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Automotive

Toyota unveils new Prius models and they are ... cool?

By Aaron Turpen
November 18, 2022
Toyota unveils new Prius models and they are ... cool?
Built on a second generation of the TNGA platform, the fifth-generation Prius is actually nice to look at
Built on a second generation of the TNGA platform, the fifth-generation Prius is actually nice to look at
View 17 Images
More power delivery and better handling, says Toyota, comes without sacrifice in efficiency for the new Prius models
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More power delivery and better handling, says Toyota, comes without sacrifice in efficiency for the new Prius models
The new-generation Prius will be offered in hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid electric models
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The new-generation Prius will be offered in hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid electric models
Increased luggage capacity in the cargo space of the new Toyota Prius comes thanks to better battery placement
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Increased luggage capacity in the cargo space of the new Toyota Prius comes thanks to better battery placement
Coming with the tagline "Just in time for the 21st century," the Prius was first launched in 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid car
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Coming with the tagline "Just in time for the 21st century," the Prius was first launched in 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid car
Meaning "to go before" in Latin, the Prius has led the expansion of HEVs over the 25 years since it was first launched
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Meaning "to go before" in Latin, the Prius has led the expansion of HEVs over the 25 years since it was first launched
In redesigning the Toyota Prius, the development team decided to start from scratch and look at what the Prius needs to remain popular for the next 25 years
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In redesigning the Toyota Prius, the development team decided to start from scratch and look at what the Prius needs to remain popular for the next 25 years
Following Japan, the new Prius will be launched in North America, Europe, and other countries around the world
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Following Japan, the new Prius will be launched in North America, Europe, and other countries around the world
Based on a desire to renew the Prius itself and communicate the appeal of hybrid cars to an even wider audience, the Hybrid Reborn concept was created
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Based on a desire to renew the Prius itself and communicate the appeal of hybrid cars to an even wider audience, the Hybrid Reborn concept was created
The "island architecture" concept achieves a low-stress, spacious interior
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The "island architecture" concept achieves a low-stress, spacious interior
The interior of the Prius comes with black tones throughout and coordinated instrument panel and seat stitching finishes
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The interior of the Prius comes with black tones throughout and coordinated instrument panel and seat stitching finishes
The underpinnings of the new plug-in hybrid version of the Prius changes battery location and increases engine size to 2.0 liters
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The underpinnings of the new plug-in hybrid version of the Prius changes battery location and increases engine size to 2.0 liters
The parallel hybrid model features a more balanced design and will be offered with both 1.8L and 2.0L engine options
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The parallel hybrid model features a more balanced design and will be offered with both 1.8L and 2.0L engine options
The new framing for the next-generation Prius features more rigidity, better weight distribution, and accommodation for wider track tires
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The new framing for the next-generation Prius features more rigidity, better weight distribution, and accommodation for wider track tires
New MacPherson strut designs, like this prototype for the new Prius, change stability dynamics for the car
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New MacPherson strut designs, like this prototype for the new Prius, change stability dynamics for the car
Like the struts in front, the rear double wishbone suspension (prototype here) adds stability and improved handling to the new Prius
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Like the struts in front, the rear double wishbone suspension (prototype here) adds stability and improved handling to the new Prius
An exterior plug option for adding climate control during charging or while parked will be offered with the new Prius
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An exterior plug option for adding climate control during charging or while parked will be offered with the new Prius
Built on a second generation of the TNGA platform, the fifth-generation Prius is actually nice to look at
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Built on a second generation of the TNGA platform, the fifth-generation Prius is actually nice to look at
View gallery - 17 images

The Toyota Prius was introduced over 25 years ago and quickly became the synonym for "hybrid" – and often for ugly design as well. Now Toyota has unveiled the fifth generation of the car, and it's actually quite impressive.

The new design for the Prius retains aspects of the previous models, like the signature long and raked windscreen, rounded wagon-like hatchback style, and of course its hybrid powertrains. These have been hallmarks of the Prius models since its second generation.

Most notably, this new-generation Prius drops the "center gauge cluster" interior of earlier models and goes with a more conventional "at the wheel" model instead. This allows a larger, integrated screen, as has been seen in more recent Prius models, especially the Prius Prime.

New generations of the hybrid powertrains also debut in this new-gen Prius. The 2.0-liter and 1.8-liter four-cylinder engines are slightly more efficient than what was to offered before, and form the core of the new drivetrain.

