Is the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime the BEST PLUG-IN VALUE Car On The Road?

Is the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime the BEST PLUG-IN VALUE Car On The Road? We take this plug-in hybrid for a road test, charging times and technology and do a deep dive into to this very popular car. Is it the right car for you? Watch the review and if you have additional questions, put them in the comments below and I'll be happy to answer.
0:00 2022 Toyota #Prius Prime - #PlugIn #EV
0:38 changes for 2022 - plug in
1:56 cargo space
2:38 pricing
3:02 under the hood engine / battery
3:35 0-60 launch in Power Mode
5:27 handling
6:42 technology / JBL audio
8:02 warranty / maintenance
9:51 Shifter and drive modes
10:12 pros / cons
11:15 Comments and Questions
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[@ericalnn]

I use it for food delivery i completely love it i traded in a 2021 corolla hybrid for this and glad i did i will miss the corolla but am getting better mpg's with my limited prime and have more safety and luxury features in my new Prime. You can't go wrong with a Toyota!!!!

[@stephenfiore9960]

Yes. I get paid 35 cents per mile delivery pizza. As long as I stay working at pizza delivery, the savings in gas easily pays for the car payments. I get $35 for gas for 100 miles/per day so gas is only $7.00 so make $28 per day. 20 days of work per month x $28 = $560 savings

[@talakaisings8225]

People are so picky! I absolutely Love my 2022 Prime

[@charliesmith5189]

Nice video Lauren. Love your candor - including the yawns during acceleration, comments on styling, etc.

[@2927usmc]

Wonderful review. 2017 PP owner here. Android Auto is only available, oddly, on the lowest LE trim. The two new features that came with the 2022 model are (1) beeping while in reverse - like a forklift - is now gone and (2) Rear Seat Reminder is standard. Thanks again for a wonderful review.

[@ElAnciano92071]

As for the wing interrupting your view to the rear, my daughter (the mother of my adult grandsons) takes exception to that as well. The area you see below the wing is extra! In most cars, you just see the inside of the car! For my daughter's edification, I put the flap of the tonneau cover up so that it blocked the lower window and it then looked like a regular car! LoL As for the engine struggling, Atkinson cycle engines are boomy by nature when revved up, and you are probably too young to remember the Chevy Vega, but it had a long-stroke engine as well, and peeps complained about it then too. The Prius (not just the Prime) revs to the busy sounding range to keep it at the RPM that is best for the efficiency of the engine and acceleration you are trying for. You want the long-stroke to extract all the energy there is from a drop of gas before it goes out of the exhaust pipe. When I hear the sound, I just hear myself saving gas! Gas? I went an entire 12 months without buying ANY gas and didn't realize it 'til I fueled up for a two-tank trip to Salt Lake City from Sandy Eggo. Filled up is Sandy Eggo, then St. George Utah, then SLC for my return trip, also stopping in St George. 9.283 G in St George, 7,388 G in SLC, 7.287 in St George, and 8.732 gallons in Sandy Eggo. Just in case you were thinking a tank was 20 gallons! ;) 11.4 Gallon tank + a full battery = 640 miles! I bet your bladder won't last that long!

[@markburch5851]

A spot on review of this vehicle Coach - I also have a 2022 Limited, fell into a great deal that someone else walked away from - once you figure in how much electricity you buy and figure out what gas you would have purchased for that I’m averaging 100+ per gallon ON REGULAR - comfortable, nice sound system, TSS 2.0 is solid, radar cruise and solid lane keep steering on the freeway make this a nice long distant cruiser - as for the bar in the back, it actually blocks lights from trucks behind you so that does help because for some reason people like to push you - one drawback you did’nt mention anytime you pull into a business people think you are their Uber and come right up and sometimes try to get in the car - ha…….

[@GreatNorth_Carnivore]

Subbed, best to the point youtube car review I have come across. Keep up the great work!

[@enrios1383]

I have a 2020 version. Small commute between work and home (store is in between). I only use the electric motor. I have to remember I have to consume the gas at least every 6 months (don't plug it, so I can use the gas). Amazing car, amazing space, just perfect.

[@CarCoachReports]

Thank you for sharing your experiences, its helpful.

[@rungavagairun]

Love my 2022 Prime so far. I'm relatively gentle on the peddle anyhow. Most of my driving can be done in EV only mode, so I'm averaging around 150 mpg. More than 600 miles on the OD and I haven't used half a tank of gas. The LE trim has more physical buttons, a volume knob, and Android Auto. I don't know for sure if the Limited trim does or does not have it, but I know that (for some unexplained reason) they don't offer Android Auto on some of the higher level trims. There are a few features I would like that are missing on the entry level LE, but I really enjoy driving this car.

