PLANO, Texas (Dec. 10, 2021) – Imagine a vehicle that lets you drive in zero-emission electric vehicle (EV) mode for your daily commutes and switches to a fuel-efficient hybrid mode for longer journeys. That’s exactly what the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime delivers. Building upon the legacy of the world’s best-selling hybrid, the Prius, the Prius Prime adds a plug-in capability, offering an estimated 25 miles of EV driving range when fully charged. This range is often more than enough for daily commutes for many drivers in the U.S., making it a practical and eco-conscious choice. And when you need to go further, the Prius Prime’s exceptional hybrid system takes over, providing an astounding 640-mile total driving range.
Beyond its electric driving capabilities, the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime truly shines with its fuel efficiency. In hybrid mode, the Prius Prime LE achieves an EPA-estimated 54 combined MPG, with 55 MPG in the city and 53 MPG on the highway. When driving in EV mode, it boasts an impressive 133 MPGe. This combination of EV range and hybrid efficiency means you can enjoy guilt-free, zero-emission driving around town while having the flexibility for long trips without range anxiety.
Image of the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime in Blue Magnetism showcasing its sleek exterior design.
Seamless Transition Between EV and Hybrid Modes
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime is engineered to provide a seamless driving experience, effortlessly switching between EV and hybrid modes. In EV Auto Mode, the vehicle prioritizes electric power whenever possible, ensuring you maximize your zero-emission driving. However, the intelligent system recognizes when the gasoline engine can operate more efficiently, such as during steep inclines, and seamlessly engages the engine. This smart management system ensures optimal efficiency in all driving conditions.
Despite its focus on fuel efficiency, the Prius Prime offers a surprisingly engaging driving experience, especially in EV mode. It can reach speeds up to 84 mph on electric power alone for up to 25 miles. Furthermore, the Prius Prime features unique suspension tuning, providing enhanced stability and confident handling through curves, making it more enjoyable to drive than you might expect from a fuel-sipping hybrid.
One of the most convenient aspects of the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime is its automatic transition to hybrid mode when the battery charge is depleted. Once the battery reaches a certain low charge level in EV mode, the Prius Prime seamlessly switches to its efficient hybrid mode. In this mode, it operates like the standard Toyota Prius, combining the power of the gasoline engine and electric motor through a smooth continuously variable transmission. This ensures you can continue your journey without interruption, even after your EV range is used.
Convenient Charging at Home or On-the-Go
Charging the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime is designed to be as convenient as possible. Unlike some EVs that require specialized home charging equipment, the Prius Prime can be easily charged using the included charging cable and a standard household outlet. Toyota recommends using a dedicated GFI 15A outlet for optimal safety. A full charge using a standard 120V outlet takes approximately five and a half hours. For faster charging, a Level 2 240V charger can reduce charging time to around two hours. This allows for quick overnight charging at home or convenient top-ups at public charging stations.
As a plug-in hybrid, the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime offers a significant advantage over fully electric vehicles – you don’t need to recharge it to drive. If you happen to forget to plug in or are in a situation where charging isn’t available, the Prius Prime will simply operate in hybrid mode, just like a traditional Prius. This eliminates range anxiety and ensures you can always reach your destination.
Striking Design and Aerodynamic Efficiency
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime maintains the iconic Prius liftback silhouette while incorporating unique design elements that set it apart. It features exclusive front and rear fascias, bumpers, and lighting systems, giving it a distinct and modern appearance. The ultra-low profile LED headlights and the large acrylic grille, complemented by functional air intakes, evoke a sophisticated and advanced EV aesthetic.
A signature design cue of the Prius Prime is its “dual wave” rear window, which not only adds an exotic touch but also contributes to aerodynamic efficiency. The full-width LED rear combination lamp panel creates an unforgettable nighttime signature, following the contours of the rear spoiler and the double-wave window. A full-width aero glass panel below the rear spoiler, along with a standard backup camera, enhances rearward visibility.
Aerodynamics play a crucial role in the Prius Prime’s exceptional energy efficiency. The sleek body design and high-strength, low-weight structure minimize drag. Automatic grille shutters further improve aerodynamics by closing when airflow to the radiator is not necessary. Even the 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels are designed with aerodynamic covers, painted in a distinctive two-tone scheme, to reduce wind resistance.
Advanced Technology and Premium Features
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime is equipped with energy-efficient quad LED headlights that provide excellent nighttime illumination while minimizing energy consumption. Standard Automatic High Beams enhance safety by automatically switching between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic and ambient light conditions.
The Prius Prime offers a range of appealing paint colors to complement its futuristic design. Standard color options include Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Titanium Glow, and the exclusive Blue Magnetism. For those seeking a more premium look, Supersonic Red and Wind Chill Pearl are available as premium color options.
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture-K (TNGA-K) platform, the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime provides a refined driving experience. The robust structure and sophisticated double-wishbone style multi-link rear suspension contribute to responsive handling, precise steering feel, and a comfortable ride quality. The rear suspension design also allows for a generous 19.8 cubic feet of luggage space with the rear seats in use.