Meaning "to go before" in Latin, the Prius has led the expansion of HEVs over the 25 years since it was first launched
Meaning "to go before" in Latin, the Prius has led the expansion of HEVs over the 25 years since it was first launched

The Series Parallel Hybrid System is the beginning of the Prius hybrid-electric offerings. Output for the 2.0L version is 1.6 times higher than previous at 144 193 PS (144 kW) and an E-Four system for all-wheel drive traction. That higher output does not result in lower fuel economy, however, with the Prius HEV expected to retain 57 mpg (4 l/100 km) combined.

Similarly, a 1.8L version of the HEV will also be on offer, with slightly less power output and potentially more efficiency. Toyota has not released those numbers yet.

The plug-in hybrid version of the new Prius will use the same 2.0-liter engine, an upgrade from the previous PHEV "Prime" models. This means more power output, but without losing the efficiency of the current Prime model (133 MPGe or 1.8 l/100 kme).

This new Prius plug-in model will have a 50% higher driving range when all-electric, an external plug option for keeping the car comfortable while charging, and more cargo space thanks to new battery placement under the seating instead of at the rear. Output is expected to be 223 PS (164 kW).

The "island architecture" concept achieves a low-stress, spacious interior
The "island architecture" concept achieves a low-stress, spacious interior

Most of the changes to the new Prius models are underneath the bodywork. A new generation of the TNGA platform has been developed, adding rigidity and a lower center of gravity thanks to the new battery placement. Larger-diameter tires and lower interior noise are also benefits of the new platform design.

The new Prius will launch in spring of 2023 in Japan, followed by other markets including North America and Europe later that year.

Source: Toyota

View gallery - 17 images

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AutomotiveToyotaPriusHybridPlug-in Hybrid
10 comments
Aaron Turpen
Aaron Turpen
Aaron is a Wyoming-based automotive journalist with interests in electronic and engineering technology. Outside of New Atlas, Aaron is a prolific writer, father of two, and would-be chicken farmer.

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10 comments
guzmanchinky
This is SUCH an amazing bullseye for the car market. I think it looks cool now as well.
David F
It certainly looks better than the previous Prius. I hope Toyota's new Series Parallel Hybrid System indicates they intend migrating towards a fully series hybrid tech and ditch the intrinsically cumbersome parallel hybrid approach.
CAVUMark
Yes, I agree. Looking good.
nameless minion
Looks like a Tesla Model 3 to me. Just saying.
Nobody
Hopefully, it will have a tow rating of at least 1500 pounds without voiding the warranty like the Camry. If so, I would consider the Prius. I sure don't want a total electric car. I have to make regular 350 mile trips and a totally electric isn't going to be worth the range anxiety.
Daishi
I like it but I'm kind of trying to understand why the charge port runs through the window instead of external access. I would assume the energy intended to maintain climate controls when parked is drastically less than some EV charging standards and something that could be served by a standard outlet and extension cord. Even still through the window seems like an odd place to put it unless regulation/red tape required that if they put an external access door for it that it would need to comply with a major charging standard? (vs just using an extension cord). The other pretty valid reason would be protecting the plug from the weather outside I suppose.
michael_dowling
It may look cool,but it still pumps out CO2.
DaveWesely
It's amazing how people can respond to a little glitter (marketing). The Prius hasn't changed from a technology standpoint. The only version that has plug in capability is the PRIME. The other three, original, V, and C, do not. And the Prime has been around since 2015.
Even then, the new Prime only improved the EV range from 17 to 38 miles. Granted that is a lot better, but the Chevy Volt had better, and it's already discontinued! It came out in 2010 with the same range as the new 2023 Prius Prime and improved it in 2016 to 53 miles.
The other "new" technology is the switch from nickle metal hydride to lithium ion batteries. Toyota should be ashamed. The Prius shook the automotive industry in 2003 with an under-powered electric drive train with 0-60 times over 10 seconds. Until this new model, they were still barely cracking 10. The 2023 model can now do 7.2 seconds like most decent cars. Twenty years later. A truly astounding level of development. /s
TpPa
This is how the world should be starting out, with hybreds. I know our planet needs help, but things are just not ready to go full electric, we (USA) do not have enough power at times to run AC let alone all electric cars that take a ton of electricity. Then there is our infrastructure that probably in half the country is outdated, unreliable, and it all needs a major over haul on it's computer's that try to keep things running & keep hackers out.
PB
It's impossible for me. The height and the swept window design indicates that the entry is going to be difficult for my 6 ft height.
I struggle with the small Tesla, for example. I have to crawl in and out since the roof line is restrictive, especially in the back seat. But since Tesla has proven the shape, now Toyota is following. This doesn't work for me.