When it comes to getting the best gas mileage possible, there’s almost no better choice than a Toyota Prius. I have had the honor of testing out a 2021 Toyota Prius and even in all-wheel drive form, I was able to average 44 mpg with a heavy foot. I have also tested the 2022 Toyota Corolla, which has the same drivetrain, but I feel like it could actually make more sense in your daily life. Here is why.

The Corolla Hybrid looks better than the Prius

Looks might be subjective, however, there’s no denying that the Toyota Prius looks funky. In fact, it always has, thanks to its wind-cheating aerodynamics. But if that tree-hugging look isn’t your style, then you’ll like that the Toyota Corolla Hybrid looks, well, like a Corolla. I think that the Corolla’s aggressive-looking front end and sharp headlights really spice up the car’s look.

The Prius’ interior also looks a little Star Trek-like, which is pretty cool, but it’s not that intuitive. The speedometer sits in the middle of the dash as opposed to being in front of the driver. If you opt for the higher Prius Prime, you’ll get a massive touchscreen that removes the volume and tuning knobs making its functionality a little more cumbersome. On the other hand, the Corolla Hybrid’s interior is simple to use and navigate with all of its important features within easy reach.

The Corolla Hybrid has plenty of space

Speaking of each car’s interior, there’s no denying that the Prius’ interior is slightly more flexible than the Corolla’s given its hatchback design. The Prius’ cargo volume measures in at 27.4 cubic feet with the seats up and a whopping 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Unfortunately, the Corolla Hybrid only has 13.1 cubic feet of cargo volume, but if all you need is a small trunk for groceries or maybe a couple of carry-on bags, then it will work just fine.

Although, I must point out that the Corolla Hybrid surprisingly has slightly more rear-seat legroom as it measures in at 34.8 cubic feet compared to the Prius’ 33.4 cubic feet. OK, so it doesn’t sound like much, but when it comes to legroom, every inch counts.

The Corolla is a little more fun to drive

While both the Corolla Hybrid and Prius share the same drivetrain, I found that the Corolla is a little more fun to drive. It weighs a couple of hundred pounds less than the Prius, so that may be a factor. It also has the same numb steering feel. But overall, I found that the Corolla felt a tiny more responsive in tighter corners given its reduced body roll and smaller size than its funky-looking stablemate.

You’ll spend less on the Corolla Hybrid

Lastly, if you’re looking to keep your monthly payments low, then the Corolla Hybrid is the one to get. At $23,650, the Corolla Hybrid is cheaper than the base-trim Prius, which carries a price tag of $24,525. Both cars are similarly equipped, so you’ll find a better value in the Corolla.

And while Toyota Prius can make a lot of sense to the millions of people that have purchased one since it debuted 20 years ago, the newer Corolla Hybrid can make just as much sense for your daily life, if not more so.