Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
2023 Toyota Prius Prime.
The 2023 Prius Prime represents a quantum leap forward for Toyota’s small, five-seat plug-in hybrid. The sedan-styled hatchback outclasses its predecessor in every category but roominess.
Toyota also gave the new Prime a huge increase in power (only the 2023 Mini Countryman PHEV can match its horsepower) and vastly improved ride and handling. The Kia and Mini are a bit sportier and more fun on twisty roads, but performance driving isn’t the principal reason shoppers seek out these small PHEVs.
Positives.
Leads the pack in efficiency and all-electric range. Sporty new design, inside and out. Vastly improved performance.
Considerations.
Tight rear seating area. Less cargo capacity than the previous model. No all-wheel drive.
The same case can be made for the 2023 Prius Prime versus its likeliest competitors — the Kia Niro PHEV, Mini Countryman Cooper SE PHEV, and, until it is discontinued at the end of the 2023 model year, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, whose name belies the fact that it, too, is a PHEV.
2024 Toyota Prius.
Recently redesigned with surprisingly stunning results, Toyota's original hybrid is again an aspirational car. Not a fast sports car or an adventurous off-roader, the 2024 Toyota Prius is nonetheless a car we want to drive again. For starters, it just looks better. Its sleek design sacrifices some interior room for sporty proportions that, with a long front end, low roof, and truncated rear quarters, looks more like something we'd expect from Mazda's house of zoom. The interior, too, feels more normal and not overly wrought with quirky tech design.
Improved body rigidity and handling haven't transformed the Prius into a sports car overnight, but it's no longer a numb embarrassment when pushed through a quick corner, either. More important, the Prius remains a fuel-efficiency champ and an aspirational target for hypermilers. With 49 to 57 mpg, the Prius is both a tech triumph and king of the commute.
2023 Toyota GR Corolla.
The Toyota GR Corolla hatchback is nothing like the pedestrian Corolla that's known mainly for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and general competency as a commuter car. The GR version is a high-performance, rally racer-inspired hot hatch built by Toyota's internal performance engineering group known as Gazoo Racing. It's powered by a unique turbocharged, three-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and nearly as much torque. The GR Corolla is only available with a manual transmission, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. And it's not just any all-wheel-drive system, but an all-new setup that lets drivers adjust the front-to-rear torque split depending on the conditions. A fully retuned suspension is also part of the GR's package, along with upgraded brakes, lightweight wheels, and sticky performance tires. Optional equipment ranges from a carbon-fiber roof to front and rear limited-slip differentials. There's also a Morizo Edition trim that removes the rear seat in order to shed pounds for optimal performance.
2024 Subaru Impreza.
Subaru has made its name by, in the parlance of today, staying in its lane. Compared to its larger Japanese competitors, Subaru’s focus on practical, affordable, and adventurous cars and SUVs has earned it a loyal fanbase. It hasn’t hurt that, for a time, the automaker also dominated global rally racing, highlighting the brand’s robust build quality and advanced all-wheel-drive systems.
The 2024 model kicks off the Impreza’s sixth generation, but it remains largely the same as before. The front and rear ends have a new grille and head- and taillight style. Under the metal, the Impreza uses more structural adhesive, which Subaru says helps make the car 10% stiffer and more resistant to twist and flex. But the Impreza’s dimensions haven’t changed much — it’s slightly taller — meaning it’s as easy to park and maneuver as before.
2024 Acura Integra.
Positives.
Sleek exterior design. Class-leading rear-seat and cargo space. Offers the only six-speed manual transmission in its class.
Considerations.
Similar package and performance as more affordable Honda Civic models. Not as quick as some rivals. No all-wheel-drive option.
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Positives.
Fun to drive, especially when equipped with the precise manual transmission. Premium interior. Hatchback practicality.
Considerations.
Sleek interior design lacks easy-to-use traditional hard buttons and knobs.
The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI remains a lovable, affordable, and fun-to-drive hot hatch that combines spirited performance with everyday comfort and practicality.
2024 Volkswagen Golf R.
Positives.
Class-leading acceleration and impressive handling. Premium interior. Hatchback usability.
Considerations.
Sleek interior design lacks easy-to-use traditional hard buttons and knobs.
The 2024 VW Golf R is a thrilling hot hatch that combines extraordinary performance with everyday comfort and practicality.
