As the automotive industry advances forward, and we look set for an electrified future, there is an increasing blur between hybrids and pure EVs. This is particularly evident in cars like the hybrid Toyota Prius Prime, and the fully electric Hyundai Ionic 6. Both cars represent the latest and greatest iterations of established players in these markets.
Traditionally, hybrids have offered far more flexibility and everyday usability, as EVs like Tesla have been significantly constrained by their range. However, times have now changed. The 2023 Prius Prime looks set to boast an almost EV-rivaling electric-only range, while also being able to travel even further when in hybrid mode. The all-electric 2023 Hyundai Ionic 6, can now pretty much match the range on offer in a combustion-engined car. The choice is no longer clear, so which option should you go for? Here are five things we like about the Prius Prime and five reasons we'd buy an Ioniq 6 instead.
10 Prius: Vastly Improved Aesthetics
Believe it or not, the original Toyota Prius was launched way back in October 1997. While the hybrid powertrain may have been futuristic, the styling was anything but. The drab and uninspiring design was one of the biggest things to hold the Prius back.
Even drivers who were interested in going green, and would have considered the Prius, just couldn't get on board with its looks. Now in its 5th incarnation, the 2023 Prius sports a far-sleeker and dare we say it, desirable design. The good looks start from the front, with a "hammerhead shark" inspired design incorporating distinctive new headlights.
9 Ioniq 6: Futuristic Exterior Styling
Hyundai has set the bar high with its ambitions for the 2023 Ioniq 6. The car is heavily based on the brand's "Prophecy" concept, which was unveiled in 2020. Impressively, Hyundai has managed to keep many of the futuristic design features of the Prophecy, which are all too often lost between a concept and production car.
The Ioniq 6 sports a slick coupe-like body style, while also providing four-door practicality. The car's styling doesn't just look great, but actually improves the aerodynamic efficiency, helping it to achieve a longer range. The back end has a Porsche-style light bar, which simply looks great and is formed of pixel lamps.
8 Prius: EV Rivaling Hybrid Powertrain
While the Prius Prime is not a fully committed EV, its hybrid powertrain provides a compelling alternative. Powering the Prius is the fusion of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine and a newly designed 13.6 kWh battery.
The result of this partnership is a 194-hp power output, which provides enough shove to propel the Prius from 0-60 mph in a decent 7.2 seconds. When buyers opt for the all-wheel version, power output is increased slightly to 196 hp, and the 0-60 mph sprint is reduced to 7.0 seconds. These figures represent a significant advancement over the outgoing model, which would take almost 10 seconds to reach 60 mph.
7 Ioniq 6: Impressive Range, And Fast Charging
Both single and dual-motor-powered versions of the Ioniq 6 will be on offer. Both options will share the same 77.4 kWh battery, with a very impressive 382-mile range available on the single motor, rear-wheel drive version.
Select the dual motors, and all-wheel drive becomes available, however, the range is reduced to a lower but still respectable 322 miles. The car is certainly no slouch, rocketing from 0-60 mph in around 5.0 seconds.
6 Prius: Redesigned Minimalist Interior
The fifth generation model's improvements are not just limited to the exterior. Toyota has also invested heavily in the car's cabin. The fit and finish have been greatly improved, and higher-quality materials now form the basis of the interior.
Technology systems have also received substantial improvements, and the infotainment offering is centered around a new 12.3-inch screen. Functionality can be controlled via touch or voice input, with Toyota's virtual assistant activated using the command "Hey Toyota." Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable you to easily connect your smartphone, and the car has its own Wi-Fi connectivity.
5 Ioniq 6: Cutting-Edge Interior
The interior of the Ioniq 6 provides a sleek and minimalist environment for both the driver and their passengers. The infotainment system revolves around the combination of two 12.0-inch displays. The system offers all the prerequisite features of a modern interior, with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as built-in satellite navigation.
Setting the mood, the car is kitted out with an impressive 4096-color combination ambient lighting system. With so many options available, there should be a color to suit all moods and preferences.
4 Prius: Intelligent Solar Roof Charger
Aside from the impressive performance gains provided by the new and improved hybrid powertrain, the range also sees an impressive bump. The new model looks set to be able to travel just under 60 miles on electric power alone, a staggering 50% further than the outgoing model. The impressive range will genuinely satisfy a vast majority of owners in their everyday driving.
Essentially, buyers will own a car that acts like an EV but comes with the convenience of a range-extending combustion engine for longer trips. Helping keep the battery topped up, the Prius will be equipped with a standard fitment "solar roof panel." It is claimed the system can add up to 777 miles of range per year, but obviously, mileage will vary given climatic conditions and parking arrangements. Usefully, the power generated can even be used to run the air conditioning, keeping the car cool while you run errands.
3 Ioniq 6: Stealthy “First Edition” Model
Those buyers who are keen to get hold of the Ioniq 6 early, are in for a real treat. The limited "First Edition" model will come with several desirable and exclusive design elements. The car looks set to be one of the best-looking versions of the Ioniq 6.
Black features heavily, with the badges, side mirrors, and matte alloy wheels all finished in the color. Likewise, the seats sport a classy gray tartan covering inspired by the Prophecy concept and are framed by black side bolsters.
2 Prius: Standard “Toyota Safety Sense” Suite
The 5th generation car comes equipped with Toyota's latest version of their "Safety Sense" suite. A comprehensive range of safety features is included, from "Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection" to "Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist" and "Road Sign Assist."
New for the 2023 Prius is "Proactive Driving Assist," which will make gentle steering and braking interventions, to reduce the chance of a collision.
1 Ioniq 6: Advanced Driver Assistance Features
As part of Hyundai's Smart Sense Advanced Driver Assistance package, the Ioniq 6 will come with several impressive features. "Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control," utilizes not only the information the car can detect around it but also the navigation maps. The idea is that the car can perform adjustments to braking and steering at the optimum time, taking into account bends and inclines.
Another clever function is "Safe Exit Warning." Helping protect rear seat occupants, if a passing vehicle is detected, the car makes an audible noise to warn of the danger.
Sources: Toyota, Hyundai