2023 Toyota Prius Debuts – TNGA base, Now with Both PHEV and HEV Powertrains

Toyota has taken the wraps off its new fifth generation Prius model, and it now comes with both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and Series Parallel hybrid (HEV) powertrain options. Notably, the fifth-gen Prius also underpins Toyota’s latest, second generation TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) chassis platform, promising a much better driving experience this time around.

On the powertrain front, the 2023 Toyota Prius will be available for the first time as a PHEV, which features a 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol mill plus an electric motor and 13.6 kWh battery pack (EU spec) setup, the electric system promising up to 50% higher all-electric travel range than the previous-gen Prius too. Unique to the PHEV model is the inclusion of a solar charging system that can generate power that’s equivalent to 1,250 KM of driving distance per year.

Overall, this PHEV powertrain outputs up to 220 HP while still maintaining the same level of efficiency as its predecessor, and it’s also capable of despatching 0-100 KM/H in 6.7 seconds.

Moving on to the traditional hybrid (HEV) Prius, both a 1.8-litre and a 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol mills will be offered, the latter being the same used in the new PHEV setup too. The latter, paired with its electrified component, is capable of a maximum power output of 190 HP, which is 1.6 times more powerful than the previous model.

Additionally, this new HEV version will also get Toyota’s latest E-Four all-wheel drive system, promising improved uphill performance as well as better control on low-friction road surfaces (i.e. snow).

The 2023 Prius underpins the second-generation TNGA platform, which was developed with improved strength and rigidity plus a lower centre of gravity and larger tyre diameter. This, in turn, promises a much better driving experience, especially when combined with said improved powertrains.

In terms of design, the new 2023 Prius boasts a much-elevated look, while maintaining that easily recognizable Prius silhouette. The front fascia is akin to the new Toyota Crown’s design, featuring a hammerhead-like look with sharp C-shaped headlights flanking each side.

From the side, the Prius’s hatch silhouette is still visible in this fifth-gen model, albeit much sleeker than before. The roofline starts rather dramatically up front, with its slanting angle flowing right from the front nose up until the mid-roof part.

Toyota’s latest hybrid also rides on massive 19-inch wheels, featuring different designs for both the PHEV and standard HEV models.

Inside the cabin, the 12.3-inch centre infotainment display steals the show, mounted on top of its rather sleek-looking dash. There’s also a panoramic moonroof that allows passengers to enjoy the stunning sky view, instead of looking at the boring fabric ceiling.

In terms of safety, the new Prius comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) safety suite that features much-improved objects detecting range. Also new is Toyota’s Advanced Park system, an autonomous parking assistance that allows easier parking enter and exit in various situations. Best part is that this Advance Park function can be operated remotely via a dedicated smartphone app.

More technical details are expected as we get closer to the model’s planned market entry which starts early next year with the HEV variant first, followed by the PHEV variant which starts from Spring onwards.

With the new Prius, Toyota hasn’t gone down the full-electric or alternative fuel route just yet, with the automaker favouring a hybrid setup still as they claim this is still much more accessible to the masses compared to full electric vehicles (EVs). What do you folks think then? Can the Prius, now with a plug-in option, do well in this new EV-focused era? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…