If it’s time to save with a fuel-efficient vehicle, then you need to consider the Toyota Prius. Typically, gas prices drop after Labor Day, but this year, they’re still sky-high. The 2023 Toyota Prius can make a dramatic difference at the pump but has pros and cons to consider. 

2023 Toyota Prius pros, cons, and what’s new

The 2023 Toyota Prius sports a complete redesign for a total glow-up. It went from boxy and awkward to sleek and sporty to shed ugly duckling vibes as a fuel-sipping swan. The sharp LED lights, aerodynamic lines, and fresh wheel designs craft an attractive hybrid sedan. 

Plus, the revamped interior is modern and inviting, the tech upgrades are incredible, and extra power helps the Prius shed its slow reputation. There are tons of features to praise, but some aspects aren’t so great. 

1. Pro: The 2023 Toyota Prius is value-packed 

The 2023 Toyota Prius starts at $27,450, and the top-spec Limited trim takes the price up to $34,465. The Ford Escape Hybrid starts at $30,185, and the Honda Accord Hybrid begins at $31,345. 

So, you can go for the premium Limited model for only about $3,000 more than entry-level rivals. Plus, the Prus gets an EPA-estimated 57 mpg in the city and up to 56 mpg on the highway. We hovered around 52 mpg on the highway and in the city for a week. 

The Escape Hybrid gets about 44 mpg in the city and up to 37 mpg on the highway. The Accord gets an EPA-estimated 48 mpg in the city and up to 47 mpg on the highway. 

Plus, the Prius is loaded. The entry-level model starts with 17-inch alloy wheels, six USB-C ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and tons of safety features. The Limited model has a power liftgate, heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, and an eight-speaker JBL audio system. 

2. PRO: The 2023 Prius proves that hybrids don’t have to be boring 

The 2023 Toyota Prius can be extremely athletic with the use of Sport or Custom mode. The Sport mode provides faster response times, while the Custome mode allows you to combine your favorite features. 

While the outgoing model takes about 11 seconds to reach 60 mpg, the 2023 Prius can get there in 7.2 seconds. The Ford Escape Hybrid takes about 8.7 seconds to get there, but the Accord Hybrid has a slight advantage with a 6.7 second 0 to 60 mph time. 

The Prius has balanced steering, smooth transmission shifts, and corners well with almost no body roll. The 17.2-foot turning radius is also extremely convenient for maneuvering in tight areas. These days the Prius is fun. 

3. PRO: How safe is the new Prius? 

According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2023 Toyota Prius is extremely safe. It’s a Top Safety Pick+ with mostly ‘Good’ ratings across the board, which is the highest score possible. 

It earned a superior rating for the ability to avoid collisions at speeds of 12. 25. And 37 mph. The child seats received an excellent rating for being easy to install. 

Standard Prius safety features include: 

• Forward collision warning 
• Automatic emergency braking 
• Adaptive cruise control 
• Lane-keeping assistance 
• Automatic high beams 
• Blind spot warning 
• Rear cross-traffic alert 

The safety features work well without being too loud or sensitive. Gentle alerts for the parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert feature proved to be helpful, and the lane tracing assist system only works with your hands on the wheel. 

1. CON: the Prius has awkward interior proportions 

While the 2023 Toyota Prius is spacious and comfortable, the layout is a bit odd. Headspace is limited in the front and rear, but there are plenty of available adjustment controls to find a comfortable position. 

You sit lower to the floor than expected, so your knees might sit in a high position. Plus, the steering wheel blocks the digital guage cluster and doesn’t move up very far. Most people put the steering wheel lower in their laps to see it. 

Access to the rear seat could be better. You have to climb in behind the front seats, but you’ll enjoy plenty of room once you get back there. 

2. CON: How much cargo space does the 2023 Toyota Prius have? 

The 2023 Toyota Prius has 23.8 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk and up to 50.4 cubes with the seats folded flat. The outgoing model has 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk area, so the new model has less space. 

Also, storage for personal items is limited. The center console is limited, but a sizable tray below the dash has a removable lid. The door and seat pockets are tight, and the glove box doesn’t help much. 

The cup holders are tiny, and it’s difficult to fit water bottles in the door pockets. It seems like the older model might be a little more inviting for families and all their beverages and electronics. But six USB-C ports help. 

3. CON: The Prius is loud 

We understand that the 2023 Toyota Prius isn’t a luxury vehicle, but in some aspects it rides like one with exceptional comfort. The only missing piece is related to the lack of sound insulation. At highway speeds, the wind and road noise is pretty loud. 

Things are a little quieter before the gas engine kicks on. Also, there is an electric whirl from time to time. We appreciate the added noise while backing up and traveling at lower speeds for safety, though. 

It’s good to alert pedestrians and other motorists to your presence. I’ve almost been backed into while walking due to not noticing an almost silent Tesla in a parking lot. But overall, the Prius could be quieter on the interstate. 

We’ve learned a lot about the Prius while taking road trips and running errands. It’s a well-rounded vehicle that’s fun, comfortable, convenient, and efficient. However, storage space and headroom are lacking. Stay tuned for our upcoming full review for all the stats.