Overview & Reviews

Capitalizing on the success of the original Prius, the Toyota Prius C is a smaller and more urban-friendly variant. The Prius C's smaller dimensions allow for a downsized hybrid powertrain and a lighter curb weight. These, in turn, result in improved driving dynamics while returning nearly identical fuel economy figures to its larger sibling. As further enticement, a new Prius C rings in several thousand dollars less than the standard Prius liftback.

Sacrifices made in the name of pricing are few, and are generally limited to ride and interior refinement. Considering the Prius C's strengths of unmatched fuel economy, nimble handling (for a hybrid) and hatchback versatility, we think it's a pretty smart choice for an affordable economy car, hybrid or not.

Current Toyota Prius C
The Toyota Prius C debuted in the 2012 model year as a smaller, entry-level alternative to the standard Prius liftback. The smaller size places it in the four-door subcompact segment. As one would expect, the Prius C is powered by a smaller, less powerful version of the hybrid powertrain used in its larger stablemates.

A 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine is paired with two electric motor/generators that combine to produce 99 horsepower. The gas engine both drives the wheels and charges the nickel-metal hydride batteries, while the electric motors augment propulsion and charge the battery under deceleration. Power is sent through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to the front wheels. The Prius C obviously won't provide much in the way of excitement, but its performance is adequate, and owners will likely find satisfaction with an EPA-estimated 53 mpg city/46 mpg highway and 50 mpg in combined driving.

The Toyota Prius C is available in trim levels that are numbered from One to Four. Standard feature highlights for the Prius C One include 15-inch wheels, automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and a USB/iPod interface. The Prius C Two adds cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split-folding rear seats and an upgraded sound system. The Prius C Three is further enhanced with navigation, keyless ignition/entry, Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system and satellite radio. Finally, the Four adds alloy wheels, heated mirrors, faux leather upholstery and heated front seats. Sixteen-inch wheels and quicker-ratio steering are optional on the Four, while a sunroof is available on both the Three and Four.

While the Toyota Prius C is pretty similar to other Prius vehicles, there are a few distinct differences to be aware of. Taller drivers may find it hard to be comfortable due to a lack of steering wheel adjustment range, while the front passenger's footwell is limited by an intruding glovebox. Backseat adult passengers, by contrast, will enjoy ample head- and legroom. The cabin suffers from an overabundance of hard plastic surfaces, which give the Prius C a decidedly cut-rate feel.

Hybrid vehicles in general, and the Prius lineup in particular, tend to be rather dull and uninspiring to drive. The Prius C, with its more compact dimensions, manages to inject a little liveliness into the mix, with more responsive steering and composed handling. Unfortunately, this added athleticism results in some ride harshness. But considering the Toyota Prius C's miserly fuel consumption and its favorable pricing, these faults are pretty easily forgiven.

Used Toyota Prius C Models
The Toyota Prius C debuted in 2012. Since then, changes have been very minor.

User Reviews:

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  It is what it is - 2013 Toyota Prius c
  By mgoods24 - October 22 - 11:05 am

  I have owned my PC2 for 6 months now and have put just over 7k on it. I purchased it to be my commuter vehicle. I wanted something simple, reliable, and efficient. The PC is all of that. My wife and I took it on a 1500 mile road trip and found it more than comfortable enough for two people and gear. The only disappointments I have with it are some rattles coming from inside the dash and I have not achieved the fuel economy numbers others have mentioned. Averaging 44-45 over the life of the car. This is a small complaint since very few vehicles can get that on their best day. *Note to residents of colder climates. I notice about a 10% drop in fuel economy under 40 degrees F.

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  So far, mostly great - 2016 Toyota Prius c
  By TFarnon - July 2 - 6:21 pm

  Why I bought this car: I wanted a Toyota. I wanted a hybrid. I wanted heated seats. I needed an automatic transmission due to a shoulder injury. I wanted a compact or subcompact car. I didnt want an SUV. Things I knew going in: The acceleration would be pathetic, not at all zippy like the manual transmissions I have driven for decades. I knew this would be a very tech-y car. Im a scientist. Of course Id like that. Things I have found to be pleasant surprises: The car is quiet. It has a smooth ride even on a street that is notorious for its potholes, rough patches and "tank traps". Its quiet compared to the manual Toyota I drove on that same noisy street for years. The climate control is great. I set it and I dont have to mess with it. The backup camera is cool. I like the eco savings display. Its fun to monitor. The things I dont like that sort of surprise me: The rear window is really small. It doesnt matter much because between the backup camera, the mirrors and my own cautious habits I dont think its a problem. The cornering is a lot less stable than I am used to. Ill adjust. Im used to tighter handling. The cargo space is tiny. On the other hand, that means I wont load the car up with junk I dont need.

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  This car will kill oil dependancy! - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By yochivazooo - August 18 - 4:23 pm

  Saving me $200 a month in gasoline. 53mpg avg. Stereo sounds incredible on Prious C (4) Confortable seats and I am 5.11, rear confortable for 2 full side adults, 5 tight for the center. Only complaint, no rear camera on level 3 & 4. GPS could be better. If you want to save money this car is for you, dont expect power or luxury ride. Ill use my CR-V for long trips. Cant go wrong for commuter.

