From its first launch at the end of 1997 onwards, the Toyota Prius is forever known as the originator of the hybrid race, and thanks to the Prius, the motoring industry is following the Prius's example, reducing carbon emissions every mile away. Built to tackle the challenges of the new normal in this unstable world, the Prius of the Reiwa Era was born, and Toyota's ringing in the new year with the fifth-generation Prius.
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| 2023 Toyota Prius |
Starting at 3.2 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new, fifth-generation, Toyota Prius, is the newest take on the pioneering hybrid vehicle that started it all. It's built to tackle the challenges of the new normal in this unstable world we live in and being the first Prius of the Reiwa Era, it's a challenge accepted.
.jpg "2023 Toyota Prius") |
| 2023 Toyota Prius |
Beginning with the design, the iconic Prius silhouette was retained in this new version while incorporating a sleek and stylish design fit for the new normal. On the front, it dons one similar to the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, which is rather intriguing because Toyota began copying the front face of modern Ferraris in cars like the bZ4x and the recent Crown Crossover. On the rear end, well, it really is even and squared to perfection. The questionable but futuristic styling really made a statement about a Prius built for the Reiwa era.
.jpg "2023 Toyota Prius") |
| 2023 Toyota Prius |
The new interior signaled the end of an era where Prius speedos are positioned in the middle because, unlike past generations, the new Prius has its instrumental panel positioned to the driver's side while the touchscreen positioning is highly reminiscent of BMWs of today. The gear lever is now positioned below rather than into the dashboard and with numerous features implemented on the driver's side, the new Prius is now civilized and sensible for everyone behind the wheel. Oh, and hope you got your USB-C cables handy because there are no Type-A outlets in the new Prius. Just USB-C outlets only.
In terms of spacing, it's slightly more spacious compared to the previous model, meaning there's slightly enough room for your recent purchases from the thrift store if you catch my drift.
.jpg "2023 Toyota Prius") |
| 2023 Toyota Prius |
Running on the second-generation TNGA platform while being coupled with MacPherson struts at the front and a double wishbone setup at the rear, the new Prius drives better than the previous model and it's more rigid as well, making it the Prius you would really like to drive on a daily basis. Add an e-Four system and it adds some all-weather capabilities to the new model.
Under the hood, the new Prius is offered only with an M20A-FXS 2.0L Dynamic Force engine bolted to an electric motor and a Li-ion battery. It produces up to 193PS of power output and while mated to a CVT, fuel economy is around 31.5km/L for FF models while 4WD models get up to 29.2km/L, based on WLTC mode standards. A PHEV variant will arrive later this spring.
If you're on a business trip, you can rent the 1.8L model via KINTO for 16,610 Yen per month but it's only applicable for the KINTO Unlimited plan. The 1.8L rental car has 32.6km/L of fuel economy. Should cover your sensible business trips across Japan.
Being the Reiwa-era Prius, the new model's Toyota Safety System was greatly expanded and revised with the addition of the rear vehicle proximity notification and secondary collision brake. These new features, along with familiar advanced driving assistance systems offered as well as the Toyota Teammate - Advanced Park, made the new Prius safer than ever, although there might be some downsides for speedo boys behind the wheel. That's autonomy for you.
To buy, to drive, or to burn? That is the question that pops up on every customer's mind when they lock their sights on the all-new Prius. Because being the Reiwa-era Prius that tackles the challenges of the new normal, it sure knows how to be topical and current at the same time in this unstable world we live in. With climate change and rising gas prices becoming the new normal in this unstable world, the new Prius is common sense for the common good because, in the end, this will be the people's car of the new normal. The more you know.
Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation
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