Quickies: Three Hybrids in One Day

Back in February, we did a couple of videos on Toyota’s newest hybrid offerings – the 2023 Prius and the 2023 Crown. We pointed out that the brand has been in the gasoline-electric hybrid space since the arrival of the first Prius back in 2001. 

It is an important piece of trivia, given the onslaught of battery-electric vehicles that are arriving quickly to showrooms across America. 

One thing we did say in those two videos was that we hoped to have a chance to drive the newest Prius and Crown. That opportunity came a couple of months later, as I flew to Chicago for the day to sample the newest electrified additions to the Toyota lineup. 

To recap, both the Prius and Crown follow a new design language intended to stun anyone that had a preconceived notion what a Toyota hybrid should look like. Futuristic? Yes, given the last four generations of Priuses. Swoopy? Well, we didn’t see that coming. Sleek? Considering the design evolution of both of these vehicles, it also fulfills Akio Toyoda’s decree of “no more boring cars!”

Also, performance levels have been raised across both models. The Prius gets a larger engine to drive the hybrid driveline. The same engine also propels the Prime plug-in hybrid. The larger Crown gets a pair of hybrid drivelines, including the turbocharged Hybrid MAX for the Platinum model. The Prius and the Crown are available with all-wheel drive, which is standard on the latter vehicle. 

Getting into the brass tacks of each new Toyota hybrid, the 2023 Prius is almost the same size as the previous model, yet it is two inches shorter in height. That is seen mainly in the roofline. Another interesting tidbit about the new Prius design is the extra inch of width at the rear, giving it a more dynamic look overall.   

Inside the Prius is an interior that is influenced by the all-electric crossover, the bZ4X. The instrument panel provides a major change in Prius design by moving the digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. This eliminates the center-canted screen that sat just ahead of the windshield. Dominating the center stack is the infotainment tablet, which ranges from eight to 12.3-inches depending on trim level. 

Even though the roofline was lowered by two inches, most occupants will find ample space in both front and rear seats. The tradeoff of the lower roofline is less space for cargo – a reduction of four to seven cubic feet compared to last year’s model. 

The gasoline engine has been enlarged from 1.8 liters to 2.0 liters. The new engine boosts the net horsepower rating to 194, when combined with the electric motor. The all-wheel drive system is available and is similar to the previous generation model with its rear axle motor. Choosing this driveline adds two more net horsepower. 

On top of the hybrid models, a Prius Prime will also be available. The plug-in hybrid version will add more net horsepower, raising it to 220. In turn, this driveline should yield an all-electric driving range of up to 44 miles. 

The 2023 Prius is available in three trim levels – LE, XLE, and Limited. Pricing starts from $27,450. Prius Prime customers have a choice between SE, XSE, or XSE Premium grades with pricing starting from $32,350. 

While the Prius will be positioned towards both loyal owners, as well as new customers who have never considered a Prius before, the 2023 Toyota Crown is a more premium offering. After 50 years away from the North American market, the Crown replaces the Avalon as its largest sedan in the Toyota lineup. 

Toyota maintains that the Crown is their “apex” vehicle that attracts customers looking to step up to a more luxurious offering. There is evidence of this in each of the Crown models, all of which have standard all-wheel drive, a high level of content – including the latest in safety and driver assistance technology.

To get the essence of the Toyota Crown is to try out the Platinum model. This top-line model is powered by the Hybrid MAX driveline and its turbocharged 2.4-liter gasoline engine combined with two uprated electric motors, a wet clutch transmission and advanced all-wheel drive system. With 340 net horsepower on tap, the result is performance that no one saw coming from a hybrid Toyota.  

XLE and Limited models get the standard 2.5-liter engine, two electric motors, and all-wheel drive – all yielding 237 net horsepower. This is similar to the drivelines found on the Venza, Highlander, and the Lexus RX. 

The interior has a more formal design, but accessible to the driver with a higher seating level than a Camry. You do get a digital instrument cluster with large infotainment screens above the center stack. There is space for four adults or a family of five. 

The 2023 Crown is available in three trim levels – XLE, Limited and Platinum. Pricing starts from $39,950. 

However, there was a third hybrid that came into play during my time in the Chicagoland area: The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. This XLE model was waiting for me at an off-site airport lot near O’Hare. The Corolla Hybrid would be my shuttle to and from this media drive in the Western Burbs.

Compared to the last time I drove a Corolla Hybrid; it now has a bit more power – gifted by the last Prius generation. On some models, you can opt for an all-wheel drive system – except for the XLE I drove for this event. 

It provided me a bit of context for the morning’s event. The driveline is familiar, except for a horsepower boost to 138. That performance boost certainly helped on my run from the off-airport place where I picked up the Corolla Hybrid to our event venue in Aurora on Interstate 88. 

After driving a bunch of Corolla LE models for the past few years, it was a treat to step up into the XLE trim. The upgraded two-tone SofTex upholstery added more luxury to an already comfortable cabin. I also noticed that Toyota upgraded the infotainment system to their newest architecture. That elevated the Corolla Hybrid’s experience. 

Another pleasant surprise about this Corolla Hybrid XLE tester was its sticker price – just $29,231. Pricing for the Corolla Hybrid starts at $22,800.

In my short time taking the Corolla Hybrid to the Crown-Prius event and to do some work prior to heading back to the Twin Cities, it created a conundrum for me. Of the three Toyota hybrids, which one would I recommend? 

That’s a tough one to answer. Each of these three Toyota Hybrids offer their own argument. The new Prius certainly looks better than before, but will it put off loyal owners looking to trade in their beloved electrified steeds? If these loyal owners can embrace the new design, increase in performance, and some of the major differences the new Prius have over the previous four generations, then Toyota will no problem selling each one of them. 

The Crown is a way for Prius owners to step up to a luxurious mode of travel. But, not just Prius owners looking to go upmarket. There have been some indicators that it may attract owners of premium brands looking for something different and equally sustainable. Other than that, the Crown’s promise to its customers is more than enough to attract them to its sleek clutches. 

However, the Corolla requires no hard selling. Expanding the Hybrid offering tother trim levels is a smart move for those who want sustainability and familiarity, but with some personality. The XLE and SE trims offer exactly that. It also serves as an honest value proposition for those looking for an electrified vehicle in a familiar package at a very attractive price point.

If there is no theme that should not be ignored regarding all three of these hybrids, that is the commitment Toyota is making in expanding electrification across the lineup without having to dive deep into the EV abyss. Not to take away from the bZ4X, yet there is a push back against going fully battery-electric right now. 

Nor should you consider these Toyotas as a “compromise.” To return lower fuel consumption and cleaner emissions in a vehicle that does not necessarily require a visit to a level 2 charger (save for the Prius Prime) will make these three hybrids a guilt-free transaction worth the long-term ownership of one.

In other words, if you are looking for a proven hybrid from a brand that has a two-decade long track record on doing them right – look no further than the 2023 Prius, Crown, Corolla Hybrid, and the rest of Toyota’s hybrid lineup. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicles provided by Toyota Motor North America; travel was arranged by Victory & Reseda

All photos by Randy Stern