The Toyota Prius has long been synonymous with hybrid technology, and the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime takes this legacy to the next level. As a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the Prius Prime offers the best of both worlds: zero-emission electric vehicle (EV) driving for your daily commutes and the extended range and fuel efficiency of a hybrid for longer journeys. This makes the 2022 Prius Prime an exceptionally versatile and practical choice for eco-conscious drivers who don’t want to compromise on convenience or capability.
Experience Electric Freedom and Hybrid Assurance
One of the standout features of the 2022 Prius Prime is its ability to operate in a pure EV mode when fully charged. This allows drivers to cover an EPA-estimated 25 miles solely on electric power, which is more than enough for many daily commutes. Imagine driving to work, running errands, and navigating city streets without using a single drop of gasoline. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also translates to significant savings at the fuel pump.
For those longer trips or when the electric range is depleted, the Prius Prime seamlessly transitions into a highly efficient hybrid mode. In this mode, it achieves an EPA-estimated 54 combined MPG, ensuring that you can continue your journey without range anxiety. This impressive fuel economy surpasses many traditional hybrids and even some gasoline-powered cars, making the Prius Prime an incredibly fuel-sipping vehicle overall. With a combined driving range of 640 miles, the 2022 Prius Prime offers exceptional freedom, allowing you to travel confidently whether you’re sticking to local routes or embarking on cross-country adventures.
Convenient Charging Options for Modern Lifestyles
Charging the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime is designed to be as convenient as possible, fitting seamlessly into your daily routine. You can easily plug it in at home using a standard 120V household outlet, and a full charge takes just under five and a half hours. For faster charging, a Level 2 240V charger can replenish the battery in approximately two hours and ten minutes. This rapid charging capability makes public charging stations a viable option when you’re on the go, further extending your electric driving range.
The flexibility to charge at home or at public stations gives Prius Prime owners complete control over their charging habits. Whether you opt for overnight charging at home to maximize your EV driving or top up at a public station while you’re out and about, the Prius Prime adapts to your lifestyle and charging preferences. Unlike fully electric vehicles that rely solely on charging, the Prius Prime’s hybrid mode ensures that you’re never stranded, even if you can’t find a charging station. This dual capability makes it an ideal choice for drivers who are new to plug-in vehicles or who require the reliability of a gasoline engine for longer trips.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Efficient Yet Engaging
While fuel efficiency is a primary focus, the 2022 Prius Prime doesn’t compromise on driving enjoyment. In EV Auto Mode, the vehicle intelligently prioritizes electric driving, ensuring you maximize your zero-emission miles. Even when the gasoline engine engages – for instance, during steep inclines or when greater power is needed – it does so smoothly and efficiently, maintaining the Prius Prime’s overall fuel-sipping character.
Surprisingly, the Prius Prime offers a spirited driving experience, especially in EV mode. It can reach speeds of up to 84 mph on electric power alone, providing ample acceleration for city and highway driving. The specially tuned suspension enhances handling, giving the Prius Prime a composed and stable feel through corners. The transition between EV and hybrid modes is seamless and virtually imperceptible, ensuring a consistently smooth and refined driving experience. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further contributes to the smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency that Prius models are known for.
Striking Design and Aerodynamic Efficiency
The 2022 Prius Prime sets itself apart with a distinctive and aerodynamic design that blends the iconic Prius silhouette with unique styling cues. The exclusive front and rear fascias, bumpers, and lighting systems give the Prius Prime a modern and advanced appearance. The ultra-low profile LED headlights and the large acrylic grille contribute to its sleek and aerodynamic profile, while also enhancing visibility.
The “dual-wave” rear window is a signature design element of the Prius Prime, adding a touch of futuristic flair while also improving aerodynamic efficiency. The full-width LED rear combination lamp panel creates a striking nighttime signature, further distinguishing the Prius Prime from other vehicles on the road. Aerodynamic efficiency is crucial for maximizing fuel economy and EV range, and the Prius Prime’s wind-cheating body, along with features like automatic grille shutters and aerodynamic wheel covers, exemplifies Toyota’s commitment to efficiency.
Advanced Engineering and Innovative Technology
Built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture-K (TNGA-K) platform, the 2022 Prius Prime benefits from enhanced structural rigidity, improved handling, and a refined ride quality. The double-wishbone style multi-link rear suspension contributes to the vehicle’s responsive steering and comfortable driving dynamics. The use of hot-stamped and high-tensile steels throughout the body, along with aluminum components like the hood and brake calipers, helps to minimize weight while maintaining structural integrity. The lightweight carbon-fiber rear liftgate further reduces weight and makes opening and closing effortless.
The Prius Prime was the first Toyota hybrid to incorporate a dual motor drive system, enhancing acceleration in EV mode. This innovative system utilizes both the generator and electric drive motor to deliver torque to the wheels, resulting in more responsive and engaging performance. Regenerative braking captures energy during deceleration and braking, feeding it back into the battery to further improve efficiency. Predictive Efficient Drive, available on certain models, learns your driving patterns on frequently traveled routes and provides guidance on when to release the accelerator to optimize fuel efficiency.
Interior Comfort, Convenience, and Cutting-Edge Multimedia
Inside the 2022 Prius Prime, you’ll find a comfortable and tech-savvy cabin designed with both driver and passenger needs in mind. Heated front seats are standard across all trim levels, ensuring comfort in colder climates. The automatic climate control system is designed for efficiency, directing airflow only to occupied areas of the cabin to minimize energy consumption. The “smart-flow” system, along with a heat pump, allows for efficient cabin heating and cooling even when driving in EV mode, even in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
The centrally located gauge panel, a hallmark of Prius design, features dual 4.2-inch multi-information displays that can be customized to show a variety of information, including energy flow, hybrid system status, and eco-driving metrics. The Prius Prime is available in LE, XLE, and Limited trims, each offering increasing levels of features and amenities. The XLE trim upgrades to a large 11.6-inch vertical HD multimedia display, providing a tablet-like interface for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle information. Wireless smartphone charging, SofTex®-trimmed seats, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat are also included in the XLE trim.
The top-of-the-line Limited trim adds premium features like a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, a color head-up display, and JBL® premium audio system. The multimedia system in the Prius Prime offers seamless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Available connected services, such as Remote Charge Management and Charging Station Map, enhance the plug-in hybrid experience by allowing you to monitor charging status and locate charging stations remotely through a smartphone app.
Uncompromising Safety and Peace of Mind Warranty
Toyota prioritizes safety, and the 2022 Prius Prime comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies. TSS 2.0 includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian and Bicyclist Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. In addition to TSS 2.0, the Prius Prime is equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brakes, and more.
For added peace of mind, the 2022 Prius Prime is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty coverage. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles, while hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. ToyotaCare, a complimentary maintenance plan, covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, and includes 24-hour roadside assistance for three years.
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime: Your Gateway to Efficient and Sustainable Driving
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime stands out as a leader in the plug-in hybrid segment, offering an exceptional combination of electric driving capability, fuel efficiency, advanced technology, and Toyota’s renowned reliability. Whether you’re seeking to reduce your environmental impact, lower your fuel costs, or simply enjoy a versatile and well-equipped vehicle, the Prius Prime delivers on all fronts. With its convenient charging options, impressive EV range, and seamless hybrid functionality, the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime is the ideal choice for drivers looking to embrace the future of driving without compromise. Starting at an MSRP of $28,220 for the LE grade, the Prius Prime offers remarkable value in the plug-in hybrid market, making sustainable and efficient driving accessible to a wider range of drivers.
