Toyota Prius Prime 2023: The Good and the Bad

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Should you buy the 2023 Prius Prime? Here’s the latest on the good and the bad from two trusted Toyota reviews ranging from what’s under the hood to what it is going to cost you.

Due to its popularity as a Hybrid vehicle and one from a manufacturer known for its quality, long-lasting cars, the Prius is one of those models that it is hard to find an owner who has been unhappy with his or her purchase when new. However, the Prius has gone through some growing pains such as head gasket failure problems.

Moreover, the Prius is one of those increasingly rare vehicles that still allow the owner the capability to do some maintenance and used car prepurchase inspecting that includes transmission checks and brake inspecting. Particularly if you want to pick out a used Prius from the Government and ensure that you are getting your money’s worth on a used car deal.

The 2023 Prius Prime

But what about the latest 2023 model---the Toyota Prius Prime? Is it still the same Prius as its older sibling models? Is it even better? Or have things changed so much that it will take some of the shine off of its appeal?

That is the message in a recent Car Care Nut YouTube channel episode as the host goes over a thorough review of the 2023 Prime and what his expert opinion is on whether this is truly an improved Prius that offers more to its future owners than its previous models.

Follow along with the host as he points out on the engine:

  • It is not a major ground-up change for the Prius and is not really a 5th Generation vehicle (in his opinion).
  • The 2ZR 1.8L engine has been replaced with M20A FXS 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (used previously in Corolla) and is expected to be even more reliable than the previous Prius engine.
  • Why you do want the VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) that comes with it.
  • The front timing cover leak solution used.
  • Expect the power to feel more like you are driving a Corolla.
  • Changes made to the transmission to match the engine’s power.
  • The move of the 12-volt battery back to the trunk.
  • The move of the physically bigger and a higher capacity Li-Ion battery to the underside of the car which now requires liquid cooling and electric heating depending on the battery temperature.
  • 40-mile electric range capability over typical 25-mile.
  • Inverter/Converter changes to eliminate a problematic capacitor used in earlier Hybrid models.
  • Charger type choice and its placement change is not popular with Prius fans.
  • Improved (but more complex) HVAC system to handle the extra cooling needs of the Prius Prime.
  • A thinner transmission fluid is used that differs from that recommended for earlier models.

For more details about the above and the host’s opinion of the underside and interior of the new Prime, be sure to watch the video below.

And finally...So, where is the second trusted Toyota reviewer promised in the intro? Unfortunately, Consumer Reports has yet to provide a review of the 2023 Prius Prime. However, what they have to say about the new 2023 Prime just recently is that it is among the worst new car deals you can find today. That’s right, a bad economic deal with the current 15% over MSRP!

2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE
MSRP: $35,600
Average spent over MSRP: $5,165
Average transaction price: $40,765

For additional news related to older Prius models, here are a few recommendations:

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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