The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV) arrives wearing a seductive new skin, sure to redefine how the public views hybrid cars.
However, there’s more to the new Prius Prime than just good looks. There’s more power and technology onboard, making this an attractive choice for anyone still torn between buying electric versus ICE (internal combustion engines).
The Prius Prime offers the best of both worlds. It can travel up to 44 miles solely on electric power, then switch to the gas engine for longer trips. For most commuters, traveling less than 44 miles daily would mean never filling up for gas, provided they recharge the battery every night. But, even when switching to gas, a 52-mpg combined fuel economy rating means there won’t be much pain at the pump.
Toyota offers the Prius Prime in three trims: SE, XSE, and XSE Premium. All three derive power from a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter engine combined with a 161-hp electric motor/generator for a net output of 220 horsepower. This combination endows the Prius Prime with a relatively fleet 0-60 mph time of just 6.6 seconds.
Direct competition comes from cars like the Kia Niro PHEV and, to a lesser extent, compact SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson PHEV and Ford Escape PHEV.
Prices are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Prius Prime SE
Starts at $32,350 | See listings
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- Heated steering wheel
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Blind-spot monitor
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear seat side airbags
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Smart Key keyless entry
- 17-inch wheels
- Available front and rear parking assist
- See more
Prius Prime XSE
Starts at $35,600 | See listings
- 19-inch wheels
- 8-way power driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- SofTex upholstery
- Wireless charging pad
- Auto on/off headlights
- Front and rear park assist with automatic braking
- See more
Prius Prime XSE Premium
Starts at $39,170 | See listings
- JBL audio
- Fixed glass roof
- Digital Key
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Power hatchback door
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Available heated rear seats
- Available Advanced Park parking assistant
- See more
2023 Toyota Prius Prime SE: $32,350
With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) well within the median new car price, the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime SE seems a compelling choice. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a comprehensive package of driver assists designed to help you avoid accidents.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-change assist, front cross-traffic detection, road sign detection, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Additional safety systems include a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, rear seat reminder, Safe Exit Assist (warns when it’s not safe to open the door due to traffic or bicyclists approaching from behind), and Traffic Jam Assist, which can steer and brake the Prius Prime in stop-and-go situations with limited driver interaction.
The Prius Prime SE features eight airbags, including rear seat side-impact airbags.
A quick walk around the SE reveals bi-LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated power side mirrors, and active grille shutters. Smart Key keyless entry system allows one-touch driver’s door unlocking and push-button start activation without having the key fob in hand.
The SE interior features cloth upholstery, manual front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a heated tilt/telescoping steering wheel, single-zone climate control, and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster.
An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment setup includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a rearview monitor, and access to Toyota connected services.
A 6-speaker audio system comes standard, as do six USB-C charge ports, extendable sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, and a rear cargo cover.
Optional on the SE is front and rear park assist with automatic braking for a whopping $35.
Some dealer-installed accessories include an integrated dashcam, paint protection film, a roadside emergency kit, a first-aid kit, and all-weather floor liners.
With the $1,095 delivery fee (in most states), the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime SE costs $33,445. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and with $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $631. See 2023 Toyota Prius Prime SE models for sale near you
2023 Toyota Prius Prime SE includes:
- TSS 3.0 – Toyota’s complete package of safety and driver aids includes several systems that are optional on some competitors.
- Heated steering wheel – Another high-end feature rarely available, let alone standard, on a base model.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – The SE’s wireless connectivity feature lets you stream directly from your phone without having to plug in.
2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE: $35,600
The Prius Prime XSE costs a few grand more than the base SE, but it brings several features increasingly desired by new car buyers.
Building off the SE, the XSE adds auto on/off headlights, 19-inch wheels, SofTex (faux leather) trimmed seat upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat including power lumbar support, heated front seats, and the Smart Key entry system expanded to both front doors and rear hatchback.
The XSE gains a folding rear seat armrest with cup holders, a wireless charging pad, an auto-dimming interior mirror, and front and rear park assist with automatic braking.
Options for the XSE include Digital Key (lets you use your smartphone like a key), a fixed glass roof, and a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen upgrade.
With the $1,095 delivery fee, the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE costs $36,695. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and with $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $692. See 2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE models for sale near you
2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE includes:
- 8-way power driver’s seat – The XSE’s power driver seat provides greater range and includes power lumbar support for better lower back support.
- Wireless charging pad – A quick and easy way to keep your phone charged without plugging in.
- Front and rear park assist with braking – Front and rear bumper sensors warn the driver when getting too close to a stationary object and can even activate the brakes to prevent a collision.
2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium: $39,170
The XSE Premium is the most luxurious 2023 Toyota Prius Prime. It features all the XSE features plus a fixed glass roof, a power hatchback, driver’s seat memory, and heated and ventilated front seats.
The Premium comes standard with Digital Key, the 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, and an 8-speaker JBL audio system with an amplifier.
Premium buyers can upgrade their cars with a digital rearview camera mirror, heated rear seats, a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, a solar-charging roof, and an Advanced Park self-parking assistant.
With the $1,095 delivery fee, the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium costs $40,265. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and with $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $760. See 2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium models for sale near you
2023 Toyota Prius Prim XSE Premium includes:
- Fixed glass roof – The Premium fixed glass roof includes a sliding sun shade.
- Power hatchback door – The Premium’s power hatchback makes it easy to access the trunk when your hands are full.
- JBL audio – Music lovers will want this upgrade, which features eight strategically placed JBL speakers powered by an 800-watt amp.
