2021 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Prius retained the boomerang-shaped hood and roofline that became iconic since its second-generation debut in 2004. Although the design focused on maximizing aerodynamic efficiency, it had become somewhat outdated and polarizing. The Prius' exterior appearance was not universally praised, even with the trendy blacked-out trim on the 2020 Edition. Its interior design also had an unconventional flair, featuring a strip of displays mounted in the center of the dashboard, a toggle lever for transmission controls, and an infotainment pod aimed at the front seat occupants. The extensive use of gloss-black trim attracted dust and fingerprints, further complicating the car’s interface.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid showcased a futuristic and expressive design. With its bold front end, the Camry Hybrid carried a more conventional yet sophisticated aesthetic. Upper trim levels offered various wheel sizes up to 19 inches, providing a more premium look. The interior was equally expressive, with a sweeping dashboard design, a prominent infotainment touchscreen, and intuitive control placements. Additionally, the Camry Hybrid's cabin offered a user-friendly layout with easily accessible controls and storage compartments, enhancing the overall ergonomic experience.

In terms of performance, the 2021 Toyota Prius was primarily valued for its fuel efficiency. The L Eco version delivered an exceptional 56 mpg in combined driving, while other front-wheel-drive models managed 52 mpg. The all-wheel-drive e-AWD variants achieved a lower 49 mpg. However, the Prius 2020 Edition tested did not quite meet these expectations, averaging 47.5 mpg. With a total system output of 121 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque, the Prius relied on an Atkinson-cycle 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 53-kilowatt electric motor. Although not known for thrilling performance, the Prius could maintain electric-only driving under 25 mph and handled urban environments effectively. The TNGA platform provided a relatively sporty feel in corners, though at the expense of a droning powertrain under hard acceleration.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, although not aimed at performance enthusiasts, also boasted impressive fuel economy figures. The LE model achieved 51 mpg city, 53 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined, while other trims managed 44 mpg city, 47 mpg highway, and 46 mpg combined. It offered a more robust powertrain with a total system output of 208 horsepower, thanks to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors. An electronically controlled CVT managed power delivery to the front wheels, with paddle shifters available on higher trims for a simulated six-speed experience. Despite some droning from the drivetrain, the Camry Hybrid's handling benefited from a lower center of gravity, giving it a more agile feel compared to the Prius.

The 2021 Toyota Prius surprised many with its relatively spacious interior. While perceived as a small car, it comfortably accommodated up to five passengers. The front seats were notably cushioned but tended to trap sweat due to the SofTex synthetic leather upholstery. Rear passengers had adequate legroom and headroom, though the lack of air-conditioning vents could make for an uncomfortable ride in warmer climates. Cargo capacity varied by trim, ranging from 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to between 47.9 and 50.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in providing a comfortable and versatile cabin experience. The driving position was practical for long drives or short commutes, offering ample headroom and flexible seating adjustments. Storage solutions were plentiful, with a spacious glove compartment, numerous dashboard cubbies, and a center console. The rear seats were easy to access, providing generous space for passengers and thoughtful storage options such as door bottle holders and seatback pockets. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, maintained even with the hybrid battery pack, and included a useful passthrough and foldable rear seats to handle larger items.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, similar in operation to other Toyota models, with straightforward stereo-volume and tuning knobs. Standard technological amenities included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Free trial subscriptions to Safety Connect and WiFi Connect were also provided. However, sound quality was mediocre, suffering from poor speaker fidelity and intrusive road noise. Only the Limited trim offered an upgrade to a 10-speaker JBL premium sound system, embedded navigation, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, albeit without Android Auto capability.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came equipped with advanced technology features. The premium audio system, developed in collaboration with Harman International’s JBL division, provided exceptional sound quality, with nine speakers and a subwoofer included in higher trims. Standard technology across all models included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. The infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen in the LE, SE Nightshade, and SE trims, while the XLE and XSE received a larger 9-inch screen. High-end trims offered more sophisticated tech features, such as embedded navigation and a comprehensive head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota Prius benefited from the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) suite, standard across all trims. This package included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road-sign recognition. Models above the LE trim added a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect services offered additional safety features like automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, and a stolen vehicle locator. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had yet to rate the 2021 Prius, and it did not achieve the covetedTop Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid included the updated Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) suite, featuring a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, Lane Tracing Assist, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Additionally, it came with the Toyota Star safety system, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Camry Hybrid had ten airbags, with comprehensive coverage in all seating positions. Advanced safety features like a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The 2022 model earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was expected to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.