2022 Toyota Prius Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Adopting the Toyota New Global Architecture, the 2022 Toyota Prius continues to dominate the hybrid segment in the United States of America. Besides having an efficient and reliable powertrain, this iconic hatchback offers a handful of high-tech items. A color head-up display and an 11.6-inch touch screen emphasize the technologically advanced design of this legendary vehicle. Standard on all trim grades, the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and Star Safety System give drivers peace of mind for handling this popular hatchback on any road.

What's New for 2022?

The Nightshade Special Edition is the most notable new highlight of the 2022 Toyota Prius. This unique trim is painted in the cool Midnight Black exterior color for sophisticated styling in the city. Black accents also cover the model's mirror caps, headlights and door handles. Also making a debut inside the 2022 Prius, the Rear Seat Reminder enhances the already impressive list of safety and security features. Additionally, all trims are available with a trial subscription to the signature Service Connect technology.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Toyota Prius – The Pros

1. Reliable Gasoline Engine

Standard under the hood of the 2022 Prius, the 1.8-liter engine block generates a total of 96 horsepower when burning regular unleaded fuel. Incorporating the well-proven Valve with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence technology, the four-cylinder powertrain creates a maximum of 105 pound-feet of torque. Using electronic fuel injection and the Electronic Throttle Control, the I-4 engine is incredibly responsive to the slightest depression of the accelerator. Additionally, the internal combustion engine has 16 DOHC valves that quickly open and close for enhanced output on every cycle. Therefore, this updated hybrid model earns the exclusive Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle badge.

2. Efficient Hybrid Powertrain

Generating 53 kilowatts, an AC electric motor is standard on the 2022 Prius. Rated at 600 net volts, the permanent-magnet motor cranks out 120 lb-ft of peak torque. A magnetless rear motor produces an additional 5 kW on high-level editions. Most models are equipped with a lithium-ion battery that produces 207.2 volts. High-end trims have a 201.6-V battery that uses nickel-metal hydride chemistry. This traction-type battery is fully sealed for enhanced protection from the outdoor weather elements.

3. Advanced Handling Capabilities

A continuously variable transmission system with electronic controls propels the 2022 Prius. Creating a wide spread of gear combinations, the ECVT system sends output to the default front-wheel drive. High-end models run on the Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. Partially controlled by the rear 5-kW motor, the AWD-e system provides optimal traction at speeds of up to 43 mph on paved roads. Having a power-assisted configuration, the Electric Power Steering facilitates handling on linear and curved paths.

4. Excellent Fuel Economy

Based on EPA projections, the 2022 Prius boasts a fuel economy of up to 58 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway. When equipped with a FWD system, this hybrid hatchback comes with an 11.3-gallon fuel tank that ensures an estimated driving range of up to 655 miles on urban roads. The AWD-e system is paired with a 10.6-gallon fuel tank that slightly reduces the total driving range in the city or on the highway. Activated by a button in the cabin, the EV Mode taps into electrical power from the battery pack for short-distance trips at low speeds. Similarly, the ECO Mode maximizes the fuel efficiency of this compact Toyota car on any road.

5. Cargo and Storage Options

For its compact platform, the 2022 Prius offers a respectable interior cargo volume of up to 50.7 cubic feet behind the first-row seats. If the second-row seats are upright, the maximum cargo capacity is 27.4 cubic feet. Additional accessories and equipment could be placed on the rooftop cross bars, which are compatible with bicycle carriers and other external hardware from other brands. Personal items should be stored inside the center console that has an armrest and Gloss Black accents. A tonneau cover for the cargo area is standard on most trims.

6. Comfortable Cabin

Featuring the Smart-Flow engineering, the 2022 Prius' climate control system includes a pollen filter. Trimmed in the trademark SofTex upholstery, heated front seating is available for this hybrid Toyota hatchback. Power-adjustable lumbar support is incorporated into the eight-way driver's seat. Having a tilting/telescoping configuration, the heated steering wheel is also wrapped in this signature textile for a comfortable grip. Featuring a central armrest, the rear seats have a split fold-down design with 60-40 openings for the cargo area.

7. Sophisticated Infotainment Center

The 2022 Prius is equipped with the standard Audio Plus multimedia console that includes a 7.0-inch diagonal touch screen. Featuring GPS navigation, the Premium Audio center comes with an 11.6-inch diagonal display and touch controls. Both infotainment units include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for easy syncing of the latest smartphones. Wireless Bluetooth and Toyota+Alexa provide additional levels of connectivity for mobile devices inside the cockpit. Additionally, this hybrid Toyota car offers the Connected Services with advanced security, concierge and connectivity features.

