Tesla Model Y Vs. 2023 Prius: Which Is Better?

Toyota Prius made its groundbreaking debut in 2000. Since then, the car has reinvented itself into a high-tech sedan with impressive fuel efficiency. The 2023 Prius features the same hybrid design that characterizes the line and delivers an exceptional fuel range. Model Y is Tesla’s sought-after crossover. In true Tesla fashion, it is fully electric and designed with autonomy in mind. Model Y costs more than the 2023 Prius but is also more powerful. If you are torn between these models, our Tesla Model Y vs. 2023 Prius comparison might help you pick.

Tesla Model Y Vs. 2023 Prius: Side-by-Side Comparison

Tesla Model Y Vs. 2023 Prius: What’s the Difference?

With upcoming bans on gas-powered car sales, Tesla and the like might be the cars of the future. If the U.S. government ends purchases of gas-powered vehicles in 2035, the 2023 Prius might be your next affordable family car. It might not be fully electric, but its hybrid engine brings fuel efficiency and performance to the table.

Vehicle Type

At first glance, the main difference between Tesla Model Y and the 2023 Prius is the vehicle type. The former is an electric vehicle that runs on batteries. You can charge it via Tesla Superchargers or at home if you purchase a Tesla wall outlet. The car produces zero emissions and can save on gas.

The 2023 Prius is a hybrid vehicle. It does have an electric motor, but you can’t actually recharge the battery via an outlet. That part is the responsibility of the regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine. The electric charge helps improve fuel efficiency and range, but the switch between gas and electric is done autonomously. Even so, the 2023 Prius allows for on-demand use of the electric motor in some circumstances.

Prius is one of the most fuel-efficient cars compared to gas and hybrid vehicles. However, its efficiency pales in comparison to Tesla Model Y’s as far as refueling or recharging costs are concerned.

Toyota claims the 2023 Prius has a range of 57 miles per gallon. Depending on your location, this works out to around $5.98 to $9.64 per 100 miles. With a Tesla Model Y, you can drive 100 miles on a $4.48 charge.

Design

Toyota has never been known for its fashionable vehicles, and the Prius was possibly the ugliest car in the world when it launched in 2000. Since then, it has evolved into a gorgeous vehicle you’ll likely feel proud to drive.

The 2023 model is a high-tech sedan with smooth curves, sharp details, and a bold striking design. Its low center of gravity and 19-inch alloy wheels deliver perfect balance and stability on the road. The smooth lines of the exterior improve aerodynamics, boosting efficiency and performance.

While the earlier versions weren’t something to write home about, the new Prius boasts distinctive headlights and taillights that accentuate the clean look of its lines. A fixed glass roof also comes as standard in the 2023 Prius Limited or as an extra to a custom XLE.

Launched in 2020, Tesla Model Y is a mid-sized SUV designed for enhanced comfort and capacity. The style hasn’t changed much in the past years, even though rumors claim that Tesla will bring design updates to the 2024 Model Y. Until then, the crossover blends the stylish curves of a sedan with the chassis and stance of an off-road vehicle. It doesn’t come as a surprise, considering that the all-wheel drive makes this car perfect for driving on all terrains. Pair it with 21-inch wheels and you get the perfect ride for all terrains and situations.

Compared to the 2023 Prius, Tesla Model Y is also bigger overall and a lot roomier. The style is somewhere about modern and futuristic, but the new design updates of the Prius put these cars in the same category style-wise.

Performance

Driving is more than getting from point A to point B. If you love having a powerful car, Tesla Model Y might be the best choice for you. Boasting a high-performance motor, the Model Y can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. That’s a lot faster than many other cars and two times faster than the 2023 Prius. Acceleration is not its only advantage either. This crossover packs 425 horsepower under its hood and reaches top speeds of 155 miles per hour.

The 2023 Prius is a family car built for comfort and safety rather than performance. Its acceleration is inferior to Tesla Model Y. Yet, it can reach a speed of 60 miles per hour in 7.1 seconds. That might not be impressive compared to Tesla, but it’s an improvement compared to the 2022 Prius. You can expect 196 horsepower and top speeds of up to 113 miles per hour. While the horsepower and top speed are inferior to Model Y, they’re satisfactory for an everyday car.

