The Toyota Prius is a well known identify within the automotive business, and it has been round for over 20 years. It belongs to the C-segment of the market (curiously sufficient, the Toyota Prius C mannequin, specifically, belonged to the B section) and is now in its fifth technology. The third technology got here out in 2009 and was one of the acclaimed for its virtues, though the 2010 Toyota Prius had some braking issues that the model fastened later. In any case, as a hybrid automobile, this Toyota mannequin continues to be one of many stars of the market and can most likely stay so for a few years to return, not solely due to its historical past but additionally due to its fixed advances.

The Toyota Prius has undergone a number of adjustments over time, and one of many newest fashions, the 2022 Toyota Prius, continued to supply spectacular gasoline effectivity and superior options, particularly within the case of the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime. Nevertheless, among the many destructive options of this automobile was its unattractive design, particularly when it comes to the outside. Toyota has resolved this within the 2023 model, together with another points. The Prius continues to be an amazing automobile in lots of respects, though some disadvantages should be recognized to get the complete image.

Up to date on twenty seventh October 2023: Prius continues to evolve because the years go, with new specs and efficiency enhancements being added by Toyota every mannequin yr. Nevertheless, there are nonetheless drawbacks to America’s favourite hybrid, in addition to causes one SHOULD buy one. This listing has been up to date with 4 new factors, in addition to perception into future Prius know-how.

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1 Ought to: Toyota’s Betting BIG On Stable-State Batteries

• Toyota is actively working to excellent solid-state batteries for its automobiles.

One cause it may be price buying a Prius within the upcoming years is Toyota’s dedication to perfecting and utilizing solid-state battery tech in its fleet. Toyota plans to launch its solid-state batteries by 2027, providing a powerful vary of as much as 932 miles and charging instances as quick as 10 minutes, so this may undeniably change the sport for it and different producers. After all, you’ll be able to anticipate fashionable fashions, like Prius, to see solid-state tech utilized in future generations, particularly as Toyota ramps up manufacturing of them at a big scale. It’s cheaper to make batteries in massive droves, which might be excellent for a mannequin as globally fashionable as Prius.

2 Should not: It Would possibly Be Higher To Wait For EV Prius Fashions

• Prius is anticipated to make main adjustments to its lineup heading into the following decade.
• It could be higher to attend to purchase a Prius till 2025, 2026, or after.

With the 2024 Prius Prime rolling off manufacturing traces and heading to dealerships internationally, Prius is getting ready to a redesign and futuristic method to hybrid and EV compact automobile manufacturing. This latest mannequin, though attention-grabbing, may very well be the beginning of one thing significantly better coming within the later years, which might make shopping for one at present out of date. Over time, Prius has dramatically shifted from a boring four-door hybrid to one thing visually interesting, enhancing engines and batteries and overhauling its our bodies and inside options. That mentioned, even the 2024 Prius looks as if a small step in a marathon Toyota is working, so for now: we might say wait it out earlier than shopping for.

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3 Ought to: A GR Prius Is Rumored To Be In The Works

• Toyota lately unveiled a GR Prius at an occasion in France.

One of many extra surprising bulletins from Toyota this previous yr was its unveiling of a GR Prius idea automobile on the 24 Hours of Le Mans occasion in Paris, France. This automobile, boasting race-track-inspired physique alterations, a high-performance engine plus battery, and press galore, set the web on hearth for months after debuting. We’re nonetheless speaking about it usually on right here as a result of the concept of a Gazoo Racing collab with Prius could be iconic. That mentioned, to this point, Toyota has NOT confirmed or denied a GR Prius coming to market. Some speculate it might start manufacturing as early as subsequent yr, releasing in 2026, however that is solely a rumor *for now.*

4 Should not: Prius Is not All Electrical, But

• Though a dominating pressure within the hybrid market, Prius nonetheless has not develop into a full EV.

One of many fundamental causes individuals do not wish to store Prius as of 2023/2024 is that Toyota nonetheless hasn’t made an electric-only mannequin of this four-door. You’d assume Prius would have already got a fully-electric drivetrain in 2023, and with 2024 bulletins additionally mentioning no one hundred pc model, many people are left scratching our heads. In any case, Prius and now Prius Prime have dominated the hybrid marketplace for years and will simply swallow the EV market as effectively. One guess is that Toyota is ready till its solid-state or improved lithium batteries are perfected, providing shy of 1,000 miles of driving vary per cost. If Prius might go 700, 800, and even 900+ miles per full battery, that will change the business eternally. Toyota would overpower even the likes of Tesla, which might clarify its hush-hush Prius EV method at present.

