2022 Toyota Prius: Specs, Pricing, MPG & Features

March 25, 2022 Steve Jones

The 2022 Toyota Prius has excellent fuel efficiency and plenty of passenger and baggage capacity. Still, it ranks in the bottom half of the hybrid and electric vehicle class due to a poor motor and mediocre interior quality.

The Prius portfolio now includes a Nightshade variant in three metallic colors: Silver, Super White, and Midnight Black. It comes with black 17-inch wheels for front-drive versions and black 15-inch wheels with black lug nuts for all-wheel-drive variants. Heating for the steering wheel and front seats are included on the inside.

The Toyota Prius 2022 is still a very efficient hatchback, but it is no longer the must-have hybrid that it once was. The wedge-shaped design is intended to increase fuel efficiency. However, it is not visually pleasant. The engine produces just 121 horsepower, resulting in slow acceleration. While the Prius Eco variant has an EPA combined rating of 56 mpg, the Hyundai Ioniq Blue exceeds it with 59 mpg. On the bright side, the Prius is the only tiny hybrid with all-wheel drive, but that doesn’t help its sluggish handling. The Toyota is not as appealing as the Honda Insight sedan. Yet, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is less priced and almost as fuel-efficient. Unfortunately, the 2022 Prius battles for relevance in a category it helped establish.

2022 Toyota Prius Specs

Price: $25,650
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
Engine: 2.0 L Gas/Electric I-4
Horsepower: 121@5200
Torque: 105@3600
Transmission: Continuous Variable Transmission
Fuel Mileage: 58 MPG in the city, 53 MPG on the highway, and 56 MPG combined
Length: 180 inches
Width: 69.3 inches
Height: 57.9 inches
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches

What Is New in 2022?

The Prius portfolio now includes a Nightshade variant in three metallic colors: Silver, Super White, and Midnight Black. It comes with black 17-inch wheels for front-drive versions and black 15-inch wheels with black lug nuts for all-wheel-drive variants. Inside, heated steering wheel and front seats are standard.

Performance, Engine, and Transmission

Neither the 2022 Prius nor its predecessors provide much in driving pleasure or refinement. The hybrid motor of the Prius does not provide exhilarating or even entertaining acceleration, which is a disappointment. Several rivals demonstrate that acceptable performance does not have to be compromised to achieve world-beating fuel efficiency. All-wheel-drive variants have an electric motor that works independently of the hybrid system to power the rear wheels. For hybrid cars, which employ a combination of regenerative and friction brakes, braking is a typical issue. As found in the Prius, inconsistent or numb brake pedal sensation is frequently the trade-off. When paired with the low-rolling-resistance tires that most hybrids use, it may result in greater stopping distances than we find in comparable-size nonhybrid cars.

Fuel economy and real-world miles per gallon (MPG)

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the most fuel-efficient Prius Eco can get up to 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the interstate. According to the EPA, other front-drive variants get 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive models perform somewhat worse in fuel economy, with ratings of 52 and 48 mpg, respectively. Although this is true in some instances, it is not always the case in practice. After running through a loop of 75 mph traffic, the front-drive Prius recorded a dismal 46 highway miles per gallon, undershooting its EPA rating by 4 miles per gallon. At the same time, the XLE AWD-e earned a respectable 47 highway miles per gallon. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website for additional information on this vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

Comfort, as well as cargo

Suppose the Prius were upholstered in plush leather. In that case, we’d still have qualms with its cluster of information gauges, which we believe need more of the driver’s attention than a more conventional design. There is plenty of legroom in the Prius—there is enough space for four six-footers owing to the upright seating—but some competitors provide even more legroom for rear-seat occupants. Because of the Prius’ hatchback body layout, there’s plenty of space for cargo behind the rear seat. The shifter is located on the dash, which frees up space for storage cubbies in the front seat area. The cubby storage options in the rear are restricted to two very modest door pockets and the cupholders located in the middle armrest that can be pulled down.

Information and communication technology (ICT)

Except for the Limited model, the Toyota Prius comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, among other amenities. The Limited is equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen that is vertically oriented and supports CarPlay and Alexa. Still, Android Auto is not compatible with the more prominent display for some reason.

The interior of the Toyota Prius for 2022

The Prius is a vehicle that is simple to get into and operate. Aside from the shifter, most drivers will find all other controls instantly familiar and intuitive. Because of the seat’s extensive range of adjustment, it should be possible for most drivers to establish a comfortable driving posture.

However, we would have seen more excellent telescoping range in the steering wheel. The majority of the information on the instrument panel is out of the driver’s line of sight. Almost all of the car’s temperature control settings and buttons are accessible via on-screen submenus on the top-tier Limited model’s 11.6-inch touchscreen display. From the perspective of the convenience of use, it seems to be a step backward from the specialized physical buttons seen on lower-priced Prius trim levels.

The Exterior Of The Toyota Prius In 2022

The aesthetics of the 2022 Toyota Prius and its fuel-efficient performance make a statement about the car. Every model of the Toyota Prius in the year 2022 has elegant lines, an active grille shutter, aero stabilizing fins, and underbody panels to help smooth airflow through the vehicle. With LED daytime running lights, optional integrated fog lights with LED accent lights, and LED taillights, the 2022 Toyota Prius is guaranteed to wow people while keeping you as attentive as possible, whether during the day or not at night. A Nightshade Edition of the 2022 Toyota Prius is available for anyone interested in purchasing a new car with a genuinely distinctive appearance. It has black titanium-finished alloy wheels, blackout headlamp components, and black model and grade emblems, among other features. In addition, an adaptive front lighting system with auto-leveling headlamps that follow you around corners to illuminate your path is available on various Prius grades for 2022, including the base model.