Lightweight yet strong materials are utilized throughout the Prius Prime’s construction. Hot-stamped and high-tensile steels are used extensively in the body, while aluminum components, including the hood and brake calipers, help to reduce overall weight. Innovative fastening methods, such as laser screw welding and advanced adhesives, further enhance structural rigidity. The lightweight carbon-fiber rear liftgate makes opening and closing the trunk almost effortless.
Image of the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime in Supersonic Red highlighting its sporty and efficient design.
Innovative Hybrid Technology for Maximum Efficiency
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime incorporates several advanced technologies to maximize efficiency. It was the first Toyota hybrid to utilize a dual motor drive system, enhancing acceleration in EV mode. This system engages both the generator (MG1) and electric drive motor (MG2) to deliver drive torque through an innovative one-way clutch, marking the first time MG1 has been used for this purpose.
Regenerative braking is another key feature, capturing kinetic energy during deceleration and braking and converting it into electricity to recharge the battery, further improving fuel economy. The Prius Prime also offers an available Predictive Efficient Drive system with Predictive Deceleration Support. This system learns your driving habits on frequently traveled routes and provides guidance on when to release the accelerator to optimize efficiency.
The gasoline engine in the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime is also engineered for exceptional efficiency. The 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine achieves a remarkable thermal efficiency of over 40%, significantly higher than the 25-30% of typical modern engines. Despite its high efficiency, the Prius Prime runs on regular-grade gasoline. Other efficiency-enhancing features include an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a smaller and quieter hybrid system water pump, and an exhaust heat recirculation system to expedite engine warm-up.
The combined net output of the Prius Prime’s hybrid powertrain is 121 horsepower. The electric motors and continuously variable transmission work together to deliver a responsive and enjoyable driving experience. The Prius Prime offers a remarkably quiet ride in all drive modes, thanks to sound-insulating laminated windshield and front door glass, comprehensive sound insulation measures, and its aerodynamic design that minimizes wind noise.
Smart Climate Control and Cabin Comfort
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime prioritizes cabin comfort while minimizing energy consumption with its smart climate control system. Heated front seats are standard on all trim levels. The automatic climate control system uses a quiet electric compressor and Toyota’s “smart-flow” technology, which directs airflow only to occupied areas of the cabin to enhance fuel economy and comfort.
The climate control system can operate even when the engine is off, utilizing a heat pump to heat or cool the cabin in EV mode. The Prius Prime’s heat pump is designed to function effectively even in cold weather, down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, significantly lower than conventional heat pump systems. A battery warmer activates during charging in cold temperatures to maintain optimal battery performance and EV range. The top-of-the-line Prius Prime Limited offers a remote air conditioning system, allowing drivers to pre-cool the cabin using a key fob or smartphone app.
Trim Levels, Features, and Multimedia
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime is available in LE, XLE, and Limited trim levels, each offering increasing levels of features and technology. All models feature a centrally mounted gauge panel with dual 4.2-inch full-color multi-information displays, customizable with various driving data and system information.
The base Prius Prime LE comes well-equipped with features like heated front seats, integrated navigation, backup camera, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. Stepping up to the XLE trim adds a large 11.6-inch vertical HD multimedia display, wireless phone charging, and SofTex®-trimmed heated front seats with power adjustments for the driver.
The top-of-the-line Prius Prime Limited elevates luxury and technology even further with features like a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, color head-up display, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Intelligent Parking Assist.
For multimedia, the Prius Prime LE includes Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The XLE and Limited trims upgrade to an 11.6-inch high-resolution multimedia display. The Prius Prime Limited also adds JBL® Premium Audio with 10 speakers and Prime Apps for smartphone connectivity, offering features like remote charge management and vehicle finder.
Image showcasing the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime’s 11.6-inch multimedia display and modern interior design.
Comprehensive Safety and Warranty
Safety is a priority in the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime, which comes standard with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0). 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. The Prius Prime also includes Toyota’s Star Safety System, encompassing Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System, and more.
Toyota provides peace of mind with a comprehensive warranty. The basic new-vehicle warranty covers 36 months/36,000 miles, with powertrain coverage for 60 months/60,000 miles. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles, and 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 three years of 24-hour roadside assistance.
2022 Prius Prime: Pricing and Availability
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime offers a compelling blend of EV driving, hybrid efficiency, and Toyota’s renowned quality and reliability. With three trim levels to choose from, the Prius Prime caters to a variety of needs and budgets. The MSRP for the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime LE grade starts at $28,220*.
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime is an ideal choice for drivers seeking a fuel-efficient and environmentally conscious vehicle that doesn’t compromise on practicality or driving enjoyment. Whether it’s navigating daily commutes in EV mode or embarking on longer adventures with the confidence of hybrid technology, the Prius Prime delivers the best of both worlds.
* MSRP excludes delivery, processing and handling fee of $1,025 (subject to change). Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment. Dealer price may vary.