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  Better than expected - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By oddsandends - March 26 - 12:12 pm

  At six foot four, I expected to be ridiculously cramped. At 1.5 liters, I expected it to be ridiculously slow. Neither are true. I dont have an excess of room, but theres enough. It doesnt have an excess of acceleration, but its enough. I just manage my drive carefully and am rewarded with 60+ mpg on my morning commute. I also own a BMW 740i that I bought used for 1/3 of what I paid for the Prius C. When I need to go fast, I take it out. Otherwise, I am very pleased with my little gas-sipper. Build quality is good, ride is quiet, and there is room for groceries. Id buy it again tomorrow.

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  Two people and a Dog Love Prius c - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Metalalic mario - October 15 - 1:34 pm

  There are usually two of us and a dog in the car so it works out fine. I plan on keeping this car for a long time. It gets very good gas mileage. there is no reason to pay too much $ for a car of any type. I would rather be spending my money on a trip. Compared to other cars in the same price range this car is the best for the money. I wanted to buy the 1 only, but I wanted cruise control for longer drives so opted for the 2. I like simplicity so I didnt want all the extras that I can buy myself later. The mileage is phenomenal. Its a perfect car for the 3 of us.

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  Two people and a Dog Love Prius c - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Metalalic mario - October 15 - 1:34 pm

  There are usually two of us and a dog in the car so it works out fine. I plan on keeping this car for a long time. It gets very good gas mileage. there is no reason to pay too much $ for a car of any type. I would rather be spending my money on a trip. Compared to other cars in the same price range this car is the best for the money. I wanted to buy the 1 only, but I wanted cruise control for longer drives so opted for the 2. I like simplicity so I didnt want all the extras that I can buy myself later. The mileage is phenomenal. Its a perfect car for the 3 of us.

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  Excellent Commuter Vehicle - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Brian Mescher - August 29 - 7:35 pm

  I drive 80 miles a day, including city streets, freeways, and mountain roads. The car has trouble going faster than 80 mph, but I dont really want to be driving any faster than that (I have a lead foot/self-control issue).

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  Excellent Commuter Vehicle - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Brian Mescher - August 29 - 7:35 pm

  I drive 80 miles a day, including city streets, freeways, and mountain roads. The car has trouble going faster than 80 mph, but I dont really want to be driving any faster than that (I have a lead foot/self-control issue).

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  An Unexpected Surprise! - 2016 Toyota Prius c
  By KW - June 1 - 8:20 am

  I bought this car as a secondary commuting car to save massive amounts of gas money, as I drive probably 70-80 miles a day during the week. I figured it would just be a means to get me from point A to B, with four wheels, a steering wheel, and great gas mileage. I was pleasantly surprised, even on the test drive, but even more so after driving it daily for the past 5,000 miles. Let me start off with my complaints, although they are somewhat trivial: - The driver seat needs some lower lumbar support, at least for my back. My Jeep has an adjustment on the seat that does that; this car does not. - The forward view from the driver seat is great; however there are enormous blind spots on the side and the rear windshield is tiny. Makes changing lanes in Chicago traffic interesting to say the least. - The front collision "sensor" on the windshield gets "blocked" by the slightest rain/condensation/dirt on the windshield, and flashes an irritating warning on your dashboard until it is corrected. Thats really it. Everything else about the car I really enjoy. The sound system is surprisingly decent, I love the Audio controls of AM/FM/CD/XM/Pandora/Spotify, its so easy to switch between them and the information provided is great. The Nav works well, although I still prefer to use Google Maps on my phone when that is available. Acceleration you could say is an issue, but this is a 99hp *hybrid*. If you take that into consideration, its more than fine. I have no trouble merging into horrific Chicago traffic every morning (Advice: Turn off "Eco" mode when you do, however). Gas mileage has been way more than stated so far, I have been getting usually 55-60mpg, and thats with absolutely no consideration on how Im driving the car. Ive gotten a few 66mpg driving days as well! Handling on both curving roads and straightaway highway has been fine. When you have a crosswind on the highway though, use two hands on the wheel, this car is pretty light and can veer in heavy wind. Driving it at night is a joy, the dashboard lighting and the LED highlights are fantastic. Also, driving the kids to a friends house on a rainy day just a few blocks away in EV mode (all electric) is amusing, also be careful in parking lots as the gas engine doesnt usually turn on and you can sneak up on people! Anyways, I could go on. The point is this car is much more than just four wheels to get you to your destination. At this price, for the gas mileage and Toyota quality you get, after a thorough test drive it really was a no-brainer for me.

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  A good city commuter - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By fpm1 - March 12 - 7:48 am

  Our PC2 is our second Prius. Bought a 2002 Prius new. I like the 2002 more, even though the PC2s improved technology is nice. Our 2002 Prius feels more solid with more power. Its MPG improved to the mid-40s when Toyota replaced the hybrid battery at no cost. I bought the PC2 because I wanted a small hybrid to drive around Honolulu, not a full size Prius.