing corners (😅anymore😅) !

[@gabrielrogers2971]

I love it ! Like the second gen! It’s so special! I want one ! They convinced me!

[@All-about-everything]

So the last generation Prius is best for people 6”4?

[@mrfroopy]

19 inch wheels are a disaster from the tires ruined by bad roads aspect.

[@BillySmith808]

Thank you for this honest review, I definitely will not be buying one:)

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

From a styling point of view, I think the third generation, 2010-2015 models got the balance of looks and practicality just about right. Not that it was a "good looking" car exactly, but it was inoffensive and quite practical. Last gen's looks were too..."quirky" for me. (I cannot stand all of Toyota's drips and dribbles coming down from lights, looking like runny mascara or a prison teardrop tattoo.) Current gen looks a lot like a Chrysler 200/Dodge Dart to me, which would be fine, except losing all the practicality of the large hatch/liftback area? Plus with fuel economy that's really no better than a roomier, more comfortable Camry Hybrid for similar money? Or if you want a smaller car driving experience, the Corolla Hybrid seems like a good choice. Add in your complaints about the unrefined/noisy drivetrain of the Prius (which was surprising to hear. 25 years of making the Prius, you'd think they would set the standard in refined hybrid powertrains, right?) and the Prius just doesn't seem like the obvious/best choice in hybrid motoring anymore.

[@huyduong7202]

The old Prius is losing sale, i can see why Toyota changed the Prius design.

[@EverGone03]

they literally got it on the dot with the A pillar being in your face! wait for the civic hybrid!

[@JohnnyRoyalIsHere]

I took a drink every time the guy at screen left says "Umm". I got three minutes in and ran out of bourbon.

[@taisui]

Simulated shift does not make the driving experience bettter, come on now.

[@All-about-everything]

40 mpg????? Wtf. Pass I want 60

[@carljaekle]

So the whole point of a CVT is give you the perfect engine RPM for every situation, be that better fuel economy or better performance. Now CR wants to defeat these advantages by having a CVT mimic the behavior of a conventional automatic transmission.

[@kevinhenry177]

Consumer Reports really? They have had to drive the previous versions of the Prius the transmission did the same thing in those as well. That’s just the Prius. The old one was the same way, the one before that was the same way they all had the ECVT transmission. Yes if you are into it all the time your mileage is going to be bad if you are easy on it it’s going to be fantastic. is it sad they did not improve this on the 2023 Prius yes it is but they did give it a whole bunch more power. The other big problem with this car if you are over 6 feet you’re going to be looking through the very top of the windshield and the visor. Not for someone over 6 feet tall. They chopped it down a lot, yes the car looks amazing but it does not have any headroom for the driver anymore.

[@mfbikle]

At least with my 23’ NX-350h has more insulation and refinement. And that’s worth the extra small premium cost! Drive the RAV4 and NX back to back and it’s night and day, you’ll hear where your money went!

[@jonathanratliff4780]

Driven both and fully agree Michael, NX is way quieter than RAV, but being Lexus it should be

[@mfbikle]

@@jonathanratliff4780 the problem is at my Toyota dealership the RAV4 and Venza hybrids are nearly $45k and that’s Lexus territory!

[@zacknrudi]

Really nice looking silhouette but it has totally compromised the cabin space and head room....and the driver is sitting in the center of the car in the side view! I. Toyota wasn't considering the over 6 ft. tall folks. I hope this engine/hybrid system is extended to the Corolla/ Corolla Cross soon.

[@rightlanehog3151]

The recently departed President of Toyota was 5'4", I think this car was tailor made for him. This new 2.0 Hybrid drivetrain will be shared with the Corolla Cross Hybrid whenever it gets here but it will lose about 15 mpg in that application. The Corolla Hybrid sedan has a new 1.8 powertrain.

[@BTC909]

Get an XLE or Lexus 250h if you want to go up the trim level.

[@BTC909]

How epic will the markups be? 5K?

[@echang527]

Dealer called me today and the markup was 4995. Spot on.

