2022 Toyota Prius

Toyota mostly fulfills its reputation for building efficient and exceptionally reliable vehicles. Most of their models do well in our testing, thanks to their impressive fuel economy, comfortable rides, quiet cabins, and ease of getting in and out. All of this makes Toyotas among the best options for used vehicles. The brand was a hybrid pioneer, starting with the original Prius. Toyota has evolved and expanded that technology, and most vehicles in its lineup are available as a hybrid. Toyota also sells a number of plug-in hybrids, which were once called Prime but are now simply referred to as Plug-in. The company also knows how to add a dose of excitement into its lineup. The GR86, GR Corolla, and Supra are legit, fun-to-drive sports cars. However, some models we’ve tested have been disappointing. The company’s EV, the bZ4X SUV, is mediocre.

While the previous generation Prius was an evolution of the second-generation car it replaced, the fourth-generation Prius was a revolution. The biggest advance was an incredible 52 mpg overall, brought by a new, larger, and more efficient engine. Styling became much more controversial; its practical effect was that the Prius sits lower than before, sacrificing some access, visibility, and rear seat space. Still, this small hatchback can provide the family-hauling space of  most mid-sized sedans. Handling is more sure-footed and interior noise has been reduced. The interior doesn't feel as cheap as before, although some odd touches still remain, including some unconventional controls. 2017 brought standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. All-wheel drive was offered for 2019. Updates for 2020 include standard Apple CarPlay—but still no Android Auto. For the model year 2021, the Toyota Safety Sense system was upgraded to TSS2.0. This suite of safety equipment includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with low-light pedestrian and daytime bicyclist detection, lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance, automatic high beams and road sign assist. A version of lane keeping assistance (lane tracing assist) helps to keep the car in the center of the lane while the adaptive cruise control is being used. Adaptive cruise control is standard with the stop and go function. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are standard on all trims, except the LE Eco. Toyota’s rear seat reminder is now standard on all trim lines for 2022.