2023 Toyota Prius Limited

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.