The launch of the revamped 2023 Toyota Prius and Chevy Bolt EV present car shoppers with an interesting choice between two affordable and efficient models. On one hand, the Prius pairs a gas engine with two electric motors for maximum mileage. And the Bolt utilizes lithium-ion battery power for a purely electric alternative.
Each vehicle suits different priorities around driving range, cargo flexibility or long term costs. Let‘s analyze the technology inside and total experience of owning these high-value contenders.
Powertrain Technology Powering These Efficient Runabouts
To fully understand the strengths of the Prius and Bolt, we should pop the hood and look at what makes them move. Their distinct approaches to fuel and motors dictate performance differences.
Chevy Bolt EV Powertrain
The Bolt EV runs fully electric, powered solely by its large 65 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Energy from those batteries feeds a permanent magnet electric drive motor capable of 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.
It‘s a simple but effective single-motor layout that enables strong acceleration. Many EVs operate on a similar concept, but battery size, motor output and electrical systems management can vary greatly. The Bolt benefits from GM‘s over 20 years expanding into EV technology.
2023 Toyota Prius Hybrid Powertrain
Toyota‘s spent over two decades perfecting hybrid synergy drive systems like that in the Prius. It combines a high-efficiency 1.8 liter 4-cylinder gas engine with two electric motor-generators, all seamlessly coordinated through an electronically controlled planetary gearset.
One motor primarily helps turn the wheels. But both also charge the battery during braking or engine operation. That gives it electric-only operation at lower speeds. Smart software toggles between the power sources for maximum economy. Total combined output stands at 196 horsepower.
The complexity of the planetary hybrid gearbox means precision manufacturing for long-term durability. And further tweaks over successive Prius generations continue improving mileage.
Powertrain Comparison
| Spec | Chevy Bolt EV | 2023 Toyota Prius |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Source | 65 kWh Lithium-Ion Battery | 1.8L Gas + Lithium-Ion Battery |
| Motor(s) | Single Permanent Magnet Motor | 1.8L Engine + Two Electric Motor-Generators |
| Total Horsepower | 200 | 196 |
| Total Torque (lb-ft) | 266 | ND |
| 0-60 mph time | 6.5 sec | 7.2 sec |
Toyota has more overall experience creating hybrid systems. But GM leverage knowledge across brands in designing the Bolt‘s proven EV drivetrain. Both showcase strengths of their approaches to economical transportation.
Driving Range, Charging and Fuel Economy
For drivers, what matters most day-to-day is avoiding stops for fuel or charging when possible. The Prius and Bolt take different paths towards that goal.
Chevy Bolt EV Range and Charging
The EPA rates driving range on a full battery charge at 259 miles for the Bolt EV. Compare that to 191 miles for Nissan‘s Leaf Plus and 303 miles for a RWD Tesla Model 3. So it strikes a nice balance – more than enough daily capacity, without the higher expense of larger 100+ kWh packs.
Charging the 65 kWh battery up to full from empty takes about 7 hours on most 240v Level 2 home or public chargers. Faster DC fast charging can restore 100 miles in 30 minutes.
2023 Toyota Prius Range and Fuel Economy
No range anxiety with the Prius – its 10.6 gallon gas tank and efficiency gives it an EPA composite rating of 57 mpg. That works out to an impressive 640 mile tank range in ideal conditions.
City driving yields even better efficiency of 59 mpg thanks to more electric operation. Highway drops slightly to 53 mpg when engine use increases. But that‘s still commodity hybrid territory.
Range/Economy Comparison
| Spec | Chevy Bolt EV | 2023 Toyota Prius |
|---|---|---|
| Full Charge/Fill Distance | 259 mi | 640 mi |
| City MPGe/MPG | 118 | 59 |
| Highway MPGe/MPG | 107 | 53 |
| Combined MPGe/MPG | 114 | 57 |
| Charging/Fill Up Time | 7 hrs (240V) | 5 min |
The Prius gives piece of mind for long stretches between fill ups. But EV drivers get used to home charging each night to start every day on a "full tank".
