Toyota Prius 2023: next-generation hybrid revealed with new looks and PHEV variant, Australian launch unlikely

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Toyota has pulled the covers off its next-generation Prius hybrid car and it looks very different to the Prius of old. 

With a new hammerhead shark-like front end and coupe style rear quarters, the Prius will be available with hybrid and plug-in hybrid models when it launches overseas. 

A 2.0-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid that Toyota says is the first of its kind will be one of two powertrains to propel the new Prius, with a total system output of 164kW. 

Toyota says that the EV driving range is roughly 50 percent higher than the last model’s 40km electric-only range.

The other powertrain option will be a series-parallel hybrid 2.0-litre or 1.8-litre, with the 2.0-litre version having a total power output of 144kW. 

The Prius rides on a second-generation TNGA platform that gives the Prius a lower centre of gravity than before.

Toyota says that the development team for the Prius started from scratch “to look at what the Prius needs to remain popular for the next 25 years”. 

What specifications are confirmed for the new Toyota Prius?

Toyota has confirmed that the new Prius will ride on larger 19-inch alloy wheels, while inside the driver will have a digital instrument cluster along with a large central touchscreen. 

The Japanese automaker hasn’t said what size the screen is yet, but it looks to be a 10.5-inch unit similar to the one installed in the current Corolla Cross small SUV. 

Toyota will install the latest version of its safety sense software into the new Prius, a system that now can detect more objects than before. 

The Prius will also come with advanced parking technology, as well as a panoramic sunroof. PHEV models will come fitted with a solar charging system as standard. 

Eight body colours will be available for the Prius including two new colours, ash and mustard. 

Will the new-generation Prius come down under?

The news comes after the Toyota Prius was axed in Australia in May 2022 after being on sale for 21 years through four generations. Toyota at the time called it “an important part of Toyota’s electrification strategy”. 

However, just 77 examples were reportedly sold in 2021, suggesting that poor sales were the final blow to the Prius locally. 

Toyota Australia has not confirmed the next-generation Prius for our local market.