[@ed4gold]

Awesome review, thanks. Bonus: snowy background, looks amazing.

[@CarCoachReports]

Thanks

[@tommiller12345]

I am very happy with my new 2022 Prius Prime. I bought it for the fuel economy and reliability.

[@CarCoachReports]

Good choice

[@memyshadow4062]

Guys no joke but I made 78 mpg with a Prius model from 2018. I also made 58mpg with a Prius from 2013. I worked for Uber for 5 years and I had a lot of time in my hands to test the car and come up with my style of driving. Basically the biggest advantage I take out of this car is the Neutral Gear and the Brake Gear. This car can glide for hundreds of meters when on N-Gear as there is not friction between the wheels and the electric motors. At first is not easy to adapt your driving so you can take an advantage of every chance you can use the gravity but at some points it gets like a video game. What else I do is if I see there is a red light ahead of me I’m switching on “N”, or when I need to stop I’m using the Brake Gear. Also when I go down hill I’m using the brake gear and dramatically increasing the battery charge. Toyota Prius is my favourite car ever because it gives you the chance to drive smart and efficient. It is a light car and driving it is just like playing a game. Also because there is less vibrations and noice I’ve noticed to get less tired when doing long journeys competed to a normal combustion engine.

[@yohanjung2695]

which model would you recommend? Prime or the regular model? just looking to uber as well. I live in east coast so there are snow but im trying to see which is best pick

[@memyshadow4062]

@@yohanjung2695 Toyota Auris Hatchback like to be a great car and also a good looking.

[@yohanjung2695]

@@memyshadow4062 how about for gas and snow related would you say its better to go with the prime FWD 133MPG or the XLE AWD 55MPG

[@memyshadow4062]

@@yohanjung2695 I’m sorry but I have no clue about the brands you mentioned.

[@davidfeador4125]

bought a 2020 once I figured out all the electronics this car is outstanding esp during 4 $$ per gallon my large 70 lb dog fits comfy in back area (fold down back seats) and when weather gets to at least 45 farenheit I can squeeze out 45 - 5= miles on full charge before it swithes to hybrid

[@CarCoachReports]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@funkysoulman3861]

I recommend installing Comma 2. I put one in my 2021 prime limited and it pretty much drives itself.

[@Jo-bt3xr]

Lauren： this car has a “anti roll-back” function: when you go uphill, brake at red light, then at green light, move your foot from brake paddle, it won’t roll back! Another great feature is the “B” gear on the shift stick: going downhill, pull it down to “B” , engine brakes itself and also charge the battery at the same time! I bought a Prius Prime brand new in 2018, loved it since!

[@ElAnciano92071]

This is true, and Subaru claims to have invented that in the 70s! My mom had a 41 Studebaker she bought in the late 50s that had hill-holder brakes! It kept the pressure in the brake line until you released the clutch. EZer that holding the emergency brake handle, which is the other safe way to do it with only two feet and 3 pedals on a steep hill! ;)

[@Michael-oe6zg]

My Prius prime xle 2022 plug in rolls back ; even the drive way . Do you think it’s defective?

[@CarCoachReports]

Contact the dealer. This should be a recall item.

[@hphillips7425]

Good video. As good as the fuel economy is I could live with the looks

[@TrendingHeadlinesTV]

I just purchased a certified pre-owned 2022 Prius Prime XLE from Toyota with 22k miles on the car; for a great price. I love it! So far my avg mpg is staying at 96mpg. I love the tech of this car. Best car I have ever purchased. I hope to keep it for yrs to come.

[@michaelsilva3633]

Great info, I had a 2009 Prius, looking to purchase another one

[@edwardlouie]

When she did the 0-60, the car didn't have any all electric range in the battery. When the car has enough battery energy to have ev range, the acceleration is a lot better. I've never gotten MPGs as low as 44.4 in my Prime. She must have been given the car when the HV battery is low.

[@stephenfiore9960]

Excellent, concise. First video of many that tells you passenger side has no lumbar support

[@CarCoachReports]

👍

[@texasyank48]

Great review, Lauren. You sure have been busy lately.

[@CarCoachReports]

It’s been a bit crazy. Thank you for noticing 😊

[@michaelharn669]

This is my third Prius. A 2003 C with 164K miles sold it. Then 2015 C with 87K miles. It was hit in a parking lot and totaled. I like this XLE. It is the best of all of them. Interesting that it doesn't have a front license plate holder.

[@RNbiker57]

Nice review, thanks! I have a family member who may be interested in one of these.

