The 2023 Prius powertrain combines the efforts of a 2L four and electric motors to create 196 total system horsepower, up from 134. Acceleration has morphed from slow to brisk. Toyota has retired its proven Nickel-Metal-Hydride batter pack in favour of a Lithium-ion one. Drive is by a CVT to the front wheels, with the rear wheels driven by a rear-mounted electric motor. The Toyota Safety Sense System 3.0 includes a forward collision warning including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, autonomous emergency braking, steering assist, lane tracing assist and blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors. The last Prius was never a looker but sold due to its urban-friendly size, hatchback versatility and its abstemious thirst. The new Prius is fronted by slim headlights and a shallow grille that sit above a medium sized air intake. Other than the random, upward-arcing line that emanates from the front doors, the new Prius is remarkably elegant and gives more than a nod to the shape of the Tesla 3, and if viewed from the rear, the Kia EV6. Inside, the driver faces a high-mounted digital gauge pod. The slimline, horizontally-arrayed dash is highlighted by a large infotainment screen that sits atop its centre. The screen has a knob for on-off-volume and the climate control is manipulated by an array of physical push buttons. The rest of the cabin looks tastefully fashion-forward rather than the avant-garde look some makers go for. The Prius maintains its versatile hatchback body for 2023. Room is good upfront but rear seat legroom is tight for a car this size.

The base car, the XLE, with heated front seats, heated steering wheel, a wireless IOS-Android cellphone interface and a power drivers seat, is nicely equipped. Moving up the the Limited range-topper adds a JBL-branded audio system, a 12.3 inch infotainment screen, a fixed glass roof, a power tailgate, self parking, a 360 degree camera system, navigation, wireless cellphone charging and a heated reat seat, but is overpriced.

Above average reliability with no serious complaints about the complex hybrid system and good service from a dealer network very familiar with the car.