2023 Toyota Prius Prime

Toyota mostly fulfills its reputation for building efficient and exceptionally reliable vehicles. Most of their models do well in our testing, thanks to their impressive fuel economy, comfortable rides, quiet cabins, and ease of getting in and out. All of this makes Toyotas among the best options for used vehicles. The brand was a hybrid pioneer, starting with the original Prius. Toyota has evolved and expanded that technology, and most vehicles in its lineup are available as a hybrid. Toyota also sells a number of plug-in hybrids, which were once called Prime but are now simply referred to as Plug-in. The company also knows how to add a dose of excitement into its lineup. The GR86, GR Corolla, and Supra are legit, fun-to-drive sports cars. However, some models we’ve tested have been disappointing. The company’s EV, the bZ4X SUV, is mediocre.

The redesigned 2023 Prius Prime shares the same low-slung design and straightforward interior as the regular Prius, but it adds a larger lithium-ion battery that can be plugged in for an impressive (for a PHEV), electric-only range between 39 and 44 miles depending on trim level. Unlike a pure EV, it has a 2.0-liter gas engine. Once the battery is depleted, the Prius Prime acts like a regular hybrid; EPA estimates for the SE trim gets 52 mpg combined and the XSE and XSE Premium trims get 48 mpg combined. Charging the battery from empty should take about 11 hours on a 120-volt household outlet or about four hours on a 240V charger. AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway are standard. New for 2023 is standard BSW and RCTW. For 2025 the Prius Prime is renamed Prius Plug-in Hybrid.