The Toyota Prius was once an ugly duckling that has finally grown into a swan. Since the Japanese auto giant gave the 2023 Toyota Prius a hot makeover, this hybrid car is more modern and better than ever. The latest model even earned a place in Good Housekeeping’s “Best New Family Cars of 2023.” Here are four reasons why the new Toyota Prius is an excellent family car.

1. The 2023 Toyota Prius has excellent fuel economy

In its review of the new Prius, Good Housekeeping notes that this hybrid car has always been a solid option for families looking for a reliable vehicle with excellent fuel economy. That remains true with the redesigned Prius. Though it’s not surprising the 2023 model gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 57 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway, it is surprising that Toyota boosted the car’s horsepower. 

The 2023 Prius makes 194 hp from its standard hybrid powertrain, a significant improvement over the previous model year’s 121 hp. But despite packing more power, the new model boasts improved highway fuel economy. The 2022 Prius got 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway.

Those specs make the Prius a fantastic family car for road trips or daily commutes to school.

2. It boasts many standard advanced safety features

In addition, parents will appreciate that Toyota optimized the Prius’ safety features. The automaker’s safety suite — Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 — is standard equipment on the 2023 model. Its many advanced driver-assistance systems include automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.

3. The 2023 Prius has capable and modern tech features families will love

The automaker also loaded the car with modern tech features. The 2023 Toyota Prius has a larger 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, which Good Housekeeping appreciates. Plus, the new Prius has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing every passenger the chance to connect their smartphone to the car’s infotainment system. 

Furthermore, Toyota offers other higher-end tech features. Buyers can upgrade the 8.0-inch touchscreen to a 12.3-inch version and the car’s standard six-speaker stereo to a JBL premium eight-speaker sound system. Wireless phone charging and push-button start are also available.

4. The redesigned Prius looks nothing like the Prius of the past

Toyota has made many changes to the 2023 Prius, but the car’s most noticeable upgrade is on the outside. Of course, a car’s aesthetics are subjective, and some consumers liked how the previous Prius looked, but many thought the old Prius was ugly. 

That might not matter for some households, but some kids, especially teens, don’t want to be seen in a dorky car like an old Prius. The redesign makes this hybrid look sleeker and sportier than ever, and that could be enough to make the 2023 Toyota Prius palatable to the cool kids.