Home Comparisons Trim Comparisons 2023 Toyota Prius: Choosing the Right Trim

2023 Toyota Prius: Choosing the Right Trim

The 2023 Toyota Prius gets a sleek new look that eviscerates the hybrid car stereotype. Its coupe-like silhouette, big wheels, and wide stance give the Prius a sporty look, backed by a more powerful engine delivering an EPA-estimated rating of 57 mpg in combined fuel economy.

The Prius comes in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited. Each offers a unique equipment set for a particular buyer and price range. The Prius is pulled by its front wheels, with the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) for those in colder climates.

2023 Toyota Prius front driving

2023 Toyota Prius front driving

2023 Toyota Prius profile

2023 Toyota Prius profile

2023 Toyota Prius aerial driving

2023 Toyota Prius aerial driving

2023 Toyota Prius

2023 Toyota Prius

2023 Toyota Prius interior

2023 Toyota Prius interior

2023 Toyota Prius front cabin

2023 Toyota Prius front cabin

2023 Toyota Prius driver seat

2023 Toyota Prius driver seat

Regarding competition, it mostly comes from within Toyota. It includes models like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Corolla Hybrid sedan, and even the larger Camry Hybrid, all of which come within a few mpg of the Prius’ EPA combined fuel economy figures.

There are also the Hyundai Ioniq and Elantra hybrids, which offer similar fuel economy, more features, and a better warranty.

Later in the year, the 2023 Prius Prime (reviewed separately) promises the same handsome styling but with a plug-in hybrid powertrain for covering short distances solely on electric power.

Prius LE
Starts at $27,450 | See listings

  • Hybrid powertrain with 194 net horsepower
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • 6-speaker audio system
  • Six USB ports
  • 8.0-inch touchscreen
  • Heated power-folding mirrors
  • LED headlights and taillights
  • 60/40 split-folding rea bench
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • 7-inch digital gauges
  • Power driver’s seat
  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
  • Optional parking programs
  • See more

Prius XLE
Starts at $30,895 | See listings

  • Hybrid powertrain with 196 net horsepower
  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • Wireless smartphone charger
  • Smart Key/pushbutton start
  • SofTex upholstery
  • Heated front seats/steering wheel
  • Optional 12.3-inch touchscreen
  • Front and rear parking assist
  • Larger front brakes (12-inch vs 11s)
  • Optional fixed-glass roof
  • See more

Prius Limited
Starts at $34,465 | See listings

  • Hybrid powertrain with 194 net horsepower
  • Heated and vented front seats
  • Fixed glass roof
  • Power liftback
  • Power driver’s seat with memory
  • Optional heated rear seats, digital rearview mirror
  • 8-speaker JBL audio system
  • 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen
  • Optional Panoramic View Monitor
  • Available parallel parking program
  • See more

2023 Toyota Prius LE: $27,450 (FWD), $28,850 (AWD)

The Prius LE has the same engine and drivetrain as the other Prius trims, although its smaller wheel and tire package helps it achieve the best fuel economy.

A 2.0-liter gas engine and single electric motor produce 194 horsepower, a significant increase over the outgoing model’s 121 hp.

Opting for AWD adds a second electric motor at the rear wheels and bumps output to 196 hp but lowers fuel economy estimates by a few miles per gallon.

Toyota kicks off this all-new Prius with an advanced set of driver-assist systems, part of the new Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

The suite includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Enhancements to the TSS 3.0 system include the ability to detect motorcycles along with bicycles and pedestrians, better detection of 3D objects such as guard rails, and Emergency Driving Stop that can detect when the driver may be incapacitated (such as during a medical emergency) and bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

Additional standard equipment includes a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic detection, a rear backup camera, safe exit assist (alerts exiting passengers of approaching traffic), rear seat reminder, complete airbag protection, and a tire-pressure monitor.

The LE rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with full covers and features bi-LED auto-off headlights, power-heated side mirrors, and variable intermittent wipers.

It’s worth noting the wide hatchback opening makes it easy to load bulky items into the new 2023 Prius, but the expansive rear window does not include a wiper/washer.

Moving to the cabin reveals manual front seats with cloth upholstery, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, auto-up/down power windows, and single-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter.

Also notable: Rear seat air vents are not available on any Prius trim.

Directly in front of the driver is a 7-inch digital display for the speedometer, fuel gauge, drive modes, and customizable settings.