[@brendamzambrano9776]

Can’t go wrong with the car, my only complaint is the key fob doesn’t have the best range but I bought the base Prius prime

[@jits1]

Thanks for this review. I just bought the base model, and I am very happy with it. Most feature are included. No park assist or reverse proximity alarm, pity! I am fine with using the Charge mode occasionally. I charge occasionally as well. ECO mode is quite good for most driving conditions. I am in the snowy north.

[@adityamitradas2577]

Is it AWD? How did it drive this winter I love in Calgary will it be wise to get one?

[@jits1]

@@adityamitradas2577 Unfortunately, no AWD option is offered by Toyota. The wheels are 15 inch, so rather small and the chassis is low. Not suitable for deep snow. I would recommend a RAV4 Prime for your location any day. Happy motoring!

[@adrianotero7963]

Excellent synopses of the prime.....first video that metions the difficulty of puting the vehicle into neutral in a car wash.....happened to me...I'm used to it now...but the first couple of times is was a little frustrating....it is my undertanding that only the base LE model has Android Auto....confirm that before you purchase if it is important to you.

[@alexwk9830]

I would have liked you to turn on the DRL only, then fog lamps only. I want to know does the lighting at the front of the vehicle have independence.

[@kristyf5737]

I'm waiting for the plugin EV range to go up to at least 36 miles to meet my everyday needs. Hope to see that in the 2023 release. Also on my wish list is a stainless steel shield for the catalytic converter.

[@miltonhayek2494]

You'll be able to get the 2023 in 2025 with the way things are going. I've been looking for these for three months. I found one in Chicago and it was sold before arrival. DON"T believe what the dealers are saying. Three of them tried to take my money and walk. Only one was honest.

[@Pono-Ha-Y-N]

My 2021 PP charges to 37....

[@imabeachbunny]

Have a 2018 and I get 39 miles regularly on a charge...most I got was 40.5 miles on a charge

[@ting4500]

Today I saw from Toyota website, it’s 42 miles for 2023 model.

[@MJorgy5]

Interesting package. Very interesting styling.

[@DVS57REBEL]

My coworkers have been netting 150mpg plus it was a no Brainer I was consuming recently 500 a month on fuel vs 40 a month In a prime. The vehicle is comfy but low to the ground if you have trouble with getting in and out that's something to consider. Rear view visuabilty is meh but side view mirrors are really good and front view is great. Takes some adjusting as I also own a wrx and an outback it's a huge contrast but the intention of this vehicle is efficiency for extended work commute. If you have a family may not be ideal primary vehicle as a work commuter heck yes

[@rodneypidcock6903]

$500 down to $40...sounds like you got a new car for free. Very nicely played!

[@jacqueB6151]

We found that when driving on the highway that the power mode is great power and we get great gas mileage with it when not in electric mode!

[@wimschoenmakers5463]

It's still one of the best made cars ever if you need a, low maintenance, fuel efficient car, and will last for many years.

[@joshuab1707]

I'm watching this after the 2023 Prius was revealed and reviewed by various outlets to see the difference. The 2023 model is a completely different car practically. No way I'd even consider this car now that the 2023 model is coming out soon. Way to go Toyota!

[@gamingxperience7208]

i have a question. i have a 2017 focus limited comparable. i have to shut off my battery after 20 minutes i get nervous ill drain the battery all the way down from the little sub. in a Prius, can you jam the stereo for hours since it has a crazy battery in it? I heard someone say they COULD RUN THE AIR CONDITIONING NO GAS ENGINE ON FOR 8 HOURS which is mind blowing

[@zzkeokizz]

I’m an a Prius enthusiast. I want to replace my 2013 Plug in. I’ve had 2 other Priuses before the 2013.

[@8zapple]

What button do you lose if you go to the Limited trim? tx

[@miltonhayek2494]

Yea. I've given up on getting a Prius. Go to a Toyota dealer and they are way over MSRP! ($4,000-$5,000 in Ann Arbor MI). Went in to test drive one. They sold it and didn't tell me. I had taken off at the end of the work day to come in and they looked at me like, "Sorry man. Not our problem." When I got there they told me all I needed to do was throw down $500 to do a test drive! WHAT? Toyota won't even let you order one. I contacted four dealers and it was the same story; except for one that worked through Costco auto and told the truth. He said he wouldn't take my money because he probably won't have anything to show me for the next year or two. The dealers are just scamming people at this point. The only thing on the trim I don't like is that the LE is the only one with Android Auto. What the heck is that about. What a terrible joke. So now I'm now looking at the Ford Escape PHEV. It goes about 40 miles before the battery is drained, and its about the same price with much more space. The MPG is lower (About 44MPG), but the power plant produces nearly 2X the horsepower. And Ford was actually honest. They said they don't have them in stock but I could order one free of charge, no money down. When it comes in I can test drive it, and if I don't like it they'll just sell it. I've worked as an engineer for all major manufactures power trains for nearly two decades. I preferred the Toyota for the battery tech. I mean the Prius has been doing this job for a long time. It's well proven. But the BS that Toyota put me through just really soured me on the whole idea. And there is no way I'd buy a Chevy Bolt unless I wanted to roast marshmallows. GM has become a hack company that craps on their customers for fun! My brother is just sitting on his car.

