Should You Buy a 2022 Prius?
As one of J.D. Power’s top 10 cars for the year, the 2022 Toyota Prius is a great investment—just be aware of a recent recall for ECU issues.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The
2022 Toyota Prius
continues to deliver the model’s exceptional fuel economy, but a recent recall for an engine issue may give some buyers pause.Toyota’s Prius has become synonymous with hybrid vehicles since its introduction, and despite countless additions to the hybrid market, the Prius continues to be a perennial favorite.
If you’re thinking about investing in a 2022 Prius,
Jerry
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for car owners and the nation’s #1 car insurance
comparison app has all the ins and outs for you to consider. We’ve researched costs, complaints, recalls, pros, and cons to ensure you have everything you need to know about owning a 2022 Toyota Prius.RECOMMENDED
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Is the 2022 Prius worth it?
The 2021 Toyota Prius was named the #1 vehicle overall in the compact car segment by J.D. Power, but an ECU-related recall led to the model only making #7 for 2022. Only a few thousand units were affected, however, so you’re still getting a top pick if you choose the new model. Take a closer look to see what makes the 2022 Prius such a good investment.
Cost
The Toyota Prius is unique when it comes to price—
green vehicles
aren’t typically known for affordability. In some instances, you can find a brand new Prius for a few hundred dollars less than a used 2021 model. This is not only because the Prius keeps a famously tight grip on its value but also because of the effects of supply chain shortages on the used car market. Here’s Kelley Blue Book’s breakdown for fair market value on all the Prius’s 2022 trims:
Trim level | Fair market range (dealership) | Typical dealership listing | Private party range |
|---|---|---|---|
2022 Toyota Prius L Eco | $24,455-$25,215 | $25,520 | $24,889 |
2022 Toyota Prius LE | $25,325-$26,118 | $26,730 | $25,722 |
2022 Toyota Prius XLE | $27,960-$28,841 | $29,740 | $28,401 |
2022 Toyota Prius Limited | $31,799-$32,800 | $33,815 | $32,300 |
Specs and performance
Despite impatience from fans and Prius devotees, Toyota still hasn’t made or announced plans for a fifth-generation Prius, which means the 2022 is another addition to a somewhat dated—though extremely reliable and efficient—generation. Here’s a breakdown of some of what you get when you invest in a 2022 Toyota Prius:
- 121-hp inline-four-cylinder hybrid powertrain
- 58 city / 53 highway / 56 combined fuel economy
- Front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive
- Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0 standard on all trims
- An available Nightshade blackout appearance package
Complaints
Though
CarComplaints.com
has yet to update their records to indicate the recent recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
accurately reports the 2022 Prius’s one recall and 5 complaints.Reported issues relate mostly to a recall for software issues that can cause the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to shut down the hybrid system, causing a loss of drive power. One driver also reported that their airbags failed to deploy after a crash resulting in severe injuries.
The bottom line: go for it
Despite the minor recall and a handful of complaints, the 2022 Prius is still a great investment for car owners looking to save money on gas with one of the safest and most reliable vehicles on the road. Recall issues are handled free of charge through your dealership, so just be sure to take your Prius in for the software update if you have one affected by the ECU issue.
The airbag deployment issue—though alarming—appears to be a one-off, and the 2022 Prius still earns high marks for safety from both the NHTSA and the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
. Ultimately, you’ll be getting an excellent vehicle with great resale value and unmatched fuel efficiency—so go for it!RECOMMENDED
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Is it better to buy a used Prius or a new Prius?
This depends on what you’re looking for when it comes to your new (or new-to-you) Prius. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to buy new or used:
- If you’re worried about upfront costs, opt for a used Prius. More recent Priuses are notorious for high resale value, but just $6,000 is enough to get into a reliable older used model. A 2022 Prius, on the other hand, will cost you at least $24,000.
- If you’re more worried about safety, opt for any Prius manufactured in 2018 or later. Toyota’s best-in-class Safety Sense™ 2.0 technology debutedthat year and has since been made standard equipment on all new Priuses.
- Ifyou want to customize your Prius, your budget will determine whether new or used is right for you. If money’s no object, Toyota has a plethora of great options and features you can add at the dealership. If budget modifications are more your speed, you can addcheap and easy aftermarket modsto your car after you get it home.
- If you’re looking to save on fuel costs, choosing any model-year Prius will get you to your goal, but with 58 city/53 highway/56 combined fuel economy, this fourth-generation Prius returns some of the best fuel economy so far.
MORE:7 things to look for when buying a used car
Pros and cons of owning a Prius
Pros
Owning a Prius has a lot of pros associated with it. First, of course, is best-in-class fuel economy, but this is matched by the car’s reliability, affordability, and strong resale value. The Prius is consistently rated one of the most reliable vehicles you can buy, new or used, and that rating includes both hybrid and standard powertrain vehicles.
Cons
If you’re looking for a peppy ride, look elsewhere. One of the most common words used to describe Prius’s acceleration is sluggish. The car’s exceptionally diminutive stature—when we say the interior is “snug,” we’re being generous—also forces you to sacrifice quite a bit of comfort. Buyers have been waiting for an update to the Prius’s body and styling for years, so you may be better served looking elsewhere if you’re concerned about style.
MORE:How to choose an eco-friendly car
How to find the best Prius insurance
No matter what model year Prius you choose, you’re going to need car insurance that’s as reliable as your ride. You’ve trusted
Jerry
to tell you all about the 2022 Prius, so now, give us 45 seconds to find you cheap, reliable insurance customized to your needs.Jerry makes shopping for car insurance easy. No long forms or phone calls—just answer a few questions on the free app and Jerry takes care of the rest by finding competitive offers for coverage that saves the average user over $800 a year!
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