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.
Gallery





















Written By
Mukhlis Azman
An avid two-wheeler that writes and talks about four-wheelers for a living, while dreaming of an urban transit-laden Malaysia. @mukhlisazman
JPJ Running Numbers
KUALA LUMPUR
VPK5818
SELANGOR
BSG3835
JOHOR
JYD4442
PULAU PINANG
PRS4693
PERAK
ANX8639
PAHANG
CFC6547
KEDAH
KGB4178
NEGERI SEMBILAN
NEG4841
KOTA KINABALU
SJL7523
KUCHING
QAB6955L
Last updated 19 Jul, 2025
Fuel Price
Petrol
RON 95
RM 2.05
RON 97
RM 3.21
+0.03
RON 100
RM 5.00
VPR
RM 6.23
Diesel
EURO 5 B10
RM 2.91
+0.03
EURO 5 B7
RM 3.11
+0.03
Last updated 17 Jul, 2025
Related News
Mystery New Toyota Sports Coupe And Racecar Twin Bows At Goodwood FOS
Toyota debuts new sports coupe and its racecar twin, albeit under heavy camouflage, at Goodwood FOS.
14-07-2025
Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept Takes Hydrogen Tech to WRC
The Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept is a hydrogen-powered alternative to Toyota’s Group Rally2 racer.
09-07-2025
Toyota Hilux GR Sport – Go-Anywhere Utility Meets Race-Inspired Thrills!
The Toyota Hilux GR Sport merges go-anywhere utility with race-inspired thrills and style almost perfectly.
27-06-2025
Toyota Land Cruiser 250 Gains New 48V MHEV Diesel Variant in Europe
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (250 Series) gains a new Hybrid 48V variant in Europe, featuring a mild hybrid diesel powertrain.
24-06-2025
Toyota GR LH2 Racing Concept Unveiled as a Hydrogen-Hybrid Le Mans Racer
Toyota has unveiled its second hydrogen-powered Le Mans hypercar concept, known as the Toyota GR LH2 Racing Concept.
14-06-2025
Toyota bZ5 Unveiled in China as a Sleek Electric Coupe Crossover
The all-new Toyota bZ5 EV breaks cover in China, featuring a sleek coupe crossover bodystyle.
11-06-2025
Updated Toyota Aygo X Gains Stylish GR Sport Guise in Europe
The GR Sport badge has just landed on an unexpected model in Europe, namely the updated Toyota Aygo X.
03-06-2025
Toyota Crown Sedan Gains Special 70th Anniversary Edition in Japan
Toyota celebrates the 70th anniversary of its iconic Crown nameplate by launching a special edition Crown Sedan.
23-05-2025
Latest News
Mitsubishi Destinator Bows As A New ASEAN-Tailored Three-Row SUV
New Mitsubishi Destinator revealed as a three-row SUV made especially for ASEAN markets – ours included.
17-07-2025
Stellantis Discontinues Its Hydrogen Programme Amid Weak Demand
Stellantis has discontinued its hydrogen fuel cell technology development programme due to slow market demand.
17-07-2025
Porsche Macan Reaches 1-Million-Unit Production Milestone
Porsche has just built its one millionth Macan SUV since its inception more than a decade ago.
17-07-2025
Renault Group Appoints CFO Duncan Minto As Interim CEO
Renault Group names CFO Duncan Minto as interim CEO, search for de Meo’s successor continues.
16-07-2025
Geely Set to Take Zeekr Private Ahead of Finalised Merger
Geely Automobile has officially signed a merger agreement with Zeekr to take the brand private from the group.
16-07-2025
Nissan Set To Close Historic Oppama Plant As Part Of Restructuring Bid
Nissan forced to shutter historic Oppama plant by 2028 as part of its Re:Nissan restructuring pan.
16-07-2025
Mystery New Toyota Sports Coupe And Racecar Twin Bows At Goodwood FOS
Toyota debuts new sports coupe and its racecar twin, albeit under heavy camouflage, at Goodwood FOS.
14-07-2025
Lamborghini Temerario GT3 Bows In But Ditches The PHEV Setup
Lamborghini has unveiled the GT3 racecar version of its latest V8 PHEV supercar, the Lamborghini Temerario.
14-07-2025
Show More
trending_flat