A Stunner is Born: All-New 2023 Toyota Prius Arrives This Winter

• Sporty New Design with Sleek Silhouette, Larger Wheels, and Modern Interior


• More Powerful Hybrid System Delivers 60% More Horsepower with 196 hp


• Standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive


• Toyota Multimedia System Standard with Available 12.3-inch Touchscreen


• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 System Standard

TORONTO, Ontario (December 14^th, 2022) – The Toyota Prius enters the 2023 model year as a completely transformed model. With a sleek new exterior design, a reimagined interior, and an amped up hybrid powertrain, this new Prius is built for style, performance, and efficiency. It’s the hybrid reborn - without compromise.

Designed to capture drivers’ hearts at first glance, the all-new Prius sends a message with its new form. Its sleek silhouette, low roofline, smooth body panels, and widened rear are proportionally balanced by standard 19-inch wheels. Its interior features a clean, modern design combined with high tech displays for futuristic look and feel. Altogether, it’s a progressive, sporty new Prius, that’s designed to inspire the senses.

Under the hood the 2023 Prius also shakes things up, with a larger 2.0L engine and a revised hybrid system that brings over 60% more combined system horsepower, with 196 net hp (up from 121 hp). Maximum engine torque for this generation climbs nearly 16%, up from 120 to 139 lb.-ft. on all models. Torque on electric motor generator two, which drives the front wheels and regenerates the battery during braking, also increases by over 20% - climbing from 120 to 152 lb.-ft.

Prius makes its power gains while keeping it lean at the pump. Despite being more powerful, the new 2023 Prius remains as fuel efficient as the previous all-wheel drive model, with a NRCan combined fuel consumption of 4.8 L/100 km. The AWD system also receives power upgrades, with 50 % more torque in the rear motor, moving from 41 to 62 lb.-ft., and 40 horsepower (previously 7 hp).

As part of Toyota’s diverse approach to carbon neutrality, the Prius is an iconic player in Toyota’s effort to move “beyond zero.” With ten hybrids, two plug-in hybrids, the new bZ4X battery electric vehicle and the zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell Mirai, Toyota is offers 14 electrified vehicles for customers to choose from. As part of that lineup, the 2023 Prius will be the first Toyota vehicle to wear a new “Beyond Zero” badge, symbolizing Toyota’s global effort to achieve carbon neutrality in its products, manufacturing and beyond.

Sporty Yet Comfortable

Built on the second-generation TNGA-C platform, the 2023 Prius brings a new look that’s both cool and functional. The TNGA-C platform has a lower center of gravity, reduced weight and increased rigidity compared to the previous generation. The result? A wider stance and a lower driving position that feels nimble, yet comfortable.

Designed in Japan, the all-new Prius offers a style that is modern, progressive and smart from the inside out. This time it lowers the roofline 50 mm from the prior generation, for a more athletic look. Moving to the rear of the vehicle it is 22 mm wider, adding a launch-ready flair to its modern style. Completing the low-slung feel is a hip point that is 25 mm lower than the previous generation Prius.

The 2023 Prius has a piercing silhouette that evokes a level of aerodynamic flair. Just like in previous generations, front grille shutters have been installed to optimize the inflow of air, contributing to cooling and aerodynamic performance. Aero stabilizing under body panels are also in place to reduce drag and road noise.

The 19” wheels standard on XLE and Limited also catch the eye – resulting in sport-inspired proportions that offer drivers added performance and handling. Coupled with the larger wheels are 11-inch brake rotors on the front and rear, adding one-inch to the prior generation model.

A Driver’s Hybrid

Under the hood of the 2023 Prius is the 5^th generation hybrid powertrain coupled with a larger 2.0L engine and a newly developed lithium-ion battery for 14% more output (kWh). The battery is located underneath the rear seat, supporting a lower centre of gravity for improved handling feel. Curb weights vary by grade, from 1490 kg for the XLE AWD to 1515 kg for the Limited AWD model.

The hybrid system pairs a the inline M20A-FXS inline four-cylinder gas engine with two motor-generators through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. A new compact high-output/low-loss drive motor for the transaxle/motor uses a redesigned magnet and electromagnetic steel plate configuration, with two additional magnets for increased output.

