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The Toyota Prius is back for the 2023 model year with a new look and lease on hybrid electric life. However, it’s not alone in Toyota’s lineup when it comes to fuel-saving efficiency; the Corolla Hybrid offers commendable economy in one of Toyota’s most popular sedan models. Still, the new 2023 Prius has one significant advantage over the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. 

A new 2023 Toyota Prius shows off its blue color as it cruises down a country road.
2023 Toyota Prius | Toyota

While the Corolla Hybrid has many redeeming features, it can’t hope to top the 2023 Toyota Prius’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings for fuel economy. In fact, the Corolla model’s increased power dropped its fuel efficiency for the 2023 model, resulting in an even more significant disparity between it and the newly-redesigned Prius. Specifically, the 2023 Corolla Hybrid LE gained 17 horsepower, raising power figures from 121 to 138.

Which Prius gets the best mpg?

The 2023 Toyota Prius LE returns the best mpg figures in the model’s lineup. For instance, the LE gets around 57 mpg city and 56 mpg highway. According to TrueCar, that’s about four to five mpg more than the higher trims like the XLE or Limited. 

As a result, the Prius lineup outperforms the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid’s fuel economy by a wide margin. The heavier Prius L and other all-wheel drive (AWD) variations lose a bit of the LE’s efficiency. Understandably so, given the added weight of the AWD platform. Still, with combined EPA economy figures of around 54 mpg, an AWD Toyota Prius isn’t a tough compromise.

How many mpg does a Toyota Corolla Hybrid get?

A 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid gets about 50 mpg city and 43 mpg at highway speeds. As a result, the Corolla model could get around 47 mpg combined, which is about 10 mpg behind the 2023 Toyota Prius.  

Unfortunately for Corolla Hybrid fans, the 2022 model had more impressive efficiency figures than the newer model. Specifically, the new model packs an extra 13 horsepower and 51 lb-ft of torque compared to the previous iteration. While that might be better for more spirited commuting and leisure driving, owners will pay for it at the pump. 

A 2023 Toyota Corolla shows off its white paintwork as it drives a country road under a sunset.
2023 Toyota Corolla | Toyota

What is the mpg for the 2023 Prius Prime AWD?

The upcoming 2023 Toyota Prius Prime boasts EPA fuel economy figures of 50 mpg city and 47 mpg at highway speeds. According to Car and Driver, the new Prime will cover around 33 miles of highway driving on electric power only before it kicks on its gasoline engine. Moreover, the model will likely host an AWD application with an electric motor driving the rear wheels. Still, the heavier AWD platform will likely reduce fuel economy.

Why is the Prius’ mpg so high?

Toyota says the new 2023 Toyota Prius adds efficiency by optimizing the battery placement under the rear seats and reducing the model’s aerodynamic profile by two inches at the roofline. Moreover, the new Prius’ increased power and torque didn’t result in a loss of fuel economy. 

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid exchanged power and torque for overall efficiency. The news gets worse with the AWD Corolla Hybrid models; fuel consumption figures drop to 47 mpg city and 41 mpg at highway speeds. That’s a far cry from the Prius lineup’s numbers, but it’s still a nearly 18 mpg improvement over the conventional Corolla trims.  

What do you think of the new Prius and Prius Prime? Would you rather have a Toyota Corolla Hybrid or something else entirely? Tell us in the comments below!

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