2023 Toyota Prius vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

This Toyota hybrid has seen competition come and go. It has outstayed them all because it has outperformed them in all the ways that count. So is the 2023 Elantra Hybrid a true contender? Let’s find out in this hybrid car comparison.

1. Packaging and Options

   The Toyota hybrid car offers more options than you get with the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. There are three major trims (LE/XLE/Limited) vs just two with the Elantra Hybrid (Blue/Limited). Likewise, only the Prius is offering an all-wheel drive upgrade, which essentially provides three more Toyota trim levels.

   Then there’s the Prius Prime which comes in SE, XSE, and XSE Premium All in all, you have nine choices with Prius and two with the Hyundai hybrid car.

2. Quality and Refinement

   As US News and World Report has written, the Elantra material quality is unappealing. They note low-rent build materials, and they point out the visible hard plastics.

   Automotive critics praise the new sharp styling and attractive cabin of the 2023 Prius. Consumers will find new soft-touch surfaces that help balance plastic surfaces. Furthermore, fit and finish is good which means it looks good now and will maintain that look longer.

   Motor Trend praises the soft seatbacks that make the second-row passengers more comfortable.

3. Cargo Capacity

   When you see a hatchback, there’s always a good chance that it will have better cargo space than a sedan. It’s certainly true in this case. Elantras have a 14.2-cubic foot trunk while the Prius LE has 23.8 cubic feet in its cargo hold. XLE and Limited Prius have 20.8 cubes.

   So, whether it’s an extra 6.6 cubes or an extra 9.6 cubes, the Prius has the Elantra Hybrid beat hands down. Of course, this space is generally much more useful since the cargo hold will have a wider mouth and fewer obstructions than the typical trunk.

   

   Likewise, folding the second-row seats will net you much more unobstructed space in the Prius than in the Elantra Hybrid. In fact, the Blue edition doesn’t even have a solid rear bench rather than the more flexible split-fold seatback.

4. Gas Mileage

   Toyota hybrid vehicles have always led the way on gas mileage. However, with an increase in power output, it seemed like it might lose its edge. Instead the 2023 Toyota Prius actually has the highest MPG numbers this special model has ever had. That’s a nice trick.

   The Prius LE FWD edition now earns 57 miles per gallon in city driving. That means wherever your commute keeps the speed low, even if it’s stop and go, your car is just sipping fuel.

   Although it can match the Prius highway efficiency, the Elantra Hybrid lags by 4 MPG in the city and 3 MPG in overall fuel efficiency.

   

   Looking at it from another angle, the Prius XLE FWD, Limited FWD and LE AWD all have better fuel economy than the Elantra Hybrid Limited.

5. Performance

   Every Prius Hybrid has the same powertrain this year. This remarkable trio of gas engine, electric motor, and hybrid battery pack is able to deliver 194 horsepower.

   

   By comparison, the Elantra Hybrid generates 139 horsepower. It does claim a higher rate of torque overall. However, the Prius engine and Prius motor generate higher levels of torque as individual units than their Hyundai counterparts.

6. Prius Prime Advantages

   As great as the Prius is, the Prius Prime has even more advantages over the Elantra Hybrid. This Toyota plug in hybrid can go 33 miles on electricity alone. This allows you to travel with zero emissions during the average daily commuter. The gas-electric hybrid technology has you covered for the long haul.

   Furthermore, the Prime has increased its output to 220 horsepower, a 100-horsepower jump over the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime. That’s almost 100 more horses than the Elantra Hybrid.

   Only the Prime has a solar panel that can help recharge the battery under the Phoenix AZ sun. That’s a nice bonus for area drivers. Like the regular Prius, it also utilizes regenerative braking to capture power.

7. Dash Technology and Driver Assistance

   The Prius has always had advanced dash tech. This year that’s a choice of an 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen. Both have the coveted wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Elantra Hybrids also come with an 8-inch touchscreen, and the upgrade is to a 10.25 touchscreen.

   As for driver assistance, the two models are similar. They each have a forward collision system watching for vehicles and pedestrians that can trigger an autobrake. However, the Toyota basic system includes an exclusive Proactive Drive Assist.

   Likewise only the Prius has a radar-informed adaptive cruise control on all models. You have to step up to the Elantra Hybrid Limited to get intelligent cruise control.

   The two models have a blind spot monitor, lane departure assistance, lane centering, and a rear cross traffic alert. More Prius models are eligible for autobrakes with front and rear parking sensors. Plus the Toyota semi-automated parking system is available on these Toyota hybrid models.

   Both vehicles have good safety scores. However, the Toyota hybrid has 8 airbags whereas the Hyundai has 6 airbags.

Conclusion

The Prius continues to hold its own against the Elantra Hybrid. Find your next car about these leading Toyota hybrid models at your Earnhardt Toyota dealer. A test drive is definitely a fun way to get more information.