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While Hyundai discontinued the Ioniq hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for 2022, the hybrid model is still a valid and impressive option among electrified cars. And, since it’s off the market for next year, you may be able to score a great deal on one. If you’re trying to decide between a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq and a new Toyota Prius, read on for four reasons why the Ioniq might be the better choice for you.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq offers more power than the new Toyota Prius

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid offers more horsepower and torque from its standard powertrain than the 2022 Toyota Prius, even though the Prius has a larger four-cylinder engine. The difference in numbers isn’t huge—109 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque from the Ioniq vs. 105 hp and 121 lb-ft of torque from the Prius—but it all adds up. Not only is the Ioniq one of the cheapest hybrids worth buying, it’s also surprisingly peppy.

The new Hyundai Ioniq gets better combined MPG than the Prius

The Prius has enjoyed a reputation for high MPGs for years—but is that reputation earned anymore? The 2022 Toyota Prius offers 58 mpg in the city, 53 mpg on the highway, and 56 mpg combined. The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is one of the more popular hybrid cars with the best gas mileage. It offers 58 mpg in the city and 60 mpg on the highway for a combined 59 mpg. Those numbers are better than the Prius’ at every level. Toyota has let the Prius start to fall behind the competition with these less-than-impressive fuel economy figures.

The 2022 Ioniq is slightly cheaper than the new Toyota Prius

Close up of a white Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid car at an auto show.
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid | John Keeble/Getty Images

Though the Prius is often known for its affordability, the 2022 Ioniq Hybrid takes the lead here. A base 2022 Hyundai Ioniq starts at around $23,600, compared to the base 2022 Toyota Prius’ price of  $25,075. As trim levels go up, so do prices—a fully loaded 2022 Hyundai Ioniq and Toyota Prius are close in price, but the Hyundai may be a better value for you.

Hyundai’s Ioniq hybrid car looks and drives better than the new Prius

The Car Connection (TCC) compliments the Ioniq’s “handsome look, top-tier fuel efficiency, and clean, intuitive interface and touchscreens.” While the 2022 Toyota Prius still wears the same awkward-teenager design that it arrived with decades ago, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid adopts a more modern, mature look. TCC criticizes the Prius for “unimpressive trims and materials” and the fact that it “drives like an appliance.”

With all this in mind: choose the Ioniq over the Prius

The Ioniq is cheaper, more efficient, more powerful, and more stylish than the Prius. It checks all the boxes for fuel-efficient performance in an attractive package, and it’s a shame that Hyundai chose to discontinue the Ioniq Hybrid. If you’re choosing between hybrid cars with over 50 mpg, consider the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq over the 2022 Toyota Prius.

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