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity
Although compact exterior dimensions suit tight parking spots, both models strive for open, comfortable cabins. And luggage capacity matters too for fitting your stuff.
The Prius redesign reshaped its interior around a Tesla-inspired central touchscreen. Dropping the shifter handle opened up forward storage space as well. Cabin height comes in slightly lower though, which could impact head room.
2023 Toyota Prius Cargo Dimensions:
| Spec | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Rear Seat Up | 20.3 cu ft |
| Rear Seat Down | ND |
The Bolt EV maintains its hatchback utility. Rear seats fold fully flat, enabling large items inside the spacious hold. Just be aware the charging cable intrudes on some depth when stowed.
Chevy Bolt EV Cargo Dimensions:
| Spec | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Rear Seat Up | 16.6 cu ft |
| Rear Seat Down | 57.0 cu ft |
So the Prius prioritizes people space over gear-hauling ability. But the Bolt ensures you can transport bulky home improvement purchases or camping loads.
Technology, Entertainment and Connectivity
Modern vehicles now ship with mobile device-like touchscreens and infotainment capability. The Prius steps that up in its new generation, while the Bolt carries over its system from last year.
Every 2023 Prius comes standard with a 12.3 inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. It offers wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration for your smartphone to power maps, music streaming and voice assistance.
An even wider 11.6 inch landscape touchscreen running navigation software is available as an option. Several USB charge points accommodate passenger devices too.
The Chevy Bolt EV gets by with am 8 inch central color display and six-speaker audio. Like the Prius, it also has standard wireless phone projection, USB ports all around, and built-in apps.
So while both deliver the essentials for entertainment on the go, Toyota now outclasses most competitors on interface size alone. Yet Chevy‘s system still works well for basic needs.
Safety Technology and Driver Assists
With the potential for accidents, new safety innovations give owners peace of mind. Both vehicles come equipped with the latest camera, radar and sensor-based systems as standard.
Chevy Bolt EV Standard Safety Features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam Automatic High Beams
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Front and Rear Park Assist
2023 Toyota Prius Standard Safety Features:
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- Pre-Collision System w/ Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise
- Lane Departure Alert
- Road Sign Assist
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
These overlapping suites of aids brake automatically to prevent collisions, help keep you in your lane, and alert you to obstacles around the car. Available extras like surround views and self-parking ease maneuvering too.
Top crash test ratings affirm both automakers get safety right. In worst case scenarios, 10 airbags in the Bolt and up to 11 in the Prius manage occupant impact forces.
Manufacturing Quality Processes
With electronics playing bigger roles in vehicles, quality control avoids problems down the road. Both GM and Toyota install checks ensuring assembly precision and supplier performance standards for proven components.
GM Battery Cell Defect Situation
Bolt batteries produced through 2022 contained manufacturing defects triggering fires in a few cases. After identifying the supplier quality issue, GM swiftly provided bolt-on fixes before resuming cell production under intensified quality protocols.
The company stands behind warranty replacements for any impacted owners still driving older model years. And new Bolt EV production runs acceptance testing cycles confirming battery integrity.
While problems emerged, GM’s rapid and thorough response resolves concerns over existing or future models. It exemplifies their commitment upholding rigorous manufacturing processes.
Toyota Hybrid Quality
Over 20 years producing hybrids gives Toyota extensive reliability data. Their strategic continuity using improved versions of Toyota hybrid synergy drive systems pays dividends.
Components like motor-generators and brake assemblies carry over across models, minimizing unexpected variability. And simplified maintenance versus conventional cars promotes longevity. Just brake fluid flushes, tire rotations and cabin filters make up most routine servicing.
Strong resale values even after high mileage affirm Toyota’s reputation for durable hybrid technology. With quality prioritization baked into the corporate culture, each Prius generation runs better than the last.
Cost of Ownership Considerations
Sticker prices mark just the starting point. Fueling, maintenance, tax incentives and resale value all shape total long term costs of owning a Prius or Bolt.