2023 Toyota Prius Prime.
The 2023 Prius Prime represents a quantum leap forward for Toyota’s small, five-seat plug-in hybrid. The sedan-styled hatchback outclasses its predecessor in every category but roominess.
Toyota also gave the new Prime a huge increase in power (only the 2023 Mini Countryman PHEV can match its horsepower) and vastly improved ride and handling. The Kia and Mini are a bit sportier and more fun on twisty roads, but performance driving isn’t the principal reason shoppers seek out these small PHEVs.
Positives.
Leads the pack in efficiency and all-electric range. Sporty new design, inside and out. Vastly improved performance.
Considerations.
Tight rear seating area. Less cargo capacity than the previous model. No all-wheel drive.
The same case can be made for the 2023 Prius Prime versus its likeliest competitors — the Kia Niro PHEV, Mini Countryman Cooper SE PHEV, and, until it is discontinued at the end of the 2023 model year, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, whose name belies the fact that it, too, is a PHEV.
2024 Toyota Prius.
Recently redesigned with surprisingly stunning results, Toyota's original hybrid is again an aspirational car. Not a fast sports car or an adventurous off-roader, the 2024 Toyota Prius is nonetheless a car we want to drive again. For starters, it just looks better. Its sleek design sacrifices some interior room for sporty proportions that, with a long front end, low roof, and truncated rear quarters, looks more like something we'd expect from Mazda's house of zoom. The interior, too, feels more normal and not overly wrought with quirky tech design.
Improved body rigidity and handling haven't transformed the Prius into a sports car overnight, but it's no longer a numb embarrassment when pushed through a quick corner, either. More important, the Prius remains a fuel-efficiency champ and an aspirational target for hypermilers. With 49 to 57 mpg, the Prius is both a tech triumph and king of the commute.
2023 Toyota GR Corolla.
The Toyota GR Corolla hatchback is nothing like the pedestrian Corolla that's known mainly for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and general competency as a commuter car. The GR version is a high-performance, rally racer-inspired hot hatch built by Toyota's internal performance engineering group known as Gazoo Racing. It's powered by a unique turbocharged, three-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and nearly as much torque. The GR Corolla is only available with a manual transmission, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. And it's not just any all-wheel-drive system, but an all-new setup that lets drivers adjust the front-to-rear torque split depending on the conditions. A fully retuned suspension is also part of the GR's package, along with upgraded brakes, lightweight wheels, and sticky performance tires. Optional equipment ranges from a carbon-fiber roof to front and rear limited-slip differentials. There's also a Morizo Edition trim that removes the rear seat in order to shed pounds for optimal performance.
2024 Subaru Impreza.
Subaru has made its name by, in the parlance of today, staying in its lane. Compared to its larger Japanese competitors, Subaru’s focus on practical, affordable, and adventurous cars and SUVs has earned it a loyal fanbase. It hasn’t hurt that, for a time, the automaker also dominated global rally racing, highlighting the brand’s robust build quality and advanced all-wheel-drive systems.
The 2024 model kicks off the Impreza’s sixth generation, but it remains largely the same as before. The front and rear ends have a new grille and head- and taillight style. Under the metal, the Impreza uses more structural adhesive, which Subaru says helps make the car 10% stiffer and more resistant to twist and flex. But the Impreza’s dimensions haven’t changed much — it’s slightly taller — meaning it’s as easy to park and maneuver as before.
2024 Acura Integra.
Positives.
Sleek exterior design. Class-leading rear-seat and cargo space. Offers the only six-speed manual transmission in its class.
Considerations.
Similar package and performance as more affordable Honda Civic models. Not as quick as some rivals. No all-wheel-drive option.
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Positives.
Fun to drive, especially when equipped with the precise manual transmission. Premium interior. Hatchback practicality.
Considerations.
Sleek interior design lacks easy-to-use traditional hard buttons and knobs.
The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI remains a lovable, affordable, and fun-to-drive hot hatch that combines spirited performance with everyday comfort and practicality.
2024 Volkswagen Golf R.
Positives.
Class-leading acceleration and impressive handling. Premium interior. Hatchback usability.
Considerations.
Sleek interior design lacks easy-to-use traditional hard buttons and knobs.
The 2024 VW Golf R is a thrilling hot hatch that combines extraordinary performance with everyday comfort and practicality.