8. Good Audio Quality

Equipped with a standard sound system that has six speakers, the 2022 Prius entertains all occupants with music on SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Exclusively designed for the Toyota company, a 10-speaker audio system from JBL is installed on high-end trims. Delivering crisp, rich and immersive acoustics, this custom-made sound system comes with a trial subscription to SiriusXM. The steering wheel has buttons that provide shortcuts for adjusting the volume for the speakers.

9. Dynamic Active Safety Technologies

This Toyota hybrid car is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 technologies that actively respond to potential collisions on the road. Effective at speeds of up to 110 mph, the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control could prevent severe crashes on the highway. The TSS 2.0 bundle also includes the Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist for preventing side crashes with other moving vehicles. With quick intervention from the Pre-Collision System, the driver might avoid a collision with a pedestrian. Additionally, this compact hatchback comes with the Road Sign Assist that's connected to the Multi-Information Display in the instrument cluster.

10. Appealing Exterior Design

For its efficient design, the 2022 Prius has some sporty flair for urban driving. This hybrid hatchback is available in the eye-catching Electric Storm Blue and Supersonic Red colors. Similarly, the Midnight Black paint adds some sophisticated character to this iconic vehicle. Any of the body colors make a nice combination with the 17-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels that have titanium-finished accents. An active grille shutter, color-keyed outside door handles and LED clearance lights provide additional enhancements in the styling and utility categories.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Toyota Prius – The Cons

1. Slow Acceleration

As a small hatchback with a hybrid powertrain, the 2022 Prius isn't exactly designed for rapid acceleration and other sporty moves on the road. The slowest model on the lineup accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 12 seconds. The quickest model on the roster still needs just above 10 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph on pavement. Such lethargic and sluggish performance is mainly the fault of the 1.6-liter gasoline engine. Additionally, the Power Mode must be manually turned on for optimum performance.

2. Modest Appearance

The 2022 Prius retains a conventional exterior profile that hasn't changed over the generations. Distinct sporty accents and other eye-popping installations aren't clearly visible on the modest profile of this efficient vehicle. Likewise, the cabin of this Toyota car has basic materials that are designed for frugal consumers in the USA. The dashboard, door panels and center console seem to have a rather plasticky appearance.

3. Odd Ergonomics

Integrated into the center stack, the shifting lever in the 2022 Prius doesn't provide ideal ergonomics. The driver has to reach for this seemingly outdated handle, which doesn't offer a good grip for sweaty hands. Offering only four-way adjustability, the front passenger's seat certainly has room for improvement in the comfort department. Additionally, the rear seats might partially obstruct the driver's view through the rear hatch window.

4. Frustrating Infotainment Experience

Even though the infotainment system inside the 2022 Prius is available with an 11.6-inch display, the interface may be a bit confusing and difficult to use. The latest software in the multimedia console seems slightly outdated compared to other brands that already offer next-generation suites. Toyota surely didn't prioritize the user experience in the Audio Plus and Premium Audio consoles. Even the GPS navigation system has a basic design that hasn't been updated for a more responsive and dynamic interface during a drive on unfamiliar roads.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

As a hatchback with a hybrid powertrain, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq is one of a few true competitors for the 2022 Prius. Under the hood, the Hyundai model has a 1.6-L GDI engine that closely matches the horsepower and torque capabilities of the Prius' gas engine. However, the Ioniq doesn't offer an all-wheel drive option, which is one of the main highlights of the updated Prius. Additionally, the hybrid Hyundai model doesn't have anything to match the Intelligent Parking Assist from Toyota.

2022 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Honda Insight

Also designed by one of Japan's most iconic auto brands, the 2022 Honda Insight has a healthy rivalry against the 2022 Prius. Previously available as a five-door liftback, the Insight sedan now adopts a modern four-door platform. Powered by a 1.5-L gas engine, the hybrid Honda model offers slightly lower fuel economy than the Toyota trim. Available in only two editions, the Insight certainly has a smaller lineup than the Prius. This Honda comes standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment display, which is 3.6 inches smaller than the largest monitor inside the Prius.

Conclusion

Taking advantage of fourth-generation technologies, the 2022 Toyota Prius is more technologically advanced and comfortable than ever before. Available with the AWD-e, this compact hatchback offers a superb combination of all-weather handling and fuel efficiency. Tech-savvy drivers will also appreciate the abundance of digital applications and services on this efficient car, including the Toyota Connected Services and SiriusXM. For its highly competitive MSRP, the 2022 Prius offers nearly unbeatable value in active safety and interior comfort.