2023 Toyota Prius (5th gen) - It's not ugly!

[Tornado]

2023 Toyota Prius First Drive Review: The Iconic Hybrid Finally Glows Up

The latest 2023 Toyota Prius is a heck of a step forward, and might make some prospective buyers change their minds about the badge.

www.thedrive.com

The Drive says it's good.

 

[R1600Turbo]

 

[Keef]

That was the most relevant stereo sound test I've ever heard. I assumed the video was over and that was his outro music because my Klipsch system started bumping lol.

 

[Danoff]

The numb steering criticism is like a dagger to the heart of this thing for me. I know toyota does that sometimes (more often in Lexus I think), and it's god awful.

 

[Keef]

The numb steering criticism is like a dagger to the heart of this thing for me. I know toyota does that sometimes (more often in Lexus I think), and it's god awful.

I've never driven a modern car with electrically assisted steering that I liked. These reviewers have a lot more experience than me comparing peer cars but my comparison is always to what I know, older hydraulic systems on anything from SUVs to sports cars. For example, I prefer my 2006 Sequoia's steering feel to a 2017 Mazda 6. I prefer my 2005 Rav4 to a 2021 Honda Pilot.

So when these guys say a new car has numb steering I have to imagine they just stepped out of a Disney Monorail with no steering wheel at all because every commuter car on the market these days is miserable to drive.

 

[Danoff]

I've never driven a modern car with electrically assisted steering that I liked. These reviewers have a lot more experience than me comparing peer cars but my comparison is always to what I know, older hydraulic systems on anything from SUVs to sports cars. For example, I prefer my 2006 Sequoia's steering feel to a 2017 Mazda 6. I prefer my 2005 Rav4 to a 2021 Honda Pilot.

So when these guys say a new car has numb steering I have to imagine they just stepped out of a Disney Monorail with no steering wheel at all because every commuter car on the market these days is miserable to drive.

Toyota has a few examples of insanely bad steering (and some examples of good). So for example, they liked the steering in the new supra. I have driven a mid-oughts Lexus RX and the steering was laughably numb. By contrast, anything Acura makes today (and I've driven a few current ones) are far more communicative. This youtube channel has reviewed some of the new Acuras and not complained about numb steering.

So I think the takehome is that it's numb compared to the typical commuter car on the market.

 

[Keef]

Toyota has a few examples of insanely bad steering (and some examples of good). So for example, they liked the steering in the new supra. I have driven a mid-oughts Lexus RX and the steering was laughably numb. By contrast, anything Acura makes today (and I've driven a few current ones) are far more communicative. This youtube channel has reviewed some of the new Acuras and not complained about numb steering.

So I think the takehome is that it's numb compared to the typical commuter car on the market.

Seems like they only mentioned the steering once but mentioned that it's hashtag a great car and nice to drive several times. That's top trumps. Your numb steering complaint is 10-ply bud.

 

[Danoff]

Seems like they only mentioned the steering once but mentioned that it's hashtag a great car and nice to drive several times. That's top trumps. Your numb steering complaint is 10-ply bud.

It's their numb steering complaint.

If it has numb steering, I'm not interested. As far as I'm concerned, it kills the car. I haven't driven one, but if it's Lexus RX numb (which it sounds like), I won't touch it.

 

[ProjectWHaT]

 

[GranTurNismo]

 

[05XR8]

They'll be everywhere. Now, more than ever.

 

[ProjectWHaT]

Prius GRMN may be coming in the future

Toyota Prius GRMN Performance Version Is Coming: Report

Toyota plans to launch a high-performance version of its Prius hybrid, according to a reliable source in Japan.

www.thedrive.com

According to Best Car, which predicted the GR Corolla back in 2020, Toyota plans to introduce a peppy Prius some time between late 2023 and Spring 2024. Tentatively referred to as a GRMN model (technically above the GR level), this Prius will reportedly get an improved unibody, with extra spot welds and industrial adhesives to stiffen the GA-C chassis it shares with the GR Corolla. It'll also gain improved brakes, suspension, and an exclusive interior finish that you'd expect of a GR model.

What Toyota will do for the GR Prius's powertrain isn't known, but Best Car is certain that it'll be based on the plug-in hybrid model, which we know as the Prius Prime. It sounds like there are doubts about the tuning potential of its naturally aspirated, Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder, so what will power it remains uncertain. Even a modest power bump would put it in Subaru WRX territory though, all while returning better gas mileage and looking far better.

Would be pretty sick if they end up making a plug-in that's as fun and powerful as a WRX. I'd totally get one if it's affordable

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

Making a plug-in-hybrid an engaging drive would be an interesting problem to solve. As far as making it faster, it seems like they could just stuff the Rav4 prime powertrain in there.

 

[05XR8]