[@Warpsie]

I'm having a hard time trying to even find one in stock

[@barbarapennell9717]

Best car I have ever owned😀

[@CarCoachReports]

Thanks for telling us.

[@magedlouis1262]

Please Can anyone tell the difference between EV Auto ,EVHV in Prius prime 2022?

[@larryandsharonplonsker6751]

I just bought the 2022 Prius Prime and really like the simple charging system at home. I want to speed up the charging time but cannot find an adapter to fit my 240 V outlet. Toyota doesn't make one. Is my warranty void if I find one outside of Toyota? How do I fix this?

[@kenheller7023]

Auto Zone sells a generic 240 plug. Works fine on my 2022

[@suckamcc]

What's the headroom and space in the driver's seat? Are the seats low or sit up off the ground?

[@brendamzambrano9776]

The car is low but there is a lot of space. Coming from a 2012 Dodge Charger. There space is about the same. The pruis prime is not small inside

[@seymorefact4333]

🇺🇸 for $30k 640 mile range. 10yr warranty on battery. The Prius serves its purpose. Efficient around town. No range anxiety. PRICELESS. I looked at Tesla model Y $60k plus. YIKES. I have another more comfortable ICE for much longer trips. Nice review Laura!

[@stephenfiore9960]

Don’t tow a Tesla without putting it on a flatbed tow truck when it runs out of battery. You’ll ruin the drive gears.

[@TalismanPHX]

The ultimate Uber/Lyft vehicle 👌

[@CarCoachReports]

Fact!

[@japkoslav]

Not really since you are paying for plug-in that you won't really use as Uber/Lyft all that much. Regular Prius, with much bigger boot or Corolla Hybrid seems like a better and cheaper option for this type of usage.

[@skepticalmechanic]

getting 145 mpg with my 2022... charging once a day... just love this car! After rebates and a $4,500 tax credit the car cost me $25,600 for the XLE model... I average 28 miles on a charge... Also, if you buy a new car and resell it within a year you will make money on it... not a loss.. I made money on the last tree cars I have owned over the last three years...

[@magedlouis1262]

Is your electricity bill went up or not? Thanks

[@skepticalmechanic]

@@magedlouis1262 by about $25.00 a month

[@magedlouis1262]

You are California resident? Kw/cent??

[@skepticalmechanic]

@@magedlouis1262 nope… NJ

[@magedlouis1262]

@@skepticalmechanic Probably in NJ the electricity cheap

[@davidsmallridge832]

How do the doors feel and sound when closing? Are they tiny, or solid sounding?

[@tommiller12345]

The doors are solid sounding.

[@jakkautube]

Is steering wheel cools down in summer?

[@myx4mer]

love my prius prime . note you can not replace a headlamp bulb, must replace the complete assembly , 1200.00 .each side, led lamp should last many years.

[@johncipolletti5611]

My question is, they don't want you to use an extension cord. My garage plugs are out of reach of the Prius. I have to use that extensive cord.

[@brendamzambrano9776]

I have used the extension cord a couple times, haven’t had any issues

[@johncipolletti5611]

@@brendamzambrano9776 No....I'm a bit lazy and that added task bugs me. So I usually drive a Prius Hybrid. Also, after pulling out your plug at a public charging station (if you can find one) and finding the charger broken. Doesn't that make you upset? It does me.

[@robertkamanzi9147]

0:54 OK, you have my attention. 0:59 hahahaha very diplomatic insult. Are you calling it ugly but just want to go that far? I can listen to this everyday. 0:59 0:59 0:59

[@gianniclaud]

I’m a prius enthusiast and I truly LOATHE the styling of this generation. Toyota, please do better with this year’s redesign!

[@stephenfiore9960]

Not as bad as some older Priuses

[@CarCoachReports]

I think this is much better than the older Prius

[@benderdiver]

in the uk battery range 35mls, uk gallons are bigger,

[@jenesuispasbavard]

Now if only I could find one...