The engine, working in concert with the electric motor (MG2), assures responsive performance, while exemplary energy efficiency is achieved by using both electric motors (MG1 and MG2) for hybrid battery charging. The result is an engaging acceleration experience with 196 combined hybrid system horsepower and an estimated 0-100 km/h time of 7.2 seconds for All-Wheel Drive models, a 26% improvement over the 10 second time of the outgoing model.

Another boost to Prius’ fuel efficiency comes from the Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system, which coordinates operation between the regenerative braking force of the electric motors and the hydraulic braking system force to provide optimal stopping power. By proactively using the electric motors to recover as much electrical energy as possible from the regenerative braking system, this extremely efficient cooperative control helps to maximize fuel economy.

An active hydraulic booster on the conventional (non-regenerative) braking system improves pedal feel and feedback for the driver. Brake Hold also comes standard, when engaged it is a convenient technology that reduces driver effort while waiting at a traffic light or while driving in heavy traffic. When the driver presses the accelerator, Brake Hold releases instantly.

When pulling away from a stop in the Prius, the battery provides a subtle power boost in order to put less strain on the engine and eliminate the “rubber band” effect experienced with some hybrids. A preload differential adds to the confident acceleration feel. During low loads and low differential rotation, differential-limited torque is distributed to the left and right wheels, yielding excellent handling stability.

Prius also offers EV mode, which allows the vehicle to be operated as a pure electric vehicle for short distances, depending upon certain conditions, such as battery charge level. This mode is useful for operating the vehicle in parking lots or indoor parking garages, for example. The Vehicle Proximity Notification feature alerts pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence when running in battery mode. Drive modes include:

• NORMAL: Allows the hybrid system to achieve an ideal combination of fuel economy and vehicle acceleration. The accelerator opening amount changes linearly in response to accelerator pedal operation.
• ECO: Improves hybrid system efficiency by limiting power in response to light to moderate accelerator pedal input.
• SPORT: Enhances dynamic performance and acceleration

AWD at the Ready

A standard updated Electronic On-Demand AWD system gives the new Prius the capability to deliver added traction for slippery road conditions and exemplary fuel economy. The updated system uses a motor to drive the rear wheels, enabling stable driving performance when starting off and when driving on slippery road surfaces, and to assist while cornering.

As on other Toyota Hybrids with AWD, like Highlander, RAV4, and Corolla, Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed.

A high-output IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) motor that drives the rear wheels allows for a compact design that enhances the low traction road climbing performance and the stability when turning. The system works seamlessly and transparently, preemptively distributing driving force to the rear wheels to help suppress front wheel slip during off-the-line starts. It also engages the rear motor in response to slippage at the front wheels and enhances cornering agility by helping to reduce understeer.

Making the Grade

In Canada, the 2023 Prius will be offered in two grades, XLE AWD and Limited AWD. With a wide selection of available colours including the all-new Cutting Edge and Guardian Gray, as well as Wind Chill Pearl, Black, Supersonic Red or Reservoir Blue. AWD will be standard on both grades.

The 2023 Toyota Prius XLE AWD (starting MSRP: $36,490) comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch Toyota Multimedia touchscreen, an 8-way adjustable heated power driver’s seat, SofTex seating and a heated steering wheel. Additional standard features include 6 USB-c ports, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), SofTex steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, smart key, wireless charger and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).

The 2023 Toyota Prius Limited AWD (starting MSRP: $42,990) includes all standard XLE AWD features and adds a 12.3-inch Toyota multimedia touchscreen, JBL Premium Audio system with 8 speakers, a fixed glass roof, heated and ventilated front seats, a power back door, a Digital Key, a Panoramic View Monitor, Digital Rearview Mirror, heated rear seats, Advanced Park, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB).

New to Toyota, the Advanced Park system executes necessary steering and braking controls and helps drivers navigate the vehicle into a selected parking space. It’s capable of parallel parking and backing up into a perpendicular space. It can even offer assistance in exiting a space.

