DecodedCars2023 Toyota Prius Prime
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 5dr Liftback
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 150 hp
- Transmission
- e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 52 combined · 53 city / 51 hwy
- Length
- 178.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,364 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 52 MPG combined — 93% better than the average 2023 midsize car (27 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Few owner complaints6 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 21 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 150 hp, versus about 189 hp for similar 2023 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,364 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 52 MPG combined (53 city / 51 highway), 93% better than the 2023 midsize car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $1,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2023
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl
- Engine dropped: 1.8L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG down from 54 to 52
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Prius Prime →
Trims, performance & features
Engine150 hp2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
Transmissione-CVT
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
61 Series
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2023 Prius Prime configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr Liftback | 178.7 in | 69.3 in | 57.9 in | 106.3 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,364 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius Prime SE Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 53 / 51 / 52 | +93% | $1,300 | 50 |
| Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 50 / 47 / 48 | +78% | $1,400 | 60 |
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27 MPG2023 Midsize Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Toyota PRIUS PRIME 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.2% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2023 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Toyota Prius Prime (this car) | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Toyota Corolla | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2023 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Toyota Prius | 57 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (4)
Electrical System › Wiring › Switches/Knobs/Buttons · Jan 28, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V049000 · 141,286 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Prius Prime, 2023-2026 Prius, and 2025-2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Water may enter the rear door switch and cause a short circuit, allowing an unlocked rear door to open unexpectedly.
- Risk
- A door that unexpectedly opens while the vehicle is moving increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will modify the rear door switch circuits, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed July 13, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB03 and 26TA03. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 24V274. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy performed.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 30, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jul 23, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V548000 · 33,848 vehicles
- Problem
- Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
Electrical System › Wiring › Switches/Knobs/Buttons · Apr 17, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V274000 · 55,690 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles. Water may enter the rear door switch and cause a short circuit, allowing an unlocked rear door to open unexpectedly.
- Risk
- A door that unexpectedly opens while the vehicle is moving or during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace both right and left rear door opener switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB06 and 24TA06.
Not every 2023 Toyota Prius Prime is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
6Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
9,176 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Toyota Prius Prime buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Exterior Lighting — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 9,176 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Prius Prime years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Prius Prime | 52 | – | ★★★★★ | 4 | 15 |
| 2022 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 8 |
| 2021 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 10 |
| 2020 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2019 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2018 Prius Prime | 54 | – | Not rated | 0 | 16 |
| 2017 Prius Prime | 54 | – | Not rated | 0 | 42 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →