November 15th 2022
Toyota Europe unveiled the fifth-generation Prius sometime before its introduction in the USA. While we do not know the specifications of the new Prius for the United States, the European debut surely gives us a clue of what to expect.
The European customers will have the new 2023 Prius only in PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) flavour. It will be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder mill creating 220 horsepower. This output is 99 hp (74-kW) extra than the outgoing Prius, which is propelled by a battery and a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine generating 121 hp (90 kW).
The new Prius plug-in-hybrid uses a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery instead of the earlier 8.8-kWh pack, which sits below the back seats. The automaker claims a 50 percent more range than the present generation model.
The new Prius PHEV will give buyers an option of the solar roof panel. However, the automaker didn’t reveal if this would increase the range of the European-bound hybrid.
Seeing the exterior, we can clearly notice some design changes. The roof’s apex goes farther back, offering a more coupe-like look. Toyota has changed the vehicle’s proportions lowering its height by 1.969 inches (50 millimeters) and expanding the wheelbase by the same percentage. While the complete size is 1.811 inches (46 millimeters) smaller, the width boosts by 0.866 inches (22 millimeters).
The interior features the Island Architecture design philosophy with three spaces: “surroundings,” “driver module,” and “floating instrument panel.” The interior matches the design of the bZ4X crossover, as the gauge display comes up from the dashboard instead of having a cover around it.
In the middle, we find a display that comes out of the dash, and the only physical button is at the lower right end of the display. A couple of slim vents divide the infotainment display from the HVAC controls. It contains knobs to manage the temperature.
The specs of the USA-bound fifth-generation Prius will be available soon.
Source and Images: Motor1