2023 Toyota Prius Prime vs. 2023 Kia Niro PHEV | Plug-in Hybrid Comparison | MPG, Interior & More! 

For those looking for a PHEV, what's more important to you? The Prius Prime's superior performance and style? Or the Niro PHEV's practical approach and utility? Let us know in the comments below!

The Niro does have a battery charge mode. You put the car in Sport mode, and the battery will charge back up to 99% (can't get that last 1% from driving). Also, starting with the '23 model you can enter a battery only mode that allows driving without the ICE ever coming on. If I remember correctly, you simply press and hold the EV button.

I recently drove a rental base model Kia Forte and can confirm that Kia/Hyundai's lane-keep assist is very good. I turned of the driver warnings and still had access to that feature.

My 2018 Prius Prime got 55 mpg on the highway. Very efficient!

Really appreciate this comparison! Two very cool options, and I love the idea of PHEVs as a middle ground between HEVs and BEVs. The only thing I'd note is that the previous gen Prime gained the third rear seat for the 2020 - 2022 models. The Prime prior to those was the version missing the rear middle seat. Not a huge deal, but good to know for anyone shopping used. :)

Cue the gratuitous comments about "Worst of both worlds" regarding PHEVs. In the actual, real world, having a modest sized battery paired with a simple & small ICE is brilliant: -10,000+ miles annually on cheap residential electricity just by plugging in to 110v at your house (1/4 the price of petrol) - Never hostage to public charging that's often occupied, ICED or broken. - Never conform your life and schedule to your car's charging needs on a trip. - 90% of a BEV's benefits (cheap fuel, quiet & smooth, torquey, strong regen braking) while eliminating the biggest downside (anxiety over range & charging) -

The Prius' seat down cargo number must be wrong. By looks alone it should double the number from 20 to 40+ ft3. Lost in translation?

I put Michelin tires on my 2018 Prius Prime and it made a HUGE DIFFERENCE. No more spinning tires at the light. Gripped the road nicely. 13:00

Prius vs Niro. Niro is like those mini SUV and Prius is like a sedan on low heights. I see you are using this platform and following with other youtubers. Niro should be compared with corolla Hybrid or another plug-in hybrid of that size. Prius prime will be the king of the road for fuel efficiency and performance of its kind.

I've had a Prius for almost 20 years and have used the dash audio knob control about a dozen times. On the second gen Prius it's actually sunken in so you first have to press it to pop it up and then you can use it. Much more convenient to use the steering wheel audio controls. The audio knob on the new Prius is in that location for use by the passenger.

Great comparison. I'm actually looking at buying one of these 2 cars. So thanks for your insight.

May I know did you apply the brakes in getting the acceleration numbers?

You must have been doing something wrong to cause that Prius to come up fast sorry on electric range. Honestly this presentation seemed to have a slight bias.

Well, if you want a fairly boxy, higher riding faux-SUV, you go for the Kia. I like the Niro. It rides well, is quiet, is a nice car. But the Prius is a hatchback sedan and of course it doesn't have the same room. I wouldn't worry about the range. I think it'll come close to the stated range in the right conditions. I didn't have any issues with the headroom in back and I'm not short at 5' 10.5". They're different cars. Both good in their own way. I like the Prius but I also prefer sedans.

I have a Niro EV now, but thinking about leasing instead, and the Niro PHEV looks like a great option. As with a lot of people, charge time is an issue at times, especially if we were out on a road trip. We have a Chevy Bolt EUV, so one EV is enough.

I bought a KIA Niro. Very reliable with good fuel economy. One full tank can bring you around 950 ~ 1000km which is excellent.

Hands down I would buy the Prius. The new design is just beautiful even with less headroom in the rear.

Niro is the ultimate passenger experience for a regular non-luxury car - tons of space in the back! Prius seems to be oriented toward style and driving experience - the sedan shape wins efficiency laurel at the cost of practicality. TBH which regular driver wants to cut corners in his "eco-oriented" hybrid car and sprint to 60MPH from 0? :D Toyota tries to reinvent the Prius because other hybrids in their lineup have cannibalized "the original" hybrid, but its hard to tell for who is the Prius was actually made for.

good video.. but really wish someone would have gotten noise levels inside the cabin. What is quieter front seat? what has quieter back seat?

So what is the fuel economy on them, ? mpg and how many miles to a tank ?

