For those who’re considering it could be unusual to cross-shop the Toyota Prius towards the Tesla Mannequin 3, contemplate this. Extra new EV house owners come from Toyota than another model. Toyota hasn’t had a totally electrical automobile in its lineup till not too long ago, and the bZ4x crossover is not precisely promoting like hotcakes. The redesigned Prius is nicer to take a look at and a greater total performer than the outgoing mannequin, however it’s additionally costly and fewer sensible.
The Toyota Prius is a legend in the case of hybrids, and Toyota has been a transparent chief in hybrid know-how for years. We do not cowl the Prius at InsideEVs as a result of it does not have a plug. We do cowl the Prius Prime, and, after all, the bZ4x, however these are totally different tales for a distinct day.
With that mentioned, moderately than providing the Prius with a totally electrical powertrain, Toyota dropped at market a brand-new technology that is nonetheless a gasoline automobile. The Japanese automaker labored to make the automobile a complete lot much less polarizing and bland. As a substitute, it seems to be sporty and has a big bump in horsepower, together with well-balanced driving dynamics. Nonetheless, its rear seats are cramped and there is not as a lot cargo area because the outgoing mannequin.
The 2023 Prius begins at round $30,000. Nonetheless, to get it outfitted like the bottom Mannequin 3, you will need to step as much as no less than the midrange XLE trim and go for some add-ons. The one we configured to be very like the Tesla got here in at round $34,000. In the meantime, the most affordable Mannequin 3 will set you again no less than $42,000 earlier than any tax credit or rebates. Remember, the Prius is not eligible for EV tax credit because it does not plug in.
YouTube influencer Gjeebs took the time to take a look at the brand new Toyota Prius and evaluate it to the Tesla Mannequin 3. He calls the vehicles the “GOATS,” or the best of all time of their respective segments. Gjeebs writes:
“The Toyota Prius is the perfect promoting hybrid ever made and the Tesla Mannequin 3 is the perfect promoting EV ever made. So which one must you purchase?”
He spends a while behind the wheel of the brand new Prius displaying off its unimaginable gasoline effectivity earlier than placing the vehicles subsequent to 1 one other and going into element about how they evaluate. Take a look at the video for all the small print after which tell us which automobile you suppose is the higher purchase.