2022 Toyota Prius Prime Prices: MSRP vs Dealer Invoice vs True Dealer Cost w/Holdback

2022 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius was a pioneer in the hybrid world, and its sibling, the Prius Prime is a new type of hybrid. The Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid that offers a limited all-electric range as well as great fuel efficiency. It's been around since 2017 and has done fairly well because of its size, practicality, and modern technology.

Nothing has been changed for the 2022 model year, so there continues to be three available trims. They are the LX, XLE, and Limited.

Performance, Efficiency, and Range

The Prius Prime uses an electric motor and a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine. Though there are multiple components that can output power, horsepower and torque are somewhat limited. Net horsepower is 121, and torque is 105 pound-feet. The Prius Prime should do just fine on regular city and suburban streets, but it may have a harder time climbing steep slopes and dealing with tough conditions. Unlike some other Toyota hybrids, the Prius Prime is only offered with front-wheel drive.

Toyota has given this model an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. This does its job but doesn't make the car that exciting to drive.

Of course, a car like the Prius Prime isn't going to attract attention because of its capability. Rather, it's going to catch the eye of potential buyers because of its efficiency. In hybrid mode, this car can earn an estimated 55 miles per gallon in the city and 53 miles per gallon on the highway.

It can also be driven in EV mode, which is a mode that doesn't use any gasoline. It can be in EV mode for up to 25 miles. This might not be a huge number, but it works for many in terms of daily commuting.

People really don't have to worry too much about the Prius Prime's all-electric range. That's the beauty of driving a plug-in hybrid. When the battery has run out of charge, the gas-powered engine can be utilized. On a long road trip, a driver doesn't have to scramble to find an electric charging station. In this case, the battery could certainly use a fill-up, but someone can just get more fuel at the gas station like they're used to doing and carry on with the day.

That being said, charging is very straightforward. On a 240-volt system, which many electric vehicle owners have had installed at their homes, charging the battery takes a little more than two hours. With a regular 120-volt outlet, charging takes five and a half hours. Many Prius Prime drivers end up plugging in their vehicles each night to get the full charge before heading out the next day for work, school, running errands, or various adventures.

The Cabin

The Prius Prime sits low to the ground, so it's easy to get in and out of the seats. Rear-seat leg room isn't that generous, as it's only 33.4 inches. Behind the rear seats, there's a cargo area that has a volume of about 20 cubic feet. Lowering the rear seats down increases cargo capacity to approximately 37 cubic feet.

The rear seatback has a 60/40 split configuration. This provides some flexibility in terms of carrying cargo and/or passengers. When it's not in use, the rear center seatback can fold down. It has cup holders integrated into it and can act as an armrest.

Seats can be trimmed in either fabric or SofTex, which is a synthetic leather. The front seats can be heated for extra comfort in the colder months. Drivers can use the 4.2-inch display to keep an eye on vehicle diagnostics.

Every Prius Prime comes with an advanced infotainment system that includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. This provides plenty of options for looking up information and staying entertained. The base trim, the LE, has a seven-inch touchscreen, wheel the others both have 11.6-inch touchscreens. The two other trims, which are the XLE and Limited, have premium audio systems and integrated navigation.

Safety

Toyota has done an excellent job at incorporating driver-assist technologies into its vehicles. With the Prius Prime, there are a whole host of advanced systems that can help prevent certain types of collisions.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is the name of the standard safety suite. It offers pre-collision braking with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Plus, it includes lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, and steering assist so that the Prius Prime can stay centered in its lane and not accidentally drift to the side. The safety suite also comes with automatic high beams, road sign assist, and a smart cruise control system that can adjust the vehicle's speed if the leading vehicle has changed its speed.

The Limited trim has even more features. It can provide more information to the driver, thanks to its blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and it has a sonar system that sends out alerts when the vehicle is getting too close to objects while making tight maneuvers. Further, the Limited is enhanced with a color head-up display. Through this display, a driver can stay updated regarding speed, navigation, battery charge, and any safety warnings.

As a plug-in hybrid, the Toyota Prius Prime can be attractive to anyone who wants to reduce fuel consumption. This model has a great technology package as well as standard driver-assist systems, so it's a solid choice.

Note: All Toyota Prius Prime MSRP, invoice and dealer cost dollar figures above are subject to change without notice.

A note about rebates: Most rebates are subtracted from the "on the road" figure. In most cases, you can have the rebate if you are arranging your own financing or you are paying cash. If you decide to use the manufacturer’s low interest financing, you do not usually get the rebate. Ask your dealer for details.