Overview of Toyota Prius 2022
If you’ve never heard of the Toyota Prius, likely, you’ve also never seen stand-up comedy performed by cheesy comedians from the 2000s, been to a Greenpeace demonstration, or yelled insults at coastal elites while operating a coal-rolling bulldozer. The 2022 Toyota Prius is the unofficial mascot of the eco-conscious movement, in addition to being the vehicle of choice for drivers for Uber and Lyft.
This is true whether you think this is a good thing or a bad one. Although it is one of the most fuel-efficient hybrids now available, this compact hatchback suffers from a bumpy ride, sluggish acceleration, and a terrible infotainment interface. Nevertheless, it is one of the most efficient hybrids on the market. The Kia Niro and the Honda Insight are two examples of competitors that are more luxurious and comfortable but have a little higher fuel consumption rate.
Even though it continues to be one of the most fuel-efficient hatchbacks on the market, the Toyota Prius 2022 is no longer considered a must-have hybrid vehicle. Its wedge-shaped design is intended to provide the most possible savings on fuel, although it is not very aesthetically beautiful.
The powertrain is only capable of producing 121 horsepower, which results in a sluggish rate of acceleration. And even though the Prius Eco variant has a combined rating from the EPA of 56 miles per gallon, the Hyundai Ioniq Blue beats it with 59 miles per gallon achieved.
The Toyota Prius is the only tiny hybrid vehicle on the market that comes standard with all-wheel drive; nonetheless, this does little to improve the car’s lethargic driving manners. The Toyota is not nearly as enticing as the Honda Insight car; but, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is more affordable and virtually as fuel efficient as the Honda Insight.
Unfortunately, the 2022 Toyota Prius has a hard time maintaining its relevance in a market niche that it helped to develop.
What’s New in Toyota Prius for the Year 2022?
A Nightshade trim level has been added to the Toyota Prius Hybrid lineup. This trim level is offered in three different metallic color options: silver, super white, and midnight black. It adds black wheels measuring 17 inches in diameter for front-wheel drive versions and black wheels measuring 15 inches in diameter with black lug nuts for all-wheel drive cars. On the inside, heating is included as a standard feature for both the steering wheel and the front seats.
Although it is tempting to upgrade to the XLE model for its power-adjustable seats, heated seat cushions and steering wheel, expanded proximity-key function, and smartphone charging pad, we do not believe that these features are worth the nearly $4500 premium over the L Eco.
Instead, we recommend that you stick with the L Eco. You will have everything you require, in addition to certain conveniences, such as the passive entry on the driver’s door and adaptive cruise control, with the base model.
2022 Toyota Prius Engine
It’s a shame that the hybrid powertrain in the Prius doesn’t produce exciting acceleration or even entertaining acceleration, but it doesn’t. Several rivals demonstrate that acceptable performance does not have to be compromised to achieve a fuel economy that is unparalleled in the world. The 2022 Prius does not provide much in the way of enjoyment or refinement throughout the driving experience.
Models with all-wheel drive come equipped with an electric motor that operates independently from the hybrid system and supplies power to the vehicle’s rear wheels. Because hybrid vehicles use a combination of regenerative and friction brakes, braking is a common source of trouble for these vehicles.
Inconsistent or numb feedback from the brake pedal, such as what we experienced in the Prius, is often the trade-off. This, in combination with the low-rolling-resistance tires that the majority of hybrids wear, can make for longer braking distances than what we see from similarly sized non-hybrid vehicles.
Toyota Prius MPG (Miles Per Gallon)
The EPA estimates that the most fuel-efficient model of the Toyota Prius Eco can achieve up to 58 miles per gallon in the city and 53 miles per gallon on the highway. Other front-drive variants get a rating of 54 miles per gallon in the city and 50 miles per gallon on the highway.
The EPA estimates that vehicles with all-wheel drive get 52 miles per gallon in city driving and 48 miles per gallon on the highway. In the real world, however, such an assumption is not always validated. On our fuel-economy testing loop at 75 mph, the front-drive Prius produced a disappointing 46 mpg, missing its EPA rating by 4 mpg, while an XLE AWD-e returned 47 mpg. Both vehicles were driven in the same conditions.
