Skip to main content
Price Range: Less Than
$28,855
$154,765
mpg/MPGe Range: More Than
11
126
Top Searches:
Introduction:

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago

For the 2024 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.

2023 Toyota Prius Limited

Vehicle Type: Small Hybrid
80
 overall score
Category Ranking: 5

Vehicle Price

Base Price: $34,465
Price as Tested: $37,494

Fuel Information

Fuel Type: Regular
Fuel Capacity (gal): 11.3
EPA City mpg52
EPA Highway mpg52
EPA Combined mpg52

Advanced Safety Features

  • Adaptive Cruise Control [S]
  • Advanced Headlights [S]
  • Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • Blind-Spot Warning [S]
  • Driver Monitoring [S]
  • Forward-Collision Warning [S]
  • Lane-Departure Warning [S]
  • Lane-Keeping Assistance [S]
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [S]
  • Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [O]
  • [S] Standard, [O] Optional

Overall Observations

For 2 decades, the Toyota Prius reigned supreme as the iconic hybrid—reliable and fuel-efficient, but also slow and ugly. In 2023, that changed for the better as a result of a complete makeover. Most obvious, of course, is the new Prius’ stylish appearance—very sports car—like. But the Prius isn’t just another pretty face. It's also an excellent value: The base LE trim has an MSRP of just under $28,000. For that, you get a beefed-up hybrid powertrain that puts out 194 hp (versus 121 hp on the previous generation) and gets up to an EPA—estimated 57 mpg in combined driving depending on the trim level. Desirable features on our Limited-trim test vehicle included Safety Sense 3.0, a comprehensive set of advanced safety features; LED headlights with auto high beams; heated and ventilated front seats; a power liftgate; an upgraded infotainment system; driver's seat memory settings; and a digital rearview mirror. There are a few areas that could stand some improvement, however. First and foremost is how much engine, road, and tire noise get into the cabin. The sloping roof restricts vision to the sides and rear, and the steering wheel blocks a clear view of the instrument cluster for most seating positions. Finally, automatic climate control is limited to a single zone.

For more information on AAA Car Guide licensing:

Click Here
Want to buy this car?

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Good overall value
  • Fuel economy ratings (more than 50 mpg)
  • Improved exterior styling
  • Toyota Safety Sense standard safety features

Cons

  • Noisy cabin
  • Restricted side and rear visibility
  • Steering wheel blocks the view of the instrument cluster

Vehicle Specifications

Model year tested: 2023
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 3219.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 181.1 / 70.2 / 56.3
Wheelbase (in): 108.3
Number of air bags: 8
Warranty (months/miles): 36/36,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Toyo Tires Extensa A/S II
Front and rear tire size: 195/50 R19
Max towing capacity (lbs): Not recommended
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Hybrid drive
Drivetrain type: Front wheel
Engine/motor: 2.0L I4 VVT-i
Engine horsepower @ RPM: 150 @ 6,000
Electric motor horsepower: 111
Combined system horsepower: 194

Test Data

Test Vehicle Scores

Advanced Safety Features:

9.70

Fuel Efficiency:

8.47

EPA Emissions Score:

7.00

Acceleration:

4.27

Braking:

7.13
Handling: 6.39
Quality and Drivability: 7.00

Ride Quality:

6.67

Interior Size:

3.16

Easy of Entry and Exit:

6.16

Visibility:

6.59

Interior Noise:

4.69

Cargo Capacity:

2.35
Car Search Results:
2023 Kia EV6 GT.
2023 Kia EV6 GT
More Details
Midsize suv Electric 85/74 $62,865 99
 out of 130
2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Prestige.
2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Prestige
Car Guide Winner: 1st Place Midsize SUV
More Details
Midsize suv Electric 98/83 $74,350 99
 out of 130
2023 IIHS Top safety pick.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat
Car Guide Winner: 1st Place Pickup
More Details
Pickup Electric 78/63 $86,229 100
 out of 130
2023 BMW i7 xDrive60.
2023 BMW i7 xDrive60
Car Guide Winner: 1st Place Large
More Details
Large Electric 85/89 $151,995 100
 out of 130
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV
Car Guide Winner: 1st Place Large SUV & Overall
More Details
Large suv Electric 79/74 $138,580 104
 out of 130