Trims and Powertrain

Buyers of the front-wheel-drive 2023 Toyota Prius Prime can choose from a trio of trims: SE, XSE, and XSE Premium. The powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a 120-kW permanent magnet AC synchronous motor (161 hp), a lithium-ion battery, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The total output is 220 horsepower: a significant improvement over last year's 121 hp.

In all-electric mode, the Prius Prime SE can travel up to 44 miles (39 miles for the higher trims). Note that last year’s Prius Prime had a 25-mile electric range, making this quite an upgrade. Recharging the battery takes about 4 hours via a 240-volt charger. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the SE is 53 mpg around town and 51 mpg on the highway. This changes to 50 mpg in the city and 47 on the highway for the XSE and XSE Premium. In battery-only mode, the Prius Prime SE presents a combined MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) of 127 for the SE and 114 for the XSE and XSE Premium.

Standard Features and Major Options

As the entry-level trim for the Prius Prime, the SE is equipped with proximity keyless entry, single-zone climate control, push-button start, fabric upholstery, six-way manually adjustable front seats, LED exterior lighting, heated power side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a SofTex-wrapped heated steering wheel, a cargo-area cover, and 17-inch alloy wheels with covers.

The XSE adds heated front seats, an eight-way power driver's seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The XSE Premium is loaded, getting heated and ventilated seats, a driver's position memory system, and a power liftback.

A fixed-panel glass roof and a digital key (a smartphone app for vehicle access and operation without a physical key) are standard on the XSE Premium and optional for the XSE. A solar-charging roof and heated rear seats are available only on the XSE Premium.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard across the Prius Prime lineup. This important driver-assist package contains a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, proactive driving assist, adaptive cruise control, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, traffic jam assist, and safe exit assist also come with all trims.

Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking are optional on the SE and included with the higher Prius Prime trims. A surround-view monitor and advanced parking assist are optional on the XSE Premium. An eight-airbag occupant protection system, hill start assist control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), vehicle stability control, and traction control are part of the Prius Prime’s standard safety systems.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2023 Prius Prime relies on an 8-inch touchscreen to control the state-of-the-art infotainment system. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard on the XSE Premium and available for the XSE. All trims come with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. A six-speaker audio system is standard in the SE and XSE, while the XSE Premium gets a high-end eight-speaker JBL system along with wireless device charging. In addition, all Prius Prime versions get access to Cloud Navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Toyota connected services (for emergency support, vehicle monitoring, and remote features).