Associated: The Unbeatable Benefits Of The Toyota Prius Prime Over Different Plug-in Hybrids

5 Ought to: A Daring New Look

• In latest instances, Prius has seen excessive adjustments to its inside and outer design.

The Toyota Prius has come a good distance when it comes to design, with the 2023 mannequin boasting a brand new and trendy look that units it other than its predecessors. The 2023 Toyota Prius incorporates a daring, aerodynamic exterior that’s each eye-catching and environment friendly. In comparison with the 2021 Toyota Prius and the 2022 Toyota Prius, which had a extra subdued and plain look, the 2023 Prius is a big enchancment, with a sporty and trendy look. The brand new design has made the automobile extra enticing, which was considered one of its basic issues. That not solely makes it look nice but additionally helps to cut back wind resistance, permitting the automobile to realize even higher gasoline financial system (which, as you will notice later, has all the time been considered one of its biggest benefits).

6 Shouldn’t: Much less Cargo Area

• The 2023 Prius lineup noticed a discount in cargo area, upsetting many long-time drivers.

One space the place the 2023 Toyota Prius has seen a discount in comparison with its predecessors is in cargo area. The brand new mannequin has a complete cargo capability of 20 cubic ft, which is a lower from earlier variations (for instance, 5 lower than within the case of the Toyota Prius 2022 mannequin). Moreover, the rear opening of the Prius has additionally develop into smaller, which makes it more difficult to load bigger gadgets. Nevertheless, it is price noting that the Prius has by no means been marketed as a automobile designed for cargo capability however fairly for gasoline effectivity and eco-friendliness. It is also attainable that the discount in cargo area was essential to accommodate different options of the 2023 mannequin, such because the up to date exterior design talked about earlier than. The issue is that you may’t carry as a lot stuff in it as you used to.

Associated: Why The Toyota Prius Prime PHEV Is Higher Than A Pure EV

7 Ought to: Has At all times Been Environment friendly, Now Additionally Highly effective

• Trendy Prius releases boast enhanced efficiency, with 0-60 MPH speeds in as little as 7.1 seconds.

One important enchancment that the 2023 Toyota Prius boasts over earlier fashions is its enhanced efficiency. The 2023 Prius can now speed up from 0 to 60 MPH in simply 7.1 seconds, quantity over the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime, which took 10.3 seconds to succeed in the identical velocity. The 2023 Prius additionally features a 60-percent improve in energy, which makes it higher than its predecessors on this side, but additionally higher than lots of the automobiles produced by competing manufacturers in the identical section. This efficiency enchancment is a crucial promoting level for these looking for that delicate stability between effectivity and energy. It’s clear that Toyota took notice of the weaknesses of this virtually legendary mannequin and determined to spend money on efficiency as a second step after enhancing it in visible phrases.

8 Shouldn’t: New Design Compromises Consolation

• Many new Prius fashions are much less comfy than prior generations.
• Some fear Toyota has shifted focus from practicality to aesthetics.

Whereas the 2023 Toyota Prius has seen a number of wonderful enhancements when it comes to efficiency and design, it has additionally taken a step again when it comes to rear visibility and headroom within the again seat. The angled rear window and thick rear roof pillars of the 2023 mannequin make it more difficult to see out of the again of the automobile, which may very well be a security concern. Moreover, the discount in headroom within the again seat might make it uncomfortable for taller passengers, lowering the general consolation of the automobile. On this sense, the Prius has misplaced a few of its conventional charms as a dependable automobile when it comes to security and household consolation. It’s as if the outside design has received out over the inside design as an alternative of reaching a passable stability.

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9 Ought to: Unbeatable Gas Effectivity

• Prius stays probably the greatest automobiles for gasoline effectivity in the marketplace.
• The most recent-gen Prius presents 57 miles per gallon in mixed scores.

This automobile has all the time been identified for its distinctive gasoline effectivity, and this is among the many the explanation why there are nonetheless many Toyota Prius on the market, each used and new. The brand new Prius is estimated to ship 57 miles per gallon in mixed metropolis/freeway driving for the LE trim. Even the XLE and Restricted trims, which have greater efficiency, nonetheless ship a powerful 52 miles per gallon mixed. The 2023 Prius additionally options a big battery pack that gives extra electrical energy to enhance gasoline financial system even additional. It is essential to notice that whereas the Prius shouldn’t be a totally electrical automobile, it will possibly nonetheless run and not using a battery. Nonetheless, just for a restricted distance and at decrease speeds: that is for circumstances through which the hybrid battery fails or must be changed.

