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 u003cemu003eavant-gardeu003c/emu003e 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.