Toyota Prius Interior Design, Cargo Space, and Amenities
The Prius is a car that is fundamentally simple in terms of how to enter and operate it. The majority of drivers will have no trouble getting used to any of the other controls right once, except for the shifter. Because of the extensive range of adjustments offered by the seat, it should be possible for the vast majority of drivers to locate a comfortable driving position.
However, we wish that the steering wheel had a greater range of telescoping motion, and the majority of the information on the instrument panel is not in the direct line of sight of the driver.
The 11.6-inch screen that comes standard on the top-tier Limited model displays on-screen submenus that contain the majority of the car’s climate control settings and buttons. When compared to the specialized physical buttons found on lesser Prius trim levels, this feature appears to be less user-friendly and represents a step backward in terms of simplicity of use.
Even if the interior of the Prius were upholstered in luxurious leather, we would still have a problem with the center-mounted information gauges because they need a greater amount of attention from the driver than a conventional configuration would.
Although there is plenty of space for passengers to stretch out in the Prius—thanks to the upright seating, there is room for four people who are over six feet tall—many of the Prius’ competitors offer even greater legroom for the backseat passengers.
The Prius has a hatchback body shape, which means there is a considerable amount of space for cargo behind the rear seat. Additionally, the shifter for the transmission is situated on the dashboard, which frees up space for storage cubbies in the area in front of the front seats.
Cupholders and two relatively small door pockets are all that are available for storage in the back, making it necessary to rely on the pull-down armrest in the center position for additional space.
The front seats of Toyota Prius AWD have comfortable padding all around. The seat bottoms may be a few inches too short for drivers who are particularly tall or have particularly long legs; however, the majority of drivers will find them to be comfortable even over extended periods.
The motor is relatively quiet inside the vehicle unless you floor the gas pedal, at which point it becomes quite noisy. The cabin is normally quiet.
The ride quality of the Prius is poor over damaged pavement and concrete expansion joints, which is yet another drawback. The vibrations caused by these different kinds of potholes might make the car feel unsettled. Because the automobile is so quiet, perhaps these bumps are more obvious than they normally would be in a setting like this.
Connectivity and informational entertainment in Toyota Prius 2022
Except for the Limited model, every single trim level of the Toyota Prius comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen entertainment system that is packed full of goodies. These features include compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. CarPlay, Alexa, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen display with a vertical orientation come standard on the Limited trim level. However, Android Auto is not compatible with the larger display for unknown reasons.
Should You Consider Purchasing a Toyota Prius?
If you are looking for a car that is economical, good on gas and offers good value, you should seriously consider purchasing a Toyota Prius. There are several driver assistance and infotainment technologies included in the base model, which can be purchased for less than $25,000 and comes fully loaded.
When one considers the practicality of the Prius, which comes in the form of a large hatchback cargo area and seating that is comfortable for adults, it is simple to see why this vehicle has a lot of appeals as a partner for commuting or as a family car.
Toyota Prius Price?
The 2022 Toyota Prius is one of the hybrid automobiles that come in at a lesser price than its competitors. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the entry-level L Eco trim is $24,525, while the retail price of the two midrange trims is $25,735 and $28,745. The most expensive trim level of the Prius, the Limited, will set you back $32,820.
There are two different variants with all-wheel drive that can be purchased, and their retail prices range from $27,135 to $29,575.
Toyota Prius Car Insurance Plan Cost?
Toyota Prius insurance cost will be influenced by a variety of factors, including your deductible, the type of insurance you choose, and the amount of coverage you want. Location, credit score, and driving history may also affect your insurance premiums, in addition to your age and gender.
Taking a Closer Look At Toyota Prius 2022
To summarise, the Toyota Prius is an excellent automobile. In terms of fuel efficiency, it outperforms almost all other hybrid cars, plus it has an exceptionally large trunk. In addition, there is a substantial amount of comfortable seating space as well as a comprehensive list of features.
On the other hand, its driving qualities are not very impressive, as evidenced by its lackluster acceleration and uninspiring steering response. You might also find that the cottage is on the more rustic side of things.
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