10 Shouldn’t: Bizarre Measurement And Positioning Of The Instrument Cluster

• The instrument cluster in newer Prius fashions is tough to see for a lot of drivers.

One of many drawbacks of the Toyota Prius 2023 is the place of the instrument cluster, which is situated behind the steering wheel and will be laborious to see for some drivers. This design selection can result in security considerations since you’ll have to take your eyes off the street for an extended time to verify the data displayed on the cluster. Moreover, it may be a nuisance to have to regulate the steering wheel or the seating place to have a clearer view of the cluster. Whereas this can be a minor situation and is probably not an issue for you, you will need to notice that it may very well be an annoyance for some. Toyota will most likely do higher subsequent yr, however for now, it’s an ongoing downside.

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11 Ought to: Revamped Security And Consumer Expertise

• Prius has seen higher driving help tech added to its fleet.

The 2023 Toyota Prius has made important strides in enhancing its driver aids, which at the moment are higher calibrated and extra intuitive than earlier than. The brand new mannequin comes with a collection of superior security options but additionally a extra user-friendly interface that’s simpler to know, which contributes to a extra comfy and trendy driving expertise. On this regard, the 2023 Prius incorporates a new infotainment system that’s simpler to make use of and extra responsive than earlier fashions, offering you with fast and quick access to essential data and leisure choices. These enhancements are particularly noteworthy if you’re involved about security and luxury on the street, as they make it simpler to remain centered and alert whereas driving, which not directly can compensate comparatively for the drawback of the earlier merchandise.

12 Shouldn’t: The 2023 Prius Struggles With Engine Noise

• Many drivers complain present Prius fashions battle with engine noise.

Even when the 2023 Toyota Prius is a extremely environment friendly and well-designed automobile, it does endure from some noise points when the normal fuel engine is turned on. This can be a frequent downside for hybrid automobiles (that’s, automobiles that aren’t totally electrical), because the engine has to change on and off throughout driving, which may end up in some noise and vibration. It’s honest to say that the 2023 Prius does supply some enhancements on this space, with sound-deadening supplies and different applied sciences designed to cut back noise and vibration. Nonetheless, you could discover the noise ranges to be a bit too excessive, particularly when in comparison with different automobiles in the identical class. It is price noting that the noise situation is primarily current throughout acceleration and at excessive speeds, whereas in different conditions, this downside is significantly diminished.

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13 Ought to: Glorious Engine And Battery High quality

• Battery vary/fuel mileage within the Prius lineup is finest in school, providing over 500 miles.
• This can be a nice long-distance automobile for drivers.

One of the vital attention-grabbing options of the Toyota Prius 2023 is its beneficiant vary. With an general vary of over 500 miles, the Prius is able to going actually lengthy distances without having to refuel. Moreover, the vary in all-electric mode has elevated by 50 % in comparison with earlier fashions, reaching over 35 miles (This quantity shouldn’t be as spectacular in itself, however it’s a good quantity for this section). That is because of the automobile’s superior battery know-how, which is designed to offer nice effectivity and efficiency. Generally, Prius batteries final between eight and 10 years (or between 100,000 and 150,000 Miles) with near-optimal efficiency. Nevertheless, they will final for much longer relying on upkeep and typical climate circumstances, amongst different facets.

14 Shouldn’t: Excessive-Finish Options, Excessive-Finish Worth

• Toyota has added a spread of options to newer-gen Prius’s: at a excessive price.

Regardless of all of the enhancements, there may be one side that’s significantly destructive about this new launch of Toyota: its pricing. In comparison with different automobiles in the identical class, such because the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, the Prius is priced greater, significantly within the extra luxurious trims. The Prius vary begins at $28,500 and goes as much as $35,500, whereas the Elantra begins at $22,000 and goes as much as $31,000. Whereas the Prius does have quite a bit to supply when it comes to gasoline effectivity and progressive options, as you may have already seen, the value could also be a deterrent for you, particularly when you want a very reasonably priced possibility. Nevertheless, it is price noting that the Prius does supply plenty of worth for the cash, particularly in the long run attributable to its distinctive gasoline financial system.