The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime has hit the Toyota configurator, and we’ve been poring over the options to find out how Toyota is packaging the updated plug-in hybrid. Figuring out which 2023 Toyota Prius Prime is the best value wasn’t an easy task, but one thing is for sure: the base model isn’t it.

The base Prius Prime leaves a lot on the table

For those strictly interested in fuel economy, the base Prius Prime may be the best value option. After all, it offers four more mpg than either the XSE or XSE Premium, and comes with just enough kit to be an adequate modern car. However, it is surprisingly stripped down, even for a base model.

Other than Toyota Safety Sense, tech is limited to a seven-inch top-mount display and an eight-inch infotainment system. It features a single-zone climate control system, 17-inch wheels, and…that’s it. Car and Driver indicates prices starting at just over $32,000, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it.

Is the most-expensive Toyota Prius Prime the best value?

At the opposite end of the scale, the Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium packs almost everything into one neat package. The only problem is that it costs nearly $40,000 to start. The eight-speaker JBL system is fine but hardly worthy of the high price tag.

Features like ventilated seats help to somewhat justify the value, and the fixed glass roof is a nice, upscale touch. Driver’s seat memory is an excellent addition, but there is also a frustrating number of add-on features we’d like to see included for this price tag.

Among the options are the solar charging roof, heated rear seats, and advanced technology package. That this is billed as the Premium without those features included feels like a marketing mismatch.

All told, the Toyota Prius Prime can run up to $45,000 with all optional features included, so the top-tier model is far from the best value this hybrid has to offer.

The happy medium

Sandwiched in the middle of the Prius Prime lineup is the XSE, which offers a host of updated tech over the base Prius Prime. Overall, this might be the best value Prius Prime model, as it comes in far cheaper than the XSE Premium.

With this trim comes wireless phone charging, faux-leather upholstery, and heated front seats. In addition, front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking are standard kit as well. Furthermore, options like the larger 12.3-inch display and this fixed glass roof are available. Even including those, this trim is a better value than the top-tier Prius Prime option.

The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime is the best Prius yet

With 220 horsepower and up to 44 miles of all-electric range, the new Prius Prime is a genuinely exciting prospect. With enough power to overcome a boring reputation and the same excellent efficiency as always, the latest Prius might just be a look at the future of hot hatchbacks.