Safety Features For The Toyota Prius In 2022

A slew of active and passive safety measures are included in the 2022 Toyota Prius to provide the highest level of protection for you, your passengers, and your car. For the year 2022, every trim level of the Toyota Prius will be equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of safety programs that includes features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and automatic high beams, among others. Added to this is the Star Safety System, which includes six advanced safety technologies such as increased vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, smart stop technology, and more. The Star Safety System is also included in every trim level of the 2022 Toyota Prius. Additionally, ten airbags and an integrated backup camera are included in every model, making the 2022 Toyota Prius an exceptionally safe car. In addition, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning and intelligent clearance sonar for backing up in tight spaces are available as options on various Prius levels for the year 2022.

Trim Levels & Options that are available

The new Toyota Prius 2022 comes in the following trim levels:

Toyota Prius L Eco 2022: The Intelligent Key System recommends that you keep the fob in your pocket. To unlock the doors, pull on the door handle. Then, step on the brake pedal and push the Start button to start the engine.

Toyota Prius LE 2022 (AWD-e available): Intelligent Clearance When you park, sonar notifies you if you approach too near to any risks surrounding the car. Intelligent Park Assist searches for suitable parking spaces to park your vehicle.

2022 Toyota Prius XLE (available AWD-e): When the rain begins to fall on the windshield, the variable intermittent windshield wipers engage automatically, and integrated lighting illuminate the darkness.

2022 Toyota Prius Limited: The adaptive front-lighting system directs the beams of your headlights in the direction of your turn, allowing you to see around bends more rapidly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Toyota, will you revamp the Prius?

Although it’s realistic to predict a Prius makeover around 2022 or 2023, Toyota has yet to provide formal specifics. Keep an eye out for updates as they become available.

Is there a sunroof on the 2022 Prius?

The Prius Hybrid is a fuel-efficient and competent vehicle. It is the only Prius equipped with a motorized sunroof (available on the Prius Hybrid Technology FWD). Toyota has developed a new wind chill with a black roof exterior color for 2022.

How comfy is the Toyota Prius 2022?

The front seats are well-cushioned. Most drivers will find them comfortable over long distances. At the same time, taller drivers or those with long legs may find the seat bottoms a few inches too low. The interior is relatively quiet until you press hard on the throttle pedal when the engine becomes rather loud.

Another disadvantage is the ride quality of the Prius on cracked pavement and concrete expansion joints. Because the automobile is silent, these bumps may be more evident than otherwise. The vibrations caused by these sorts of blemishes might make the car seem uneasy.

What is the technology of the Toyota Prius 2022?

As modern as the Prius’ engine is, it may seem surprising that it falls behind in-car technology. A smartphone connection with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included, but the conventional infotainment system looks and feels antiquated. Even the enormous 11.6-inch screen on the top-tier Limited model seems a gimmick since Toyota doesn’t do much with the extra space.

The Prius, on the other hand, comes equipped with a comprehensive package of modern driving aids. Most of them function well, and the adaptive cruise control may bring the Prius to a complete stop.

What is the storage of the Toyota Prius 2022?

Thanks to its spacious hatchback cargo compartment and fold-down rear seatbacks, the Prius is ideal for hauling baggage, food, or anything else you want to put back there. Upfront, there’s adequate in-cabin storage for everyday necessities. The cupholders firmly keep liquids under the conditions that most Priuses are driven in.

What Is the Nightshade Special Edition Prius?

The Nightshade Special Edition of the 2022 Prius is a collection of sinister features and accents likely to frighten your parents and neighbors. Aside from the shark fin antenna, the Prius Nightshade has black headlamp details, side mirror caps, door handles, and a color-matched rear spoiler and shark fin antenna. The spoiler and antenna are color matched because, contrary to popular belief, the Nightshade isn’t just available in black. Midnight Black Metallic is a Nightshade edition color option, but so are Super White and Silver Metallic.

Conclusion

If you’ve never heard of the Prius, you’ve also never watched comedy from hacky 2000s-era comedians, gone to a Greenpeace march, or yelled at a coastal elite from your coal-rolling brodozer. For better or worse, the 2022 Toyota Prius has become the unofficial icon of the eco-conscious movement and the preferred vehicle for Uber and Lyft drivers. This compact hatchback is one of the most fuel-efficient hybrids on the market. Still, the fuel savings come at the expense of a bumpy ride, sluggish acceleration, and a mediocre infotainment system. Honda Insight and Kia Niro rivals are more luxurious and comfy and just marginally thirstier.

Toyota’s Prius may have been the first to sell hybrids worldwide. Still, that achievement has arguably become a weight around its neck as other manufacturers release competing powered cars. The ability to charge the battery externally gives the 2022 Prius Prime a significant edge over its cheaper stablemates, resulting in a higher electric-only range. While PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric cars) might provide flexibility for people looking to get their feet wet in zero-emissions driving, the Prius Prime may need a few too many trade-offs along the road.