Toyota of Smithfield
Trims and Mechanical Specs
The trio of trim levels for the front-wheel-drive 2023 Prius Prime are SE, XSE, and XSE Premium. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and 120-kW permanent magnet AC synchronous motor form the powertrain with a continuously variable transmission; the total output of 220 horsepower is radically better than the 121 hp put out by the previous Prius Prime.
The SE trim is rated the best for range, supplying 44 electric-powered miles with a fresh charge. Under gas-engine operation, this base trim is estimated to achieve 53 mpg around town and 51 mpg on the highway. The XSE and XSE Premium will give their drivers 39 all-electric miles before the gas engine takes over, returning fuel economy around 50 mpg city/47 highway.
Standard Equipment
The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime SE has proximity keyless entry, push-button start, automatic climate control (one zone), automatic-off LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, a simulated leather-wrapped steering wheel, six USB-C charging ports, a top-mount 7-inch LCD gauge cluster, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, heated exterior mirrors, precipitation-sensing wipers, and a tonneau cover for the cargo area.
The XSE adds synthetic leather seats (heated in the front row), a power driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, auto-on LED headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, and a pair of cupholders for the back seat. A fixed-glass roof and Digital Key are optional on the XSE and standard on the XSE Premium, which also gets ventilated front seats, a power liftgate, and position memory for the driver’s seat. The most unique option for the XSE Premium is a solar roof, which helps to charge the battery while the vehicle is parked, as well as powering some auxiliary features during driving.
Active Safety Features
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 adds some significant driver-assist technology to every Prius Prime trim: automatic high beams, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist. Also included is proactive driving assist, the automaker’s debuting semi-autonomous driving system. It helps with steering support and braking on certain types of roadways. A rear seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, traffic jam assist, and safe exit assist come standard as well.
Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking are available on the SE and included on the XSE and XSE Premium. The XSE Premium is eligible for a panoramic view monitor and the Advanced Park automated parking technology.
Staying Connected
The SE and XSE have the base 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which has wireless smartphone connection (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an audio system with six speakers. The XSE Premium moves up to a 12.3-inch touchscreen system with a JBL sound system and an additional pair of speakers. On all trims, Toyota includes trial subscriptions to Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Owners can choose a paid subscription when the trial runs out, giving them access to the Drive Connect service, which includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points-of-Interest, Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, and Destination Assist.