[@CarCoachReports]

True

[@miltonhayek2494]

Yea. I left a long comment on here regarding that. It's not only that they are MIA, which in large part I can understand. But the dealers are acting really shady.

[@TheModwriter]

I got lucky in that I walked into the dealer on the day they got told which vehicles they were going to get in May (early March) so I plunked down the credit check and started the process. Turns out the one I signed up to take ended up being the only one the dealer will get before July. Yikes.

[@miltonhayek2494]

@@TheModwriter Yea. I'm calling today to see if the "downpayment" is refundable. I'd be willing to put money down to hold it. But I've never driven one. So it makes iit hard to part with that money.

[@xoxostaci]

Located in Rochester - have you heard when the 23 is coming out??

[@CarCoachReports]

You will see 23 models coming out in September or October.

[@xoxostaci]

@@CarCoachReports I'm so excited! My hubs and I officially ordered a new 23! :)

[@nodak81]

Much prefer the LE to the higher trims. Mostly because it gives you the dedicated controls for the HVAC system instead of that giant screen that makes you go through a dozen menus to do anything.

[@TomM-kl7uc]

I don't have one, but I would like the dedicated controls much better! I often miss controls you can just reach and adjust. Sometimes I miss my first VW that didn't have any controls but a manual AM radio and windshield wipers that hardly worked. 🙂 ....not even a gas gauge (it has a "reserve" with a lever foward in the floor)....but was that ever a fun car! I remember a fuse blowing in the radio and I wrapped the foil from a stick of chewing gum around the blown fuse and listen to the radio all the way home.....WWVA-AM Wheeling, WV. Geeez I miss the old days sometimes.

[@johncipolletti5611]

Hey, my Prius Hybrid (not the Prime) gets + 40 mpg and I NEVER have to plug it in!

[@sabihullahgamaryani8378]

My dream car one day ☀ in Shah allah....

[@wetzel82]

Im really good at parallel parking, however, in california they dont make you parallel park to pass a drivers test. Or at least Not in my city. I took my test a few years ago and one of my cousins recently just took theirs and still they didnt have to parallel park.

[@Janelle2043]

??? does it have emergency braking?

[@K4GPB]

1:59 19.8 inches of cubic space! all seriousness aside: "brain freeze"?

[@yeulakho6574]

Copied Acura headlights😁😄

[@lesmoore3638]

Spare tire?

[@brendamzambrano9776]

Yes there is a spare tire in the back

[@lesmoore3638]

@@brendamzambrano9776 Thanks.

[@tommiller12345]

There is no spare tire in the Prime because the battery is there. The regular Prius has a spare. I am thinking of buying a spare to put in the back seat. The fix a flat ruins the tire pressure sensor.

[@lesmoore3638]

@@tommiller12345 Good to know.. Thank you.

[@CarCoachReports]

If you add weight to the vehicle by buying a spare tire you will decrease your fuel economy. It has to do with weight

[@SuperFrantos]

Where is the spare tire

[@TomM-kl7uc]

I think it only comes with a can of FIX-A-FLAT....

[@socalju2447]

Correction : Prius does get better the longer you drive it.

[@bobdavis3357]

That hideous THING look's like the Elephant man on wheels. But I would still own one. 50+mpg is a boon for long trips. I can ignore the ugly stares and laughing as I pass by gas stations and drive in Toyota Quality. It's just so butt ugly. Nothing new with a lot of Toyota designs(new Tundra comes to mind). Thumbs up review, Lauren Anne

[@ElAnciano92071]

Handsome is as handsome does*. I actually preferred the look of the Gen III Prius. I think the new ones are pretty busy looking compared to the clean lines of the Gen IIIs. The general shape of the car (not the creases and fake scoops) is governed by the results of wind tunnel tests. It is relatively smooth underneath as well... to cheat the wind. * Also form follows function. That is how it gets 54 MPG at 70 MPH. (It's more like 44Mpg @ 80 Mph though in the mountains. I tested that for 1 tank in Utah, where the speed limit is 80 away from cities.)

[@markburch5851]

Nice thing about owning a Prius (prime or other) is sitting in it you don’t have to look at it. Most angles are OK, side on and once you see the nose you really can’t unsee it. (And yes, I do own one…)

[@A1Bokeh]

A bit dramatic. It doesn't look that bad

[@TrinityWilderness1]

Oh my Goodness! Her voice is so grating. Ouch…

[@im8980]

The back is ugly and way too big for the car.

[@davidfeador4125]

its all about aerodynamics, and mpg esp in ev mode not styling

[@sandilemajiya7831]

The exterior of this car is ugly