Toyota has taken the wraps off its completely redesigned Prius hatchback, and in the process says goodbye to the nerdy styling that defined prior iterations. But the sleeker exterior is only the start of many changes that benefit the 2023 Prius, as it now offers all-wheel drive, the best fuel economy yet, and much more power than before.

We'll start with the styling, which is undoubtedly the most noticeable change at first glance. The fifth-generation Prius rides on Toyota's new TNGA-C platform, and features much sportier proportions while managing to remain recognizable as a Prius. A smoother silhouette and softer lines serve as a fresher, much more modern outline of the vehicle, which is now 2 inches shorter and 1 inch wider, with a lower hip point. The battery is now positioned under the rear seats, lowering the car's center of gravity while keeping the cargo area relatively large.

The current Prius can be easily identified for its odd vertical lighting elements, but they have been replaced with thin, horizontally-positioned headlights connected with an LED light bar, which puts the Prius in line with the bZ4X electric crossover and the Crown. The rear receives a similar treatment, with a thin light bar stretching across the tail of the car.

When it first launched in 1997, the Prius sparked the era of hybrid vehicles that has since lit up the automotive industry. It continues to lead the hybrid game, and this latest version is no exception. The 2023 model is the most fuel-efficient Prius yet, rated at 57 mpg combined for the entry-level FWD model. This represents a gain of 5 mpg over the outgoing version.

Despite offering excellent fuel efficiency, the Prius was always notorious for its snooze-worthy performance, with the current model making a lowly 95 horsepower. This all changes for 2023, with a bigger 2.0 liter engine paired with an all-new lithium-ion battery, resulting in 194 hp for the FWD variant, and 196 hp for the AWD version. 0-60 times have also improved significantly, with Toyota estimating that FWD models will accelerate 26% quicker than before, clocked at 7.2 seconds. This is a huge improvement compared to the 2022 model's lethargic 9.8-second time.

The Prius Prime plug-in serves as the sportiest model available, with an output of 220 horsepower, which is unheard of for a Prius. It accelerates from 0-60 in about 6.6 seconds. The Prime's EV-only range has doubled compared to the outgoing version's 25-mile estimate. This promises nearly 40 miles of fully electric driving. The Prime also has an optional solar roof panel to assist in recharging the battery.

The Prius will be available in three trims at launch, including LE, XLE, and Limited. The Prime will also be offered in a trio of trim levels, SE, XSE, and XSE Premium. All Prius models will include Toyota Safety Sense as standard. The range-topping trims for both the regular hybrid and the Prime come standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with over-the-air updates, eight-speaker JBL premium audio, and heated and ventilated front seating. The mid-tier XLE and XSE feature 19-inch wheels, wireless phone charging, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and two extra cupholders for rear passengers. Finally, the entry-level models will have a smaller 8-inch infotainment screen and 17-inch wheels.

Pricing and a release date for the regular Prius hybrid will be announced later in the year. Details for the Prime plug-in hybrid won't be released until the first half of 2023.

Images: Toyota