The Prius powertrain combines the efforts of a 2L four and electric motors to create 196 total system horsepower, up from 134 in 2023. 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 Prime sends its 220 horsepower to the front wheels via an electronic CVT. However, delivery times for the Prime are so long as to make the car a showroom phantom.

The base car, the XLE, with heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, touch entry and keyless starting and  wireless IOS-Android cellphone interface, 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, wireless cellphone charging and a heated rear seat, but is overpriced.

Prime

The base SE trim has 72 kilometers of range, alloy wheels, heated front seats, rain-sense wipers, blind spot monitors and brake hold. The XSE has a 64 kilometer range, larger wheels, a power driver’s seat, heated rear seats, touch entry and push button start, wireless cellphone charging and a fixed glass roof, but is overpriced. The XSE Premium has the same range as the XSE and features a JBL audio system, a memory system, a power tailgate, self parking a 360 degree monitor and a rear camera washer and lacks value for the money asked. There are no trim overlaps between the Prius and the Prime. The Prime can generate a $2500 rebate from Quebec and a $5000 rebate from the federal government.

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