Toyota introduces the 2022 Prius Prime: their latest plug-in hybrid with a no-gas EV mode when charged, a 640-mile driving range, and an estimated 25 miles of EV driving range (when fully charged).
The Prius Prime is offered in LE, XLE and Limited grades, each with successively more amenities and technology. The LE comes standard with fabric-trimmed heated front seats with armrests and seatback pockets, power windows with auto up/down, smart-flow climate control system with pollen filtration, integrated navigation and backup camera, dual sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors and heated power outside mirrors.
The Prius Prime reaches up to 84 mph on battery power (up to 25 miles). When the battery reaches a certain reduced state of charge in EV mode, the Prius Prime switches to hybrid mode, then combines the output of the gasoline engine and electric motor through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. The Prius Prime plugs into a standard household outlet for charging. (Toyota recommends using a dedicated GFI 15A outlet.) Fully recharging the battery using a standard 120v outlet takes about 5.5 hours, with a reduced time using a 240v power source.
The Prime resembles other vehicles in the Prius family with some unique features, such as low profile LED headlights, a large acrylic grille, a “dual wave” rear window, a full-width LED rear combination lamp panel, a full-width aero glass panel below the rear spoiler, a standard backup camera, and 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels painted in a two-tone color scheme. Aluminum components, including the hood and brake calipers, help keep vehicle weight in check. The 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine, used in all current Prius liftback models, achieves a 40% thermal efficiency. The Prius Prime’s combined net output is 121 horsepower.
Prius Prime models come equipped with 10 supplemental restraint system airbags, including driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front-passenger seat mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, a front passenger seat cushion airbag and two rear side airbags.
2022 Prius Prime Pricing*
* MSRP excludes delivery, processing and handling fee of $1,025 (subject to change). Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment. Dealer price may vary.