I've got a 2023 Niro PHEV and when you have Highway Drive Assist mode enabled during traffic jams, it will start and stop automatically. It's not hands-free, in that you do need to keep one hand on the wheel else it will warn you and then drop out of HDA, but I don't trust my car to drive itself anyway. I also really dig the passenger and cargo space - I can make an IKEA run and fit a shocking amount of stuff in the back.

Let's compare sedan/hatchback to compact SUV ... and check cargo space of both ... sigh

Totally agree no more glossy! What designers of glossy actually drive their designs? Maybe they live in Seattle or Ireland.

2020 and later Prius Primes seated 5 as the rear seat was redesigned to seat 3. I know because I owned one.

Rented the '23 Prius. Gorgeous, sexy, efficient. And just too low-slung for my dad-bod turning into a grandpa-bod to want long term. The design definitely bites into one of the prime Prius markets... full-time rideshare drivers. If I were going to sit in the back seat to the airport, I'd really rather be in the Kia between these two. (Although probably the Corolla Cross hybrid is the best option).

So which is it? Can you "shut off the driver attention warnings without losing access to traffic jam assist or any of the other safety features?" OR "With those warnings off, now if you are looking away from the road the system shuts off traffic jam assist on it's own and prompts you to take the wheel as it kicks back over to regular adaptive cruise control?"

as far as resell value and reliability Toyota Prius prime is way to go 100% My friend has hyundai and getting his engine replaced for oil burning....

Edmunds Cars: Thanks for the detailed comparison. I would like to see the same comparison between the 2023 HEV versions of these two vehicles. I would also be interested in how the 2023 Niro HEV compares to the Corolla Cross HEV. I wouldn't want a PHEV. I think they only make sense if you spend most of your time driving short distances on city streets. Otherwise, they're heavier and therefore get worse gas mileage on the freeway (than a HEV of the same model).

Great comparison review. I would be interested in this type of car for practicality - so the Kia would get my vote - even though I really do like the styling of the new Prius.

A stylish prius. Who would have thought that would happen. Finally be proud to drive one. And the inside dash is setup like a normal car

I seriously considered (and drove) both, but I, too, am a practical guy. I can live with less acceleration (still better than what I drove 20 years ago). More important (for me) is seat height. The Kia is a bit farther off the ground, which makes it easier for people with bad backs and / or knees (i.e., me) to get in and get out. More cargo space and easier loading / unloading are a bonus. I've had zero issues, but the Kia / Hyundai warranty can't be beat.

Ooh...that Prius ... living in my head rent free (makes sigma faces at it 😅)

great review of both as i am considering Kia or Toyota hybrids, since my 22 year old Mazda P5 was put to rest. I am now looking to embrace a new path and more eco friendly car. I agree, for me it's practicality and the Kio seems like a perfect fit for my needs. now i need to schedule a test drive. thanks for the informative review

I enjoyed the details of this comparison: interest in the Prius is declining and I had to lift my 2010 Prius to deal with the increasing number of speed bumps in my Tucson neighborhood. The SUV clearance of the Niro is much better for me! Also, you pointed out the Niro has a much larger cargo opening. Good Review!

previous prime actually had 5 seats after mid cycle refresh

Great review. I'd go with the Prius because Toyota is the master at designing and building hybrids. Wish that the backseat had more headroom and vents (not that I'd be sitting there) and that Toyota would revert to the standard gauge cluster (not that I check my speed: where I live the speed limit is the car in front of you).

To me it's not even close. I would go with the Prius. Looks better and drives better, Toyota's reliability

I like both cars. I haven't had a chance to sit in a 2023 Prius Prime, but I test drove the 2023 Niro PHEV and liked it a lot. It's seems more practical. If long EV range was my primary goal, I'd forget about a PHEV and just go buy a BEV. Regarding price, in southern California, the Niro PHEV is available at MSRP, while Toyota dealers are asking up to $8,000 in markups or add-ons as Prius Primes trickle onto lots (if you can even find one).

Yeah.... but Toyota has a ten year guaranty on the high voltage battery and Kia only seven. Would choose the Prius for sure !

Does this new Prius have the annoying back us beeping INSIDE THE CAR? I turned it off on my last car.

I didn't want to watch the whole video was there a test for the mpg or they just use factory?

Did i miss the mpg talk?

