2023 Toyota Prius PHEV Launched in Japan – 220 HP, Up to 105 KM EV Range

The 2023 Toyota Prius made its global debut back in Nov 2022, coming in both Series Parallel hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. Months after its long-awaited debut, Toyota Japan has finally launched the PHEV version of the 2023 Prius into the Japanese market, with deliveries expected to begin later this month.

The fifth-gen Prius marks a new milestone in the model’s history, as this is the first time a Prius model comes with a PHEV variant. The PHEV Prius houses a 2.0-litre 4-cyl M20A-FXS petrol engine rated at 149 HP and 188 NM that is paired with a hybrid electric motor that provides a further 161 HP and 208 NM. 

In total, the Prius PHEV total system output is rated at 220 HP (164 kW), enabling it to despatch from nought to 100 KM/H in 6.7 seconds while still maintaining the same level of efficiency as its predecessor. Just like the standard hybrid variant, the Prius PHEV also comes standard with an eCVT automatic box to boot.

Juiced by a 13.6-kWh battery pack, the Prius PHEV is capable of a maximum EV range of 105 KM when riding on a set of 17-inch wheels. Opting for the bigger 19-inch wheels will only grant the Prius with 87 KM of pure EV range. Meanwhile, charging up the 13.6-kWh battery pack via 200 V AC charging  takes about 4.5 hours.

Unique to the Prius PHEV is the solar charging system mounted onto the car’s roof. The Japanese marque claims that this system can generate power that’s equivalent to 1,250 KM of driving distance per year. Apart from powering up the car, the energy collected from the solar panel will also be used for other electronic parts of the car such as the climate control and infotainment system.

The PHEV adoption also garners the new Prius with the ability to act as a giant power bank, as the battery packs system is capable of providing up to 1.5 kW of electricity at 100 V to electrical appliances and accessories. With the external electric power supply attachment coming standard to all Prius PHEV, such feature will come in handy during emergencies or sudden power outages, especially within the earthquake-prone areas across Japan.

Underpinning Toyota’s latest TNGA platform, the next-gen Prius is promised to not only provide better efficiency, but also a much better driving experience. For reference, the TNGA platform is also used in other Toyota performance-oriented models, notably the all-new GR Corolla hot-hatch.

The 2023 Toyota Prius PHEV is poised for a price tag of JPY4.6 million (RM151,576), essentially making it the range-topping variant amongst the other next-gen Prius variants. Sales and deliveries are expected to commence from Mar 15 onwards.

As for now, UMW Toyota has yet to announce any plans to introduce the fifth-gen Prius into our local market, with the third-gen Prius being the last Prius to be officially sold in Malaysia. Currently, Toyota Malaysia’s electrified offering is limited only to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.