[@victreebel170]

An A-pillar right in my face is one of my biggest complaints from my 2015 Mazda6. It's so steeply-raked, I have awful forward visibility with huge blind spots while I drive. Sounds like this is even worse, and that sucks, cuz I'm in the market for a hybrid. Ugh.

[@Supernaut2000]

The new Prius has been "de-dorked"....finally.

[@chrispnw2547]

I hate when Toyota chooses to not to properly encapsulate the engine/drivetrain noise on their products. They will do it on their Lexus versions of Toyota products and know how to do it.

[@mfbikle]

Right! The 2017 RAV4 is quieter than the 22’.. I’m on my 3rd Lexus, it’s too bad because I really liked my Toyotas’ of yesteryears. My 23’ NX feels like a different car from Toyota!

[@jimpitt7112]

I thought about getting one to replace a Prius V. 19" wheels only in Canada. Good luck finding all weather or winter tires. There aren't any that fit that weird size. Pushing $50K Canadian.

[@marekw.9816]

I'm getting a style over substance vibe with this generation. Not going for 60mpg is disappointing- they were so close!

[@timgt5]

I think the "dorky" customers have moved on to electrics. The last gen had terrible styling, not sure if this one will sell, too many good competitors out there.

[@phileasler5401]

Agree, hybrids = 20 century technology

[@davidbattaglia2336]

Currently, in California, 6-12 month waitlists for a prime. Not sure on the std Prius, but you have to get on the waitlist for that trim too. And seeing dealers marking them up as much as 10 grand in the Bay Area.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@phileasler5401 Electrics are 19th century technology that has been updated.

[@TheGecko213]

@@phileasler5401 : EVs are 20th Century technology running on 19th century power plants for electricity

[@robtaylor4365]

The last generation was hideous. I think they will attract new buyers with this new generation

[@chrisniswonger]

Test drove one…it’s like driving a fish bowl while wearing scuba googles…

[@carljaekle]

Two things: 1. That very forward dashboard, is actually obscuring part of the windshield and therefore part of what you are able to see out of the windshield. 2. Ryan said we are not going to see tremendous increases in fuel economy moving forward. I would remind him that a basic BEV is going to get 130+ MPGe.

[@toyotaprius79]

2:04 Do you guys have something to do with cars getting ever more upmarket and inaccessible too, can't you help that?

[@TMM6900]

CR does mostly talking cars on KZbin now?

[@nicholassmith7048]

Toyota really needs to improve the refinement of their 4 cylinders. It's rough and unrefined in the RAV4 hybrid as well. Toyota makes nice refined V6s but if you want a smooth, refined 4 cylinder, you still want to go across the road to Honda.

[@anotheran]

The odometer is calculated based on revolutions of the tires. So if you upsized your tires, your trip computer will be lower than actual distance travelled. If you go smaller tires, like for winter, then you’re odometer will go faster than actual distance travelled.

[@bchuff2]

EPA fuel economy was achieved using premium fuel. Lower mpg is expected when using 87 octane.

[@pazooter]

I live atop a high plateau with a steep 8-mile climb up a canyon. After taking ownership of an AWD 2023 Prius XLE a few weeks ago I find that it absolutely loves the steep but high speed curves, both up and down -- no complaints, lots of fun. I'm comparing it to the 2015 Honda Sport that I just traded in for it; the Prius is both faster and better in the corners. The engine noise does not seem any worse than any engine noise when you have to gun it. I sorta feel like it's 1953 and I just got a brand new Corvette sitting in my carport. The new Prius is a classic! Here is a video (not mine) of our canyon road: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5alZmmZbq5pjpY

[@jimthumerzs2301]

Toyota needed to make Prius a more-premium driving experience and they failed. They needed to fix the loss of cargo and headroom resulting from the 2016 redesign and they seemed to have made it worse. The interior and exterior look better, but they failed to make the car quiet and they simply replaced the previous unloved center mounted gauge cluster with another unconventional and even less-functional dash. Prius buyers want a practical, comfortable car. Nobody wanted a sorta-sporty "coupe."

[@summerwinter2012]

very apprehensive on indoor height, my son is 6 2'