The all-new 2023 Toyota Prius comes with the latest generation of the brand’s 2.0-liter dual overhead cam Atkinson Cycle engine mated to their well proven hybrid power-split planetary transmission.
The gasoline engine itself offers 150 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. The primary traction permanent-magnet AC motor generator (MG2 ) has 111 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque. In the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Prius Limited we have here the two power sources combined offer up a 194 total system horsepower. The system is powered by a Lithium-Ion battery mounted under the rear seat.
Here the system is rated by the EPA at 52 mpg city, 52 mpg highway and 52 mpg combined on 87 octane regular unleaded fuel. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) model is available and it will be identical under the hood to the FWD model shown here.
Following the airflow the intake charge begins at the top of the radiator through a seemingly complex plastic snorkel and the into the small air-filter box at the driver side of the engine compartment. From there it flows through the main intake tube past a mass airflow sensor (MAF) and then into a single bore drive-by-wire throttle body.
Air then makes its way through an also seemingly complex composite plastic intake manifold before making its way into the combustion chambers. Atop the head you can see all four of its spark plug coil packs and to the right the cam-driven high pressure fuel pump for its direct fuel injection. Exhaust exits at the rear of the engine into a catalyst system, not easily seen from above.
In spite of its high-technology nature, servicing the engine is pretty straight forward. Do avoid mis-handling the orange high voltage wiring as it carries up to 600 volts which can kill you.
There are two coolant reservoirs. One is a high pressure circuit for the engine coolant found closest to the fender. The second reservoir is for the hybrid components located closer to the engine. They both use the same coolant – recommended specs can be found in your owners manual.
Engine oil can be checked at the top front of the engine at the bright yellow dipstick. To its left is the engine oil filler cap. Replacing the oil filter is done at the bottom of the engine.
Windshield washer fluid is found at the driver side extreme front of the engine compartment right next to the air filter box. Changing the air filter is as simple as removing to clips, we have another video on that linked down below.
Checking and filling the brake fluid requires the removal of a small plastic access cover at the rear driver side of the engine bay. It just snaps loose and folds out of the way in a few seconds. The main fuse box is located over the drive side wheel well and to its left is the main engine control unit (ECU)
The 12V battery is notably missing from the engine compartment, instead located at the passenger side of the rear cargo area under a plastic cover that snaps out for easy access.
Looking around the engine compartment you will note that there is no accessory drive belt on the engine as the power steering, air-conditioner and water pump are all electrically powered and there is no conventional alternator.
