2022 Toyota Aqua Review

The Toyota Aqua is one of the most sought after compact hybrid cars in New Zealand dur to its fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability. It is a stylish, feature-rich, and technologically advanced car that is perfect for comfortable and reliable daily driving. The Toyota Aqua rivals with the Nissan Note, Honda Fit, Mazda Demio and Mitsubishi Mirage.

2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport.

2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport.

Introduction

The Toyota Aqua also known as the Toyota Prius C in some markets is a compact hatchback that has been in production for two generations since 2011. The first generation known as the NHP10 was in production from 2011 to 2020. The second generation known as the XP210 has been in production from 2021 to present.

Toyota has made some significant changes in the second generation including a refined body structure and an advanced design, cutting-edge safety and security features, and the powertrain.

Engines

The 2022 Toyota Aqua uses a 1.5-liter M15AFXE petrol engine. The engine is paired with an electric motor to create a hybrid powertrain. For a detailed insight on the M15AFXE engine refer to the Toyota Aqua Buyers Guide.

2022 Toyota Aqua Grades

  1. 2022 Toyota Aqua B- This is the base grade that comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, fog lights, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks, keyless entry, cloth seats, 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and USB port.
  2. 2022 Toyota Aqua X- This grade comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, Keyless entry, Push-button start, 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, USB port, Cloth seats, Automatic emergency braking, Cruise control and Blind spot monitoring and Rear cross traffic alert.
  3. 2022 Toyota Aqua G- The G grade has the same features as the X trim but adds, Power windows and locks, Keyless entry, Heated front seats, Leather-wrapped steering wheel and Climate control
  4. 2022 Toyota Aqua Z-  The Z grade offers 16-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a 7-speaker JBL sound system, a blind spot monitoring system, a rear cross-traffic alert system, and a 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  5. 2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport- This is a sporty variant that comes with, 17-inch alloy wheels, Black front grille with GR logo, Boomerang-shaped fog light surrounds, GR Sport badging, Black and red upholstery, GR Sporty steering wheel, Metal pedals, GR Sport floor mats, Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, Lane departure warning with steering assist, Automatic high beams, Adaptive cruise control, Rearview camera, Keyless entry and Push-button start.

Interior

The 2022 Toyota Aqua has a major rework and the dashboard looks more fresher than the previous models. The dashboard has been redesigned with a fresher, more modern look that is befitting of a hybrid vehicle in this decade. The center console now sports a sleek and stylish design.

The 2022 Aqua can comfortably accommodate up to 5 passengers. In the first row, the seats are well-cushioned and supportive, and there is plenty of legroom and headroom. In the second row, the seats are also comfortable but can accommodate two adults or three kids.

2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport interior.

2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport interior.

2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport first row seats.

2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport first-row seats.

Cargo Space

The 2022 Toyota Aqua offers a  sizable cargo space that is enough to accommodate groceries, luggage, or even a small child’s stroller. If extra space is needed the rear seats can be folded down.

Exterior

The 2022 Toyota Aqua has a stylish and contemporary exterior design that is sure to turn heads. The overall shape is the same as previous models but the front end has a new fascia that looks like the Toyota Yaris. The grille is wider and the foglamp housings are smaller. The side profile is defined by sharp character lines that give the car a more dynamic look. In the rear end, the 2022 Aqua features snazzier taillights and some black plastic accents underneath.

2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport front view.

2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport rear view.

2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport rear view.

Safety Features; Toyota Safety Sense tech, SRS Airbags, Antilock Braking System (ABS), ESC, Traction Control System(TC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Pretensioner seatbelts, Child safety seats, Rearview Camera and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Performance

The 2022 Aqua offers a more stable and composed ride than you might expect from a small hybrid car. The stability is enhanced by its low center of gravity and its wide track. This helps to keep the car stable even when cornering or driving on uneven roads.

The suspension system has been well-tuned and helps to absorb road imperfections, ensuring a smooth ride.

The 2022 Toyota Aqua has a Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering wheel that is responsive and makes the car feel planted on the road. This makes the driver maneuver easily in tight spaces.

2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport pedals.

2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport pedals.

Reliability

The 2022 Toyota Aqua is considered to be a reliable compact hatchback due to Toyota’s reputation for reliability, simple design, hybrid powertrain, and good maintenance record. However just like any car, the 2022 Aqua might have issues such as Electrical problems, Engine problems, and Hybrid battery problems.

It is important to note that these problems are not widespread. Most 2022 Toyota Aqua owners will not experience any problems with their cars. It is important to follow the guidelines as provided in the Toyota Aqua Owners Manual and ensure regular maintainace and servicing.

We have compiled a reliability report on the 2022 Aqua and how to mitigate these problems to ensure your car serves you for long.  Refer to the Toyota Aqua Buyers Guide.

Pros

  • Great fuel efficiency
  • Stylish design
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Slow acceleration
  • Somewhat plain interior
  • Less cargo space

Conclusion

The 2022 Toyota Aqua is an ideal choice for buyers looking for a fuel-efficient, reliable, affordable, and practical compact car.  The Toyota Aqua is the perfect car for both commuting and running errands.

2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport side profile.

2022 Toyota Aqua GR Sport side profile.