2023 Toyota Prius debuts – fifth-gen receives radical redesign, new 223 PS 2.0L PHEV, 196 PS 2.0L hybrid

2023 Toyota Prius debuts – fifth-gen receives radical redesign, new 223 PS 2.0L PHEV, 196 PS 2.0L hybrid

After some brief teasing, Toyota has unveiled the all-new, fifth-generation Prius, which is built on an evolution of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) used by the fourth-generation model. The Prius nameplate has been around since 1997 with around 5.05 million units sold, and for the latest iteration, the Japanese carmaker says it “decided to start from scratch and look at what the Prius needs to remain popular for the next 25 years.”

The total redesign has resulted in a rather inviting shape that bring back the signature liftback profile of the original. This is coupled with sleeker lines (note the hidden rear door handles) and distinctive creases along the sides, the latter of which also helps accentuate the wheel arches.

Up front, we find a hammerhead shark-like fascia that appears even pointier than what is seen on the bZ4X and Crown, which is joined by C-shaped daytime running lights (reminiscent of the bZ Compact SUV concept) that sit above the main headlamps and narrow air intake. A larger, hexagonal-shaped intake with a gloss black trim surround occupies the front lower apron, with another noticeable design cue being the bonnet creases that extend to the tip of the nose.

As for the rear, the outgoing car’s secondary window and protruding boot have been omitted with the liftback profile. The more upright look is accompanied by wide-width taillights that blend in neatly with the carved-out sections of the bodywork highlighted in black trim. Further down, there’s nothing overly expressive, with just a black panel that contains the trapezoidal-shaped number plate recess and reflectors.

2023 Toyota Prius debuts – fifth-gen receives radical redesign, new 223 PS 2.0L PHEV, 196 PS 2.0L hybrid

Inside, the new Prius takes a page out of the bZ4X by adopting the same steering wheel and placing the digital instrument cluster further up the dashboard. Toyota says the latter features the first implementation of its illuminated warning system, which not only provides ambient lighting, but also ties into the Toyota Safety Sense systems to visually alert (by flashing lights) the driver to detected objects before audible warnings are delivered.

The new digital instrument cluster also marks the end of Toyota’s placement of vital driving information on the centre of dash, which is something you’ll find in previous generations of the Prius. This “normalisation” of the cabin is also evident in other areas like the centre console that houses the gear lever, wireless phone charger and controls for various vehicle functions.

Elsewhere, the air vents are more discreet compared to the fourth-generation model, and it is sandwiched by a wide touchscreen and a separate control panel dedicated to the climate system further down.

Under the skin, the second-generation TNGA (GA-C) platform allows the Prius to have a lower centre of gravity than before, while also being to accommodate large-diametre tyres. Additionally, further reinforcement throughout the body has increased rigidity and improved quietness.

2023 Toyota Prius debuts – fifth-gen receives radical redesign, new 223 PS 2.0L PHEV, 196 PS 2.0L hybrid

The new Prius’ platform is paired with MacPherson struts at the front and a double wishbone setup at the rear, which is the same as its predecessor. “Combined with the latest powertrains, it delivers a captivating driving performance,” Toyota claims.

Let’s talk about those powertrains. The big news is the introduction of a 2.0 litre plug-in hybrid system that uses a Dynamic Force Engine (M20A-FXS) providing 151 PS (149 hp or 111 kW), a lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor rated at 163 PS (161 hp or 120 kW) to deliver a total system output of 223 PS (220 hp or 164 kW). The battery pack is located under the rear seat instead of the in the cargo area so the centre of gravity and boot space aren’t compromised.

Toyota says despite the larger-displacement engine, the front-wheel drive PHEV powertrain maintains the same level of fuel efficiency as the previous 1.8 litre, 122 PS (121 hp or 90 kW) setup. Detailed figures – like the claimed 50% increase in electric-only range (current is between 40-50 km) and charging times – aren’t available just yet, but the upshot of the higher output is a 0-100 km/h time of just 6.7 seconds (from 11.1 seconds).

Other aspects of the PHEV powertrain include the My Room Mode feature that lets users enjoy air conditioning and audio systems from the external power source by turning the power switch on during charging.

The other powertrains employ Toyota’s Series Parallel Hybrid System (HEV) and come in 2.0 and 1.8 litre versions. The former (also based on the M20A-FXS) delivers as much as 196 PS (193 hp), which is 1.6 times higher than the existing 1.8 litre model.

On that mention, Toyota didn’t talk much about the 1.8 litre version of the hybrid powertrain, but reports indicate it will be the same setup as before with the 2ZR-FXE four-cylinder. Toyota’s E-Four system system will be offered for the regular hybrids for those who require all-wheel drive.