The LE’s standard multimedia system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker AM/FM radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.

The system includes Toyota Connected Services, which enable helpful services such as a Wi-Fi hot spot, vehicle service reminders, and roadside assistance.

The LE includes six USB-C ports, one data and one charge port up front, two charge ports in the center console, and two more in the rear seat.

Optional on the LE are front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.

With the $1,095 destination fee (in most states), the 2023 Toyota Prius LE costs $28,545. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $539. See 2023 Toyota Prius LE models for sale near you

2023 Toyota Prius LE includes:

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay – With this wireless connectivity, you can leave your phone in your pocket and still access CarPlay (or Android Auto).
  • TSS 3.0 – Toyota’s latest safety suite includes an enhanced driver-assist system, making your time on the road even safer.
  • Tilt/telescoping steering wheel – This steering wheel helps the Prius accommodate drivers of all sizes.

2023 Toyota Prius XLE: $30,895 (FWD), $32,295 (AWD)

The XLE brings more features to the Prius, many of which more than justify the added cost.

Building off the LE, the XLE adds auto on/off headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, and rain-sensing wipers.

Toyota’s SmartKey key fob lets owners access and start the car without removing it from their purses or pockets. With SmartKey, you can unlock the Prius simply by touching the front door handles or trunk release.

The XLE’s passenger compartment gains SoftTex synthetic leather upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, and a heated steering wheel.

Options for the XLE include Digital Key, a smartphone-based app that lets you lock, unlock, and start the vehicle remotely.

Buyers can opt for a fixed glass panel roof and a larger 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen.

With the $1,095 destination fee, the 2023 Toyota Prius XLE costs $31,990. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $604. See 2023 Toyota Prius XLE models for sale near you

2023 Toyota Prius XLE includes:

  • Rain-sensing wipers – The XLE’s rain-sensing wipers automatically activate when sensing rain, mist, or snow hitting the windshield.
  • Heated front seats – These help keep the driver and front passenger comfortable without needing to ratchet up the interior temperature.
  • Heated steering wheel – This feature is much appreciated when outside temperatures plummet.

2023 Toyota Prius Limited: $34,465 (FWD), $35,865 (AWD)

The 2023 Toyota Prius Limited brings all the bells and whistles, adding upscale features like a fixed glass roof, a power liftgate, and Digital Key.

The Limited includes heated and ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory, a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, and an 8-speaker JBL audio system.

Available equipment includes Advanced Park automatic parking assist, a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, heated rear seats, and a digital rearview mirror.

With the $1,095 destination fee, the 2023 Toyota Prius Limited costs $35,560. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $671. See 2023 Toyota Prius Limited models for sale near you

2023 Toyota Prius Limited includes:

  • Ventilated front seats – The Limited’s ventilated front seats circulate cool air through the cushions, helping occupants keep cool and dry on hot summer days.
  • JBL audio – Music lovers, rejoice! The Limited has an 8-speaker JBL audio system with a powered amplifier and subwoofer.
  • Available Advanced Park – The Limited’s available parking assistant takes the worry out of parallel parking. When switched on, the system helps locate a suitable parking space, then works the steering, transmission, and brakes to guide the Prius into the designated area.

FAQ

  • What is the best 2023 Toyota Prius trim?

    Unless you’re on a tight budget, we’d pick the Prius XLE. It has features we think most buyers expect at this price point and a few choice options.

    Choose the Prius Limited trim if you want premium audio and the optional remote parking assist.

  • How many miles per gallon does the 2023 Toyota Prius get?

    The 2023 Toyota Prius LE is rated by the EPA at 57 mpg city/56 mpg highway/57 mpg combined. With AWD, the Prius LE returns 53 mpg city/54 mpg highway/54 mpg combined.

    The 2023 Toyota Prius XLE and Limited are both rated at 52 mpg city/52 mpg highway/52 mpg combined.

    The AWD versions of the XLE and Limited, the two heaviest Prius models, are rated at 49 mpg city/50 mpg highway/49 mpg combined.

  • Which 2023 Toyota Prius trim offers the most safety?

    The 2023 Toyota Prius comes nicely equipped with a comfortable serving of driver assists. We like the  Limited trim, which is available with a 360-degree camera and a digital rearview mirror. However, even the base 2023 Toyota Prius, the LE, has what it needs to be a safe driver.

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