2022 Toyota Aqua Hybrid-Only Hatchback Introduces Japan’s Prius C

You can electrify your hatch with all-wheel drive or bidirectional charging.

After the 2019 model year , the Toyota Prius C was discontinued in the US. However, the small hatchback survived at home in Japan and is now known as the Aqua. Today’s debut of the second generation model will be a big one. The original Prius C sold 1.87 million units over its 10 year tenure.

The 2022 Aqua is billed to be an entirely new development. It switches to the TNGA–B platform to increase fuel efficiency by 20% compared to its predecessor. The Aqua has a one-pedal control (also known as Comfort Pedal), and is available in an all-wheel-drive model on higher trim levels that are equipped with the E-Four technology.

Bidirectional charging is another feature that the Aqua has. This is a common feature for pure EVs. All Aqua models come with an AC100 V / 1,500W accessory power outlet and an emergency power supply mode. The Emergency Power Supply Mode allows the car to provide power to electrical appliances in the event of blackouts.

The new Aqua has impressive features for a small hatchback, including an EV mode and a rotating driver’s chair. The wheelbase has been extended by 50 millimeters (1.96 inch) to provide more legroom for rear passengers and cargo space. The interior is the first Toyota to receive a 10.5 inch infotainment.

The Japanese marque claims that the 2022 Aqua uses a high-output, bipolar nickel-hydrogen-battery. It produces twice as much power than the previous generation’s nickel hydrogen battery. Additionally, it works well with the 1.5-liter gasoline motor and offers better acceleration. It also allows the Aqua to travel at higher speeds than ever before in EV mode.

The 2022 Aqua can be purchased directly in Japan starting at 1,980,000 JPY ($18,000 for the front-wheel-drive base B trim and rising to 2,598,000 Japanese yen ($23,600 for the all-paw E-Four model Z. The electrified small hatch can also be purchased through Kinto One, which costs 19,580 JPY ($178 per month) and is available on a seven year lease.