It should be noted that hybrid and PHEV models share the same design, which wasn’t the case with the fourth-generation model. The latest Prius also comes with two 100-volt, 1.5 kW AC accessory power outlets – one at the back of the centre console and one in the cargo space – allowing users to plug in appliances or peripherals.

Users can select the BEV external power supply mode, which uses power from the battery only without having to start the engine, or the HEV external power supply mode, which recharges the battery from the engine if the remaining power is too low.

2023 Toyota Prius debuts – fifth-gen receives radical redesign, new 223 PS 2.0L PHEV, 196 PS 2.0L hybrid

There’s also a dedicated attachment so that external power supply is possible with the door windows closed to prevent rain and insects from getting in the car when in use. Other power-related features include a solar charging system for PHEV models that generates power equivalent to driving up to 1,250 km per year, the carmaker claims.

The new Prius also comes equipped with a Toyota Safety Sense monocular camera at the front, a rear-facing camera for the Digital Inner Mirror and an in-vehicle drive recorder, with data stored on the ECU to avoid data corruption.

All grades get the suite as standard, with improvements to the range of detectable objects and inclusion of Toyota Teammate – Advanced Park that can also be operated remotely from outside the vehicle via a dedicated smartphone app. The HEV models will launch in winter this year, while the PHEVs models are set to go on sale in spring 2023.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Rossie on Nov 16, 2022 at 2:39 pm

    The Toyota TNGA MK2 Prius simply continue its futuristic statement.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Civic Turbo 2018 on Nov 17, 2022 at 10:38 am

      From the “combined” power output, can know this system still not the latest Toyota “e-Smart hybrid” that can rivals Honda’s I-MMD – where engine as generator; motor as the main EV-like

      Really hope Toyota can allow more “Ativa hybrid” to subscribe. Good for town drive and buy grocery. Unless the tech is not fully ready

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 4
      • Environ on Nov 17, 2022 at 11:45 am

        1. Toyota Corolla 2.0EV 102g CO²/km 7.5s – 100km/h 1.3 tonne.
        2. Honda City Cross HR-V 1.5EV 122g CO²/km 10.6s-100km/h 1.3 tonne.
        https://paultan.org/2021/07/29/2022-honda-hr-v-ehev-hybrid-powertrain-detailed-for-europe-5-4-l-100-km-wltp-0-100-km-h-in-10-6-secs/
        https://paultan.org/2022/06/03/2023-toyota-corolla-for-europe-1-8l-2-0l-hybrids-get-stronger-performance-less-emissions-new-safety-kit/

        Try to compare the Big difference in speed, pollution of Carbon Emission.
        Honda 1.5EV is more polluting yet slower?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
        • Civic Turbo 2018 on Nov 17, 2022 at 6:14 pm

          Bro U are comparing 2 different hybrid systems. U should read more about Toyota’s “e-Smart hybrid” to understand the difference to this U see in this Prius. Ativa hybrid has the LATEST hybrid system from Toyota, which is SIMILAR to Honda’s I-MMD system (available in both 1.5 and 2.0)

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
          • hondah on Dec 20, 2022 at 9:04 am

            unless u design the hybrid systems for both honda and toyota, u shouldnt degrade something u dont know much about. there are many ev/hev system out there we can appreciate including those from tesla, merc, bmw, porsche etc . toyota is the pioneer in hev and has been in the forefront of the market for so long. it’s fine if u like honda so much but keep your infatuation to yourself. people should welcome progress in technology and enjoy saving the earth from pollution.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • anonymous on Nov 16, 2022 at 2:45 pm

    toyota designers are hitting it out of the ballpark with these designs of late. kudos to them.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 0
  • Walauweh..no uncle car anymore

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • Family Guy on Nov 16, 2022 at 2:50 pm

    This car have existed since years ago but we have been waiting many years for P2 to come out with their hybrid car. Now 20 years later still they are not selling hybrid let alone EV.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
    • P2 still want to do study for 5 years in the Ativa Hybrid. I just dont understand P2’s decision on this because why they still want to test a proven and reliable Toyota Hybrid system as if it is a new one. by 2027 it is already too late for Perodua to introduce Hybrid model probably by that time maybe EV has gotten cheaper. even proton would like to introduce their EV in 2027. So in 2027 P2 wanna make 5 years test on EV pulak ke.. hmmm

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • Anonymous on Nov 18, 2022 at 12:10 pm

        The Atia Hybrid is actually a study for their electrification plan. It’s primarily a market study, but the data gained from the car can be gauged to determine driving behaviour of Malaysians in populated cities.
        Two key areas of study:

        1. Malaysians acceptance of subscription plans. Kickstarting a full EV sale would probably not be economical for many Malaysians. Malaysians go to Perodua for cheap new cars, and a Perodua EV can only be as affordable as the technology permits. Perodua might be introducing EVs through subscriptions as a start, like EZ Mobi. Perodua handles all the servicing and maintenance of the car under the subscription, and Perodua could be planning the same thing for their first EV introduction. But EZ Mobi is for corporations. The staff that uses the cars would have different expectations when using their company fleet because other than fuel the cars are free to use. If the cars are paid by those who drive them then the expectations would be different. This is the main study for the Ativa.