Convenient and Connected

The all-new 2023 Toyota Prius is equipped with the tools to make life more convenient – thanks to the standard Toyota Multimedia system with an available 12.3” display. Prius drivers will also have the opportunity to access a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.

Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With the available Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for natural voice commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI) and more; while the standard Toyota Assistant allows you to control vehicle features like audio controls, cabin temperature and more. Cloud Navigation, the available onboard navigation solution, utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing information. To ensure users have the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI data is provided by Google. Destination Assist also gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate the next destination.

The new Toyota Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.

For those looking for an enhanced audio experience, the Prius offers a JBL® Premium Audio system with eight speakers creating a mobile concert from any music genre. Standard on the Limited grade only, with the use of Clari-Fi® technology, the system is also able to breathe life into compressed digital music formats enhancing the audio experience.

With the Toyota app, users can stay connected to their Prius with a standard 3-year trial of Remote Connect which allows to remotely lock/unlock the doors, start/stop the vehicle, check vehicle status and set Guest Driver Alerts. Digital key, standard on the Limited grade, allows you to use your smartphone in place of the key fob.

Each Prius model also comes with a complimentary up to 10-year trial* for Safety Connect and Service Connect. Safety Connect includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator. Service Connect gives drivers the ability to receive Vehicle Health Reports and Warning Light Notifications.

Ready to handle all your device charging needs, the Prius is equipped with six USB ports in the cabin. Up front, two Type-C USB ports at the bottom of the centre stack plus two more Type-C USB ports in the centre console. For second-row passengers, two Type-C USB ports are located at the bottom rear of the centre console.

Convenience features are aplenty for Prius, too. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is standard on all grades. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is available on all grades. A Panoramic View Monitor is available on Limited and provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle. Advanced Park is available on Limited, a hands-free system designed to assist you with parallel parking or backing into a parking space.

Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

For 2023, Prius will come standard with the latest Toyota Safety Sense generation, TSS 3.0. This suite of active safety systems includes the existing feature set available on the prior generation Prius but includes some additional enhancements and capabilities.

This suite of safety features includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Automatic High Beams

The Toyota Safety Sense features from the prior generation Prius has been enhanced for TSS 3.0:

• The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection has enhanced detection capabilities thanks to new system sensors. It receives enhanced intersection support with improved detection capability in certain circumstances. It also adds the capability to detect motorcyclists, in addition to bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist has enhanced lane recognition that includes detection of certain 3D objects, like guardrails, that may be used to help define the lane.
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control adds a fourth following distance setting, from the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps the system to provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes.
• Like Lane Departure Alert, lane recognition is enhanced for Lane Tracing Assist. This system now also helps provide more space between vehicles being passed in adjacent lanes. It works by offsetting the vehicles’ driving path with minor steering adjustments while keeping the vehicle within its lane.
• An Emergency Driving Stop System has been added to Lane Tracing Assist. It’s designed to monitor the driver’s inputs, such as steering operation, to determine if they’re inattentive or non-responsive, such as during a medical emergency. This feature can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver doesn’t respond to alerts to take control.

The all-new 2023 Prius is expected to arrive at Canadian Toyota Dealerships in early winter of 2023.

*Services are dependent upon connection to a compatible wireless network, provided by a third-party wireless service provider. Toyota is not responsible for cellular network discontinuance and will not provide compensation for reduced service availability.

About Toyota Canada Inc.

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Toyota has sold over six million vehicles in Canada through a national network of 287 Toyota and Lexus dealerships. Toyota is dedicated to bringing safety, quality, dependability and reliability to the vehicles Canadians drive and the service they receive. TCI’s head office is in Toronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax, and parts distribution centres in Clarington and Vancouver. Toyota also operates two manufacturing facilities in Canada. Having produced more than nine million vehicles, popular Canadian models built at these facilities include Toyota RAV4, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus RX 350, RX 350h, RX 500h, as well as Lexus NX 250, NX 350 and NX 350h. The company has sold more than 20 million electrified vehicles worldwide and is the number one seller of electrified vehicles in Canada.