2022 Toyota Prius
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.8L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 54 / 50 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 52 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,300 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 170 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Hybrid |
| Base Price | $26,832–$31,944 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2022 Toyota Prius is a hybrid that earns a Carivo score of 8.2/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.2/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 9.2/10. The Prius nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 8.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.8/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $26,832–$31,944, 55 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Prius sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. Its value score of 8.7/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2022 Toyota Prius will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good hybrid should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2022 Toyota Prius ranks #51 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 63% of the segment. Its 8.2/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $26,832 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $31,584 by about 15%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hybrid ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2019 Toyota Prius scores 8.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 8.2 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.4/10 | $29,401 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.4/10 | $29,401 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $28,545 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.4/10 | $27,688 | Read review → |
| 2022 (this review) | 8.2/10 | $26,832 | |
| 2021 | 8.1/10 | $25,975 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.1/10 | $25,119 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $24,263 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.1/10 | $23,406 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 8.0/10 | $22,550 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $21,694 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $20,837 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Engine control module (ecu/ecm) / Software 22/09/2021 · 21V734000 | 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. |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.