2023 Toyota Prius vs 2024 Toyota Prius

The 2023 Toyota Prius underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous utilitarian image for a more stylish and modern appearance. This redesign was a response to increasing competition from electric vehicles and other hybrids, prompting Toyota to create a car that was both efficient and visually appealing. The new Prius featured a sleek exterior with a blend of curves and edges, giving it a futuristic look while maintaining appeal for traditional buyers. The wheels were pushed to the corners, enhancing both handling and the car's athletic stance. The model was longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor, riding on a solid platform that provided a sturdy feel over rough surfaces. Inside, the materials and fit were of high quality, with a pair of screens for the driver, including an instrument panel and a dashboard-mounted infotainment screen. Although the cabin prioritized function over form, it remained a comfortable space for occupants.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Prius retained the wedge-shaped profile from the 2023 redesign but introduced distinctive styling for its aerodynamically optimized bodywork. The Prius XLE and Limited trims stood out with attractive 19-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the quirky design continued, with the instrumentation moved in front of the driver, though visibility could be an issue depending on seating position. The interior featured hard plastics, leading to a flimsy feel despite potential durability. The 2024 model continued with the same trim levels and pricing as the previous year, with the XLE test vehicle showcasing options like Supersonic Red paint, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a glass roof. Despite these features, the interior felt snug, and the digital instrumentation panel was criticized for being too small and cluttered.

The 2023 Toyota Prius introduced a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 1.8-liter unit. This engine, combined with a more powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery, delivered 194 horsepower in front-wheel-drive models and 196 horsepower in all-wheel-drive versions. This was a significant increase from the 121 horsepower of the outgoing model. The car's acceleration improved, with 0-60 mph times dropping to 7.1 seconds from the previous 10.5 seconds. The Prius felt more athletic and responsive, with agile handling and a comfortable ride over rough roads. However, engine noise was noticeable during hard acceleration, and the brakes had a slight squishiness typical of hybrids.

The 2024 Toyota Prius continued with the same powertrain, boasting a 2.0-liter engine paired with an 83-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The AWD version added a second 30-kW motor for the rear wheels. The combined output remained at 194 horsepower for FWD and 196 horsepower for AWD. The Prius LE was the most fuel-efficient, achieving 57 mpg in combined driving, while the XLE and Limited trims offered 52 mpg. The plug-in hybrid Prius Prime was available separately, offering 40-45 miles of electric driving. The 2024 model maintained its dynamic improvements, though the steering felt artificial, and the CVT could be noisy during hard acceleration. Visibility was also a concern due to the dramatic windshield pillars.

The 2023 Toyota Prius, despite its larger exterior, had a slightly smaller interior compared to its predecessor. Headroom decreased in both front and rear seats, but legroom improved, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The optional fixed glass roof on the XLE trim enhanced the cabin's openness, though it didn't open for airflow. Cargo space was reduced to 20 cubic feet on XLE and Limited models and 24 cubic feet on the LE. The cabin featured practical touches like cupholders, a wireless charging pocket, and USB-C ports. However, the rear window's visibility was compromised by the loss of the split design.

The 2024 Toyota Prius's interior felt snug due to its dramatic exterior styling. The driver’s seat was comfortable, but the windshield and gauges felt distant. The 7-inch display panel was criticized for being too small and cluttered, with visibility issues depending on seating position. The rear seats felt cramped but were comfortable for two passengers. Storage space was adequate, with a wireless charging slot near the shifter. Cargo capacity was 20.3 cubic feet for XLE and Limited trims and 23.8 cubic feet for the LE. The optional digital rearview mirror provided a panoramic view but was only available on the Limited trim.

The 2023 Toyota Prius offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the LE and XLE trims. The XLE could be upgraded to a 12.3-inch screen, standard on the Limited trim. The navigation system required a subscription to Toyota’s Drive Connect for real-time updates. All models featured a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, which was criticized for being too busy. The cabin included six USB-C ports, wireless charging on XLE and Limited trims, and an AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot. Subscription-based connectivity bundles offered features like remote vehicle access and safety assistance.

The 2024 Toyota Prius continued with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, featuring an 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Five connected services plans were available, with varying trial lengths. Wi-Fi Connect had a 30-day trial, while Service Connect and Safety Connect offered up to 10 years. Remote Connect was free for one year, providing features like remote start and find-my-car. Drive Connect was available for LE and XLE trims, offering cloud-based navigation and digital assistant services. The Limited trim featured an eight-speaker JBL sound system, though it was criticized for its bass-heavy performance.

The 2023 Toyota Prius came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-departure alerts, and Proactive Driving Assist. The latter used radar and cameras to detect curves and obstacles, providing subtle steering and braking assistance. All models featured standard driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts. The Limited trim offered an optional hands-free automatic parking feature. However, crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2024 Toyota Prius also featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Driving Assist provided subtle steering and braking assistance. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance were effective, though the system occasionally braked too hard in heavy traffic. The 2024 Prius received high safety ratings, with NHTSA awarding it five stars in most assessments and IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+.