I wonder about engine wearing out sooner since it never gets up to operating temp, if car in EV all the time. I never looked into if system heats the oil in or anything or its stone cold and only turns on the ICE for power demand but to run it so little can't be good for long term either.

My 2018 Prius Prime has air vents in the rear but you don't see them because they are under the front seats and they work well. I'm sure the 2023 is set up the same way.

Oh that’s reasonable Let’s compare the Telluride and the Corolla Cross

If ones don't care about looks which one is better buy Niro or Prius?

WTH is that noise in the Niro PHEV during the track testing??!

I’ll pick the company that didn’t design cars stupid easy to steal and then for a while claim it “wasn’t their problem” to fix it essentially. Doesn’t matter to me this car doesn’t have the issue. As one of the thousands and thousands of victims of those thefts, it left a bad taste in my mouth nothing will overcome.

Comparons un suv et une berline. Bientôt le comparatif Toyota Hilux vs fiat 500

Is it really worth waiting for MX30 phev with that 800cc range extender or just get one of these 2?

A Prius that's a shooting break would be nice.

Wow what a comparison. A slick and beautiful, reliable Prius compared to just another "brick" styled SUV. So, style and taste versus no style and taste at all!

KiA vs Toyota...is like comparing redwing boots vs Walmart boots.. they both look good new out of the box..but the redwings will break in nicely and give you years of service..the other is garbage.

Was hoping to see closer to 40 miles electric range out of the Prius.

I’ve been driving the Prime XSE for a week now and all the points this and other reviews make are moot. I don’t know if there’s one independent review without any bias. All of them seem like one person did a review and every other influencer re packaged it to make it their own. I’m 6’2 and have no problem with head clearance up front or back. The driver display is very clear and intuitive in all lighting conditions. The steering wheel is not blocking the view and it’s not sitting on my lap. I find the wheel position very comfortable. I think people up to 6’4 will be fine. The car is very composed and well balanced. It’s put together so welI I don’t think I will ever hear a rattle ever. The cabin noise is very quiet in city driving and there some highway noise at higher speeds. The transition from EV to ice is unnoticeable. You can hear the ice engine kick in but it’s not overbearing. This compact car feels premium. I was pleasantly surprised and relieved after receiving it after watching all the reviews that sounded like this one that maybe I made the wrong choice in pre ordering it. If you have a chance take it for a test drive and make up your own mind.

No really dude, run them on U-drag, just for fun

An open letter to Edmunds (especially to the guy who did the review), STOP calling the KIA, “PEE HEB”. Just say PHEV “PEV” (one word, one vowel). It’s super cringey when he kept on repeating it, period, Have a great day to y’all!

One is a Kia and the other is a Toyota. Nuff said 🤷🏻

Thanks for the comparison. There are four kids in our family. Usually only three of us get together at a time. We'd all fit together in the back seat of a KIA, but I don't think we'd fit in a Prius.

dont know , why they never like Toyota cars ???

Ferrari Purosangue looks great! Oops, it's a Toyota Prius...

So bummed w interior Prius changes. I have to adjust seat and adjust wheel to the extent that the steering wheel touches my thighs. I’m petite 5’2.

Good pick for me as well at 6’0”. 😏🦆🤷🏻 16:29

Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration help you ditch the need for a USB cable when you want to connect your mobile device. New 2023 Kia Niro - Preston's Kia

Weird comparo. Isn't the Rav-4 plug in a better fit for the Niro?

I am concerned with hybrids running the ice for short amts of time. If I drive 6 miles in town (work commute) and the engine kicks in a small part of the trip, it wont be fully warmed up. This causes problems with oil being contaminated.

Niro all day for the practicality

If you don't like the prius prime go with the rav 4 prime. Rav4 prime has a longer EV range

I'll take a nicely optioned Camry hybrid for about the same price please 😮

I like niro. For small family is great car. I dont like with so flat windshield. To hot in California.

GET A PRIUS! ITS WAY MORE RELIABLE!

To me, the Niro sure looks a ton better.

Thank goodness I wasn't asking... Less money and better performance, not to mention Toyota reliability, my money would go to Toyota!! Some bias I guess on the host..