Unlike Tesla Model Y, the 2023 Prius also doesn’t boast an autonomous drive. It does come with driving assistance, though, including lane assist and sensors that detect blind spot surpasses. While Model Y doesn’t come with auto-pilot as standard, you can customize the car and add this feature if you want.

User Interface

Beyond actual driving, the way you experience a car is closely linked to the infotainment system and the user interface. Tesla holds the upper hand in this aspect. Its huge, 15-inch central display dominates the dashboard and provides intuitive control of all non-essential functions. Built-in maps ensure easy navigation in foreign areas, while the in-car entertainment system (music and radio) is a breeze to control.

From the control panel, you can also adjust the position of the mirror, control the headlights, adjust the steering wheel, or activate the window locks. Non-essential information about the driving mode and battery status are also displayed here.

The 2023 Prius features a larger control panel compared to previous Prius versions, but its charm pales compared to Model Y. The screen is a lot smaller and less impacting, but the user interface is as friendly as it gets.

Toyota fitted the 2023 Prius with a JBL system and wireless Android Auto. You can pair the vehicle with your Android or Apple device, access Apple CarPlay, and connect to your Google account for easy navigation via Google Maps. The car also comes with a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan 3-Month trial that gives you access to ad-free music, podcasts, sports, news, comedy, and more.

Comfort

Tesla Model Y and the 2023 Prius are family cars that boast comfort. However, if you have a big family or love taking long trips, Model Y offers a lot more space. In fact, Tesla impresses with a capacity of 76 cubic feet. The interior is roomy, and the trunk is large enough to accommodate suitcases, sports equipment, and shopping bags.

Another element that makes Model Y a better choice for large families is the possibility of getting it with seven rather than five seats. This layout is only available for the Long Range model and adds $4,000 to the initial cost of the car, but it’s nice to know you have the option.

Toyota Prius is more suitable for small families. It offers five seats and a total interior capacity of 20.3 cubic feet. This isn’t the first time Toyota has sacrificed rear passenger comfort and trunk space to maintain a compact dimension. The rear bench is pretty comfortable, but you’ll get less head space. This could be an issue for taller people but not a deal-breaker if the kids sit at the back. The true deal breaker could be the smaller trunk, as it won’t hold much more than a stroller and two or three cabin-size suitcases.

Pricing

While the compact dimension sacrifices trunk space and some comfort, the 2023 Prius is unbeatable in terms of costs. Prices start at $27,450, which is incredibly affordable for a hybrid vehicle this size. The Limited version, which includes most add-ons as standard, costs $34,465 if you don’t mind the factory version. Customizations drive costs up, but even so, the Prius is still cheaper than Tesla Model Y.

As far as Tesla is concerned, the Long Range Model Y can set you back $54,990 without customizations. An extra row of seats adds $4,000 to that price, and all other customizations also drive costs up. With all possible add-ons and custom paint, the car costs $79,990. That’s a lot, but financing and leasing options directly from Tesla might give you the possibility to buy your dream car without breaking the bank.

Tesla Model Y Vs. 2023 Prius: 6 Must-Known Facts

• The 2023 Prius is an upgraded version of Toyota’s popular Prius model. It is a hybrid sedan and a great family or city car.
• Tesla Model Y is a high-end SUV from Tesla. It was launched in 2020, and an upgraded variant will come out in 2024.
• Toyota 2023 Prius can’t be plugged in to recharge the battery, but it allows full-electric drive for short periods.
• Model Y is a fully electric car that you can recharge at Tesla Supercharger stations or at home if you purchase a wall outlet.
• Model Y is a great family car with up to seven seats and has a large trunk.
• Toyota 2023 Prius is less high-tech than Tesla but cheaper, sacrificing some comfort to maintain compact dimensions.

Tesla Model Y Vs. 2023 Prius: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Get?

Toyota Prius might not be famous for its looks, even if the 2023 model is truly eye-catchy. Nevertheless, this car is a trendsetter in the hybrid vehicle world. It delivers performance and reliability, and it is built to last. Tesla Model Y is the brand’s luxury SUV. It is more spacious than Toyota’s sedan and a lot more spirited. Pacy and practical, it boasts impressive acceleration and has a truly comfortable interior. If you don’t mind the hefty price tag, you wouldn’t pass it up. However, if you want a nice car and would rather save a buck, the 2023 Prius would be a fantastic buy.