Toyota of Smithfield
Trims and Powertrain
The three trim grades of the 2023 Prius are LE, XLE, and Limited. The redesign has given them a stronger hybrid powertrain, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor to make 194 horsepower with front-wheel drive. With the available all-wheel drive, the 2023 Prius gets a second motor for the rear axle, allowing it to produce 196 hp. Either way, it’s a significant increase: the previous iteration made just 121 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) manages both drivetrains.
In LE form, the Prius is EPA-estimated to achieve 57 mpg around town and 56 mpg on the open road, making it the most fuel-efficient Prius ever as far as city fuel economy. The XLE and Limited (with FWD) are rated for 52 mpg in both city and highway driving. With AWD, the Prius LE is estimated at 53 city/54 highway, while the XLE and Limited are rated for 49 city/50 highway.
Standard Features and Major Options
The Prius LE comes with single-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, push-button start, six-way manually adjustable front seats, automatic Bi-LED projector headlights, fabric upholstery, heated side mirrors, a SofTex-wrapped steering wheel, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The mid-grade XLE’s upgrades include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, SofTex upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, enhanced proximity keyless entry, rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers, and 19-inch alloy wheels. A fixed glass roof and a digital key (a smartphone app for vehicle access and operation without a physical key) are offered as options for the XLE. The Limited trim gets the fixed glass roof, a power liftback, a position memory system for the driver, heated and ventilated front seats, and a digital key. Buyers who order the Limited can add heated rear seats and a digital rearview mirror as a la carte options.
Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Systems
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard with every 2023 Prius. This advanced driver-assist technology package includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, proactive driving assist (helps with steering and braking), road sign assist, and automatic high beams. All trims also get blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Also coming standard are eight airbags, hill start assist control, safe exit assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), a rearview monitor, and a rear seat reminder. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking are optional on the LE and standard on higher trims. A surround-view monitor and semi-autonomous parking are options only for the Limited.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8-inch touchscreen is the standard infotainment interface. It’s equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. An upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen is included on the Limited and is available for the XLE. The LE and XLE have a six-speaker audio system, while the Limited has a premium eight-speaker JBL arrangement. Integrated wireless charging comes standard on the XLE and Limited. All Prius trims receive access to a Wi-Fi hotspot and Toyota Connected Services, providing cloud-based navigation, emergency support, vehicle monitoring, and other features.