“Fuel efficiency is great in this vehicle. Vehicle also doesn't suffer from slow acceleration due to electric motor.”
2022 Toyota Prius: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2022 Toyota Prius is the new Nightshade Edition, which gives the regular hybrid blacked-out styling and XLE-based comfort features. Otherwise, this is a light update rather than a redesign.
About the 2022 Toyota Prius
Regular Prius: 4th generation liftback (2016-2022), final year before the all-new 2023 redesign. Prius Prime: 2nd-generation plug-in hybrid (2017-2022), also final year before its 2023 redesign.
Toyota positions the Prius as its efficiency icon: a practical liftback built to stretch fuel and lower everyday running costs, with Prius Prime adding short electric commuting without the range limits of a full EV. The focus is easy daily use, strong real-world economy, hatchback cargo flexibility and proven Toyota hybrid hardware, not sporty driving. In this class, Prius stands out by pairing standout efficiency with standard safety tech and a familiar, low-stress ownership experience.
The 2022 lineup ranges from the mileage-focused L Eco and mainstream LE to the more comfortable XLE and style-focused Nightshade Edition. Nightshade models have black exterior trim, heated SofTex-trimmed front seats and a heated steering wheel, while Limited models stand out with an 11.6-inch navigation touchscreen, JBL audio and a head-up display. Prius Prime plug-in trims largely carry over unchanged.
What changed, by category
2022 Toyota Prius specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Plug-In Hybrid / Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid / Hybrid | Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid / Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 54 mpg | 54 mpg | 58 mpg | 54 mpg | 54 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 50 mpg | 50 mpg | 53 mpg | 50 mpg | 50 mpg |
| Horsepower | 121 hp | 121 hp | 121 hp | 121 hp | 121 hp |
| Torque | 105 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 19.8–27.4 cu-ft | 19.8–27.4 cu-ft | 27.4 cu-ft | 19.8–27.4 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 25 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 25 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 25 (Plug-In Hybrid) | ||
| MPGe Combined | 133 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 133 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 133 (Plug-In Hybrid) | ||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2022 and 2021 Toyota Prius?
The biggest difference is the addition of the Nightshade Edition. The 2022 regular Prius also adds a Rear Seat Reminder to every trim, gives XLE and Limited models integrated LED fog lights, and drops the 20th Anniversary Edition.
What is the 2022 Toyota Prius Nightshade Edition?
The Nightshade Edition is an XLE-based regular Prius with black exterior trim, heated SofTex-trimmed front seats and a heated steering wheel. It was offered in front-wheel-drive and AWD-e versions.
Did the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime receive major changes?
No, the 2022 Prius Prime did not receive major trim-level changes. Its LE, XLE and Limited plug-in hybrid trims largely carried over from 2021.
Was 2022 the final year before the Toyota Prius redesign?
Yes, 2022 was the final year of the fourth-generation regular Prius. Toyota introduced a fully redesigned Prius for 2023.
Which 2022 Toyota Prius trims gained LED fog lights?
The XLE and Limited trims of the regular 2022 Prius hybrid gained integrated LED fog lights. This change did not apply across the full Prius lineup.
2022 Toyota Prius Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Toyota Prius.
“We have driven Toyota Prius for nine years and have never had any sort of breakdown ever. The mechanical systems are much simpler than most other cars and the electronic systems are complex, the car is extremely reliable, safe, very economical and easy to operate. We are confident in their work.”
“The Prius is a great little car for daily trips and it gets great gas mileage, I usually only fill my gas tank 1x/month. I love the bright interior and feel it gives the vehicle some class.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — Best Selling Hybrid Gets Dramatic 2022 Toyota Prius Adds Night Shade Special Edition
- pressroom.toyota.com — The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime Ev Hybrid Harmony
- pressroom.toyota.com — The Car That Changed An Industry Toyota Marks 20Th Anniversary Of Prius With Special Anniversary Edition
- pressroom.toyota.com — The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime Adds Safety And Tech While Continuing To Combine The Best Of Both Worlds
- pressroom.toyota.com — Hybrid Reborn 2023 Toyota Prius Revealed
- pressroom.toyota.com — Poised For Performance 2023 Toyota Prius Prime Revealed
- pressroom.toyota.com — Iconic Hybrid Makes A Bold Statement Toyota Announces Prius Nightshade Edition