9:25 BEWS FKASG! You CAN Charge the Niro Battery on the Highway, just like the Prius, by placing the vehicle in Sport Mode which keeps the engine running despite being under load or not, and will actually charge the battery faster from 0 miles of range to full range than when plugged into a Level 2 charger. I own a 2022 Niro PHEV and do this all the time when on highway trips between cities, switching back to EV mode for those city miles. While I admit that the new Prius is stylistically very good looking (unlike their Dorky designs of the past), the Niro is much more functional from a practicality standpoint. In my mind, the ONLY major advantage of the Prius is it's higher overall horsepower rating IF you want to spend your life constantly accelerating from 0-60 mph. In reality, I've had zero issues with the power availability in our 2022 Niro and the new 2023 model has increased power and a longer range. I also personally FAR prefer the 6 speed dual clutch transmission in the Niro to the CVT in the Toyota. While I would NEVER choose a DCT transmission in an ICE vehicle, when paired with an electric drive unit, it is a Match Made in Heaven. Since the engine is not running at stoplights, the vehicle is not just sitting there slipping the clutch. Can you imagine the range the Niro might have achieved IF it had the 13.6 Kwh battery of the Prius instead of its smaller 11.1 Kwh battery? Obviously, based on your tests, the Niro is more efficient with the available energy onboard than the Toyota.

I agree on ur choice. I just fpbought Niro. It’s a hybrid but I love the dash design and I drive by thumb in all my cars.

Absolutely wrong who’s paying you off? The prime is more efficient, powerful, faster,comfortable has better safety features and is cheaper to buy and run. In 100,000 miles it will still be going. Really amazing this review even made it.

Even if you want one, you will be waiting a year minimum for the Toyota . I’m not sure for Kia ? Ordered mine so guess it will be 2025 model once I finally get it.

I've never heard anyone say P-Hev, and it just sounds weird. It's P-H-E-V or plugin hybrid not P-Hev.

I would have rather seen them compete in "U-Drags." More U-Drags please. ALL the U-Drags.

Toyota 🎉🥳

If I didn't need the room, I'd be having a serious look at the Prius. It's gorgeous. But the Niro offers most of what that car does but in a slightly better package for me. I wish they both had a little more range but if I don't buy an BEV then I'm going to be looking at the Niro for sure!

From reliability perspective, I would go with the Prius.

26 cu. ft. uhhh no.

Man, you’re lucky you didn’t break that rear window on the Prius when you smashed it down on the luggage test! I think I would pass on the Prius because of the radio knob reach on the right side, something I use about every minute of driving time. (Yeah I know you can use the steering wheel button), and the lack of rear vents. And possibly the rear head room.

These two vehicles are not in the same segment. The comparable Toyota vehicle is the RAV4 Prime not the Prius Prime. That's very obvious.

Prius for me

I’d go Kia. As quick as the Prius is its just too compromised

rear interior and cargo space of the prius is a dealbreaker for most buyers. apparently toyota compromised on space and efficiency for more performance. i doubt prius buyers are looking for that kia had always been on the conservative side about electric range numbers so its not a surprise.

This review is ridiculous; all objective information ruled the Prius Prime as superior, while the reviewer picked the Kia. I don't understand. The reliability history of the Prius Prime is legendary; Kia's are questionable at best. The Prius Prime looks are MUCH better than the boxy, Stupid Useless Vehicle structure of the Kia. The Prius is smooth, elegant, fast, and RELIABLE! Prime is Prime. Friends and acquaintances support my experience with Prius Prime superior reliability and extremely low ownership cost. Kia/Hyundai can't touch that!

I've watched many new Prius reviews, and I just don't think the improved looks and driving dynamics (although should be noted that the Niro pulled better braking and skid pad numbers according to Edmund's tests), make up for shrinking passenger and cargo capacity. I could be wrong, but I think Toyota missed the mark by a little in this re-design.

・🚙EV with engine👍

Everything is wrong with this review

Never been a Toyota fan. Handling issues with an early Prius and a Corolla with a trans fluid leak on delivery. I like the way I fit in the Niro and the lower range in EV mode has not been a problem for me.

I used to have a Prius Prime and I am disappointed in the new one with the lack 😔 f room inside. I'm 5'2" and I find it claustrophobic.

PHEVs should be engineered like EVs. With 20-30kWh battery and an engine working only as generator. At regimes of max efficiency at motorway speed.

bro korean ?

SUV vs sedan compare serious 🤯😄

Prius is too flat / low, and the Niro is a subpar brand with too many problems. We need something better than this. A Corolla Cross Prime might be interesting.

I pick Kia Niro ❤❤❤

The cramped interior and the awkwardly placed gauge cluster are major Prius failures.