2023 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid continued to uphold its reputation as a reliable family sedan, maintaining its appeal with a futuristic and expressive design. The front end featured a bold, sneering face with muscular features, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim. Inside, the Camry Hybrid boasted a wild dashboard design with a sweeping curve, a large infotainment touchscreen, and a well-organized centre console. The second row offered ample space and comfort, even for the middle seat, while the overall fit and finish were of high quality, showcasing Toyota's attention to detail.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Prius underwent a complete makeover, emerging with a sleek and futuristic exterior that blended curves and edges. The new design pushed the wheels further into the corners, enhancing both handling and aesthetics. The Prius was longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor, with 19-inch alloy wheels standard on Canadian models. Inside, the cabin prioritized function over form, with a pair of screens beside the driver’s seat and a dashboard-mounted infotainment screen. While the interior lacked decorative trim, it remained a comfortable space, with top-notch materials and fit and finish.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a total of 208 horsepower. It featured an electronically controlled CVT and offered drive modes including EV, Eco, Normal, and Sport. The Camry Hybrid achieved impressive fuel consumption ratings of 4.9 L/100 km in the city and 4.8 L/100 km on the highway for the LE model. Handling was enhanced by a lower centre of gravity due to the lithium-ion battery pack placement, although maintaining EV mode proved challenging, and some drivetrain droning was noted.

The 2023 Toyota Prius, on the other hand, featured a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine combined with a more powerful electric motor, producing 196 horsepower in AWD models. This marked a significant improvement over the previous model's 121 horsepower. The Prius achieved fuel economy ratings of 4.8 L/100 km in the city and 4.7 L/100 km on the highway. The new powertrain provided a more athletic and responsive driving experience, with improved acceleration times. While road and wind noise were well isolated, engine noise intruded during hard acceleration. The revised suspension and longer wheelbase contributed to agile handling, though the brakes exhibited minor squishiness.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a comfortable driving position with ample headroom and adjustable seating options. The interior featured generous storage spaces, including a spacious glove compartment and multiple nooks throughout the dash. The second row was roomy and easy to access, with bottle holders and map pockets. The trunk provided 428 litres of space, with a passthrough for long items and foldable rear seats for larger cargo. The Camry Hybrid came with a comprehensive warranty, covering the hybrid battery for 10 years/240,000 kilometres.

The 2023 Toyota Prius, despite its larger exterior, had a slightly smaller interior due to the sloping roofline, affecting headroom. However, legroom improved, and taller passengers fit comfortably in the rear seats. The cabin featured SofTex leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Limited trim included a fixed glass roof, enhancing the cabin's openness. Cargo space decreased to 575 litres, with some visibility challenges due to the loss of the split rear window. The cabin offered various storage solutions, including a wireless charging pocket and USB-C ports.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including a premium JBL audio system with nine speakers on the XLE model. All models featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, with touchscreen sizes varying by trim. The Camry Hybrid also included a smart key system, push-button start, and a projected-path rearview camera. Upper trims offered additional features like a head-up display and bird’s-eye view camera, elevating the Camry Hybrid's luxury and tech offerings.

The 2023 Toyota Prius featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on XLE models, with a larger 12.3-inch screen on the Limited trim. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though navigation required a subscription. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster was standard, though it was criticized for being too busy. The Limited trim included an 8-speaker JBL audio system and a digital rearview mirror. Subscription-based connectivity bundles offered remote access, safety features, and cloud navigation.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including features like pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. It also had the Star safety system, 10 airbags, and a blind-spot monitor on most trims. The Camry Hybrid received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota Prius featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-tracing assist. The Proactive Driving Assist system impressed with its minimal intrusion. The Prius included eight airbags and blind-spot monitoring, with the Limited trim offering hands-free automatic parking. The IIHS awarded the Prius a Top Safety Pick+ rating.