Fuel and Maintenance Costs
The Prius still requires old-fashioned oil changes, air filters and spark plug replacements periodic. But its high mpg minimizes spend at the pump. The average US gasoline price floats around $4/gallon currently. So filling its 10.6 gallon tank runs about $42 dollars.
Meanwhile, the Bolt runs solely off residential electricity rates of around 15 cents per kW. Powering a 65 kWh battery costs around $9.75 per full charge.
Given respective range estimates, Prius drivers would shell out $42 for roughly 640 miles of operation, while Bolt owners pay $9.75 for 259 miles.
Tax Credits and Resale Value
Upfront purchase prices also differ after factoring incentives. A $7,500 federal tax credit discount applies when filing taxes after purchasing an eligible EV. The 2023 Prius hybrid lacks any credits.
Come resale time, hybrids and EVs typically retain higher residual values better than gas cars. Mainstream Prius generations often lead their class.
But some incentives requiring ownership period commitments can impact deprecation differently. Always run cost scenarios matching your own driving needs.
Home Charging Considerations
Bolt owners will want to assess if adding an EV charger makes sense for overnight top-ups. Installation costs vary widely, but outlets or basic wall units keep budgets low.
Smart Level 2 stations with power sharing allow disabling charge schedules when electricity rates fluctuate. They also monitor home energy loads, integrating solar panel systems as well. Expect around $700-1200 for hardware and professional wiring.
Federal tax credits help offset 30% of smart charger equipment and installation costs (up to $1000 max). Some local rebates also encourage EV infrastructure expansion through utilities or clean transportation programs too.
Home charging saves time, but public fast chargers offer another out-and-about option when needed. Just be prepared for session fees surpassing gas pump swipe costs.
Awards and Recognition
Industry authorities validate both competitors as solid selections, albeit for different buyer priorities.
The redesigned 2023 Toyota Prius made Car & Driver‘s 10Best Cars list, returning for the first time since 2016. The Bolt EV won Green Car Report‘s Best Car To Buy honor for 2022. And US News named the Bolt #1 Affordable Electric Vehicle for 2022 based on performance, range and value evaluations.
So the Prius earns kudos as an efficiency pioneer redefining expectations. And the Bolt EV democratizes electric driving in an attainable package.
How Performance Trims Impact Pricing
Stepping up to enhanced performance versions ups upfront pricing on both models. But the extra equipment also brings more creature comforts.
The Prius offers an XLE grade building from the base LE trim. It adds a sunroof, SofTex synthetic leather upholstery, an integrated navigation system and more.
Top-level Limited models throw in a head-up display, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, ambient lighting, a premium JBL audio system and wireless phone charging.
With the Bolt, a new EUV body style variant provides SUV styling cues in the crossover format. Premier models add niceties like leather-appointed seating, ambient interior lighting, heated front/rear seats and surround vision cameras.
Here‘s MSRP pricing for premium configurations:
| Model | Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Toyota Prius | Limited | $36,850 |
| Chevy Bolt EUV | Premier | $38,495 |
So you can tailor either model to your feature preferences and budget. Just weight if upgraded trims warrant their higher prices for your needs.
Bottom Line Recommendations
The 2023 Toyota Prius and Chevy Bolt EV present appealing options aimed at mainstream buyers focused on value. Reliability, quality and long-term operating costs all factor into recommending if one suits you better.
If you desire maximum daily range with fewer stops for fill ups, the Prius should ease range anxiety. Toyota nailed high efficiency and familiar 5-minute gas station routines carry on. Just expect to compromise some storage utility.
For an affordable zero-emissions EV with solid real-world range, the Bolt checks more boxes. Home charging facilitates simple overnight power-ups. And the hatchback body pays dividends on cargo hauling flexibility.
In the end, identifying which vehicle aligns closer with your family‘s priorities should guide if the Bolt or Prius finds its way into your garage. With excellent resale values, you can‘t go wrong picking either brand focused on economical transportation solutions.