        2. The e-Smart is a pure series hybrid so it behaves a lot like a pure EV, only without the range anxiety. Perodua wants to study how people would use this hybrid configuration in populated areas. I’ve carpooled in a plug-in hybrid (a series-parallel) and driven the car myself too. On the same journey I can drive the car in pure EV all the way (18km), while the other driver never has. Theoretically I can commute to work never having to refuel at all, while the other driver would top up once a week. This is the behaviour Perodua wants to study to better gauge how they would serve their subscribed customers, and also optimize their hybrids.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Ground Europe Passenger on Nov 16, 2022 at 2:56 pm

    Can trade in Mercedes Benz CLA for this

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Seribu on Nov 16, 2022 at 2:58 pm

    Looks real and very advanced

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Ah beng’s wet dream.
    Looks like a blend of Gallardo and Purosangue, at one tenth of price.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Wow. I never liked the prius before but this one changed my mind. UMW please bring it here!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • orcon on Nov 16, 2022 at 4:31 pm

    Nice car. Kudos toyota!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Edi90 on Nov 16, 2022 at 5:03 pm

    With that color, they’re already looking like a taxi before even made a taxi, which is what they eventually will be.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 7
  • Wow. Superb design by Toyota.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • @Snakebabu on Nov 16, 2022 at 5:27 pm

    The Prius I don’t mind being seen in.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • ksatria on Nov 16, 2022 at 6:06 pm

    Msian market RRP?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Fazenne on Nov 16, 2022 at 6:09 pm

    Bring in the 2l here. The old 1.8 is just so underpowered. And hopefully, the next cross will utilize this new 2l hybrid

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr on Nov 16, 2022 at 6:30 pm

    Wow hope UMW Toyota bring this Prius in. This tree hugger car looks really good.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Anonymous on Nov 16, 2022 at 8:11 pm

    Well, well. Who knew there would be a Prius you wouldn’t mind being seen in.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • not bad

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Now this is one hybrid I’ll put my money on. Next big question is whether they can crack our government’s wonderful taxation policies and sell this at a price that most of us are willing to pay for.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • Celup King on Nov 17, 2022 at 11:15 am

      If you want it you know what you need to do
      https://paultan.org/2022/11/08/barisan-nasionals-ge15-manifesto-approved-permits-ap-for-evs-in-malaysia-to-be-abolished/

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • finally… a concept car looking prius
    Good job

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • prius owner on Nov 16, 2022 at 9:33 pm

    goodjob toyota for finally making a prius that is not ugly and underpower anymore.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Bieight8 on Nov 16, 2022 at 11:04 pm

    GG lah honda insight

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Civic Turbo 2018 on Nov 17, 2022 at 7:30 am

    From the “combined” power output, can know this system still not the latest Toyota “e-Smart hybrid” that can rivals Honda’s I-MMD – where engine as generator; motor as the main EV-like

    Really hope Toyota can allow more “Ativa hybrid” to subscribe. Good for town drive and buy grocery. Unless the tech is not fully ready

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
    • Fiker on Nov 19, 2022 at 5:04 pm

      TNGA MK2.0, Prius Leading with new platform
      To achieve Wide Body, Low CG and Sophistication.

      TOYOTA PRIUS 2.0EV Hybrid 0-60mph 7.2sec.
      Honda Civic 2.0EV Hybrid, doing above 8.5sec, slower low tech.

      However, Prius competition is not the cheaper Civic, not fair.
      Civic rivals remain against the Corolla.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • this prius drive train is even better because it can combine the outputs of both combustion engine plus battery during hard acceleration

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • UK and Australia already confirm they will not be selling the Prius as there are already Corolla, Cross, Yaris Hybrid. Which is unfathomable, finally you have a good looking car and ur not selling it? LOL For the same logic, I think sadly this would not be selling in Malaysia too. We’re left with the ugly Toyota, while the privileged market get the nice Prius and Crown.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • UK and Australia already confirmed that the new Prius will not be selling there, claiming they already have hybrid Corollas, Cross and Yaris. Which makes little sense, why stop selling when you finally nailed the design? I seriously hope UMW don’t make the same mistake, this will sell like hotcakes in Malaysia. Looks way nicer than the Honda Civic and Mazda 3, not to mention better fuel economy and power output too!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Alminros on Nov 26, 2022 at 11:15 pm

    Prius 2023 …sampai malaysia tak?
    Minat beli satu

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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