DecodedCars2022 Toyota Prius Prime
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 5dr Liftback
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 54 combined · 55 city / 53 hwy
- Length
- 178.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,364 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 54 MPG combined — 99% better than the average 2022 midsize car (27.1 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints8 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 28 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime is a midsize car offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,364 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 54 MPG combined (55 city / 53 highway), 99% better than the 2022 midsize car average of 27.1 MPG, for an estimated $1,250 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the vehicle speed control.
What changed for 2022
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2021 Prius Prime — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Prius Prime →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr Liftback | 178.7 in | 69.3 in | 57.9 in | 106.3 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,364 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 55 / 53 / 54 | +99% | $1,250 | 78 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Toyota PRIUS PRIME 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2022 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Toyota Prius Prime (this car) | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2022 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
Recalls (1)
Hybrid Propulsion System · Sep 22, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V734000 · 8,411 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may falsely detect an error and shut down the hybrid system, causing a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TB07/21TA07.
Not every 2022 Toyota Prius Prime is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Toyota Prius Prime buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 12,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Prius Prime years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Prius Prime | 52 | – | ★★★★★ | 4 | 15 |
| 2023 Prius Prime | 52 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 6 |
| 2021 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 10 |
| 2020 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2019 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2018 Prius Prime | 54 | – | Not rated | 0 | 16 |
| 2017 Prius Prime | 54 | – | Not rated | 0 | 42 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →