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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  Prius C Three with Navigation - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By merlinl - February 26 - 9:14 pm

  We went to the dealer prepared to buy the Prius C One with no extra features. We also had a TrueCar certificate for the One. We test-drove the Three and then quickly realize the features that would be missing on the One. The price difference was about $2k and being the 4th of July weekend and all other incentives we went for it. We still bought it cheaper than buying just the One on a regular day. Thanks Toyota!

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  Prius C Three with Navigation - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By merlinl - February 26 - 9:14 pm

  We went to the dealer prepared to buy the Prius C One with no extra features. We also had a TrueCar certificate for the One. We test-drove the Three and then quickly realize the features that would be missing on the One. The price difference was about $2k and being the 4th of July weekend and all other incentives we went for it. We still bought it cheaper than buying just the One on a regular day. Thanks Toyota!

• 

  Never saw the gas mileage advertised - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Edward Carl - February 25 - 5:57 pm

  I was sold on this car because a salesman did a demo he probably wasnt allowed to do. Had me take my hands off of the steering wheel and slam on the brakes in the middle of the (unoccupied) street. The car stopped perfectly without swerving in any way. The safety of this car is fabulous. The interior is clean and neat and after two years is holding up well. I have two complaints. Primarily, the combined mileage of this car is 45 mpg. Lately its been around 43. Maybe because its summer and Im using the air more. However, it gets better mileage in warm than cold. I dont think the battery likes cold as well. If I can manage to coast a lot and never have to accelerate quickly, I have hit 50, but its only been a couple of times over two years. The other complaint is the cargo room. I had a 95 Honda Civic that I gave up for this. (I loved that car and the resale was incredible!) However, I lost 6 cubic feet of cargo room when I bought this 2015 Prius C. That makes quite a difference if you go camping or ever carry lots of cargo. Peoples legs are squished in the minimal amount of leg room in the back seat. Otherwise, this car has grown on me. Its smooth and quiet and gets better mileage than non-hybrid cars, but just barely.

• 

  Never saw the gas mileage advertised - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Edward Carl - February 25 - 5:57 pm

  I was sold on this car because a salesman did a demo he probably wasnt allowed to do. Had me take my hands off of the steering wheel and slam on the brakes in the middle of the (unoccupied) street. The car stopped perfectly without swerving in any way. The safety of this car is fabulous. The interior is clean and neat and after two years is holding up well. I have two complaints. Primarily, the combined mileage of this car is 45 mpg. Lately its been around 43. Maybe because its summer and Im using the air more. However, it gets better mileage in warm than cold. I dont think the battery likes cold as well. If I can manage to coast a lot and never have to accelerate quickly, I have hit 50, but its only been a couple of times over two years. The other complaint is the cargo room. I had a 95 Honda Civic that I gave up for this. (I loved that car and the resale was incredible!) However, I lost 6 cubic feet of cargo room when I bought this 2015 Prius C. That makes quite a difference if you go camping or ever carry lots of cargo. Peoples legs are squished in the minimal amount of leg room in the back seat. Otherwise, this car has grown on me. Its smooth and quiet and gets better mileage than non-hybrid cars, but just barely.

• 

  Far better then I thought. - 2014 Toyota Prius c
  By joecar5 - February 19 - 10:41 am

  I got the Pricus C 3 for 1 reason, the advertised MPG. I have an 80 mile round trip commute that consist of 85% highway driving and was tired of filling my SUV up every 3 days for $55+ each time. I now average 64MPG each way and fill up every 6 days for $25. Im totally blowed away with the amount of money Im saving. There are loads of YouTube videos that show how to drive a Prius, I highly recommend them if you do buy a Prius. As for the car itself I find the seats to be very comfortable, the build materials are fine after all it is an inexpensive car. The 3 level has some cool features like push button start, doors unlock when they detect the key, and touch screen with navigation.

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  Power is just fine, my mileage below EPA - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By chrispmorgan - December 9 - 6:42 am

  Heres where my experience seems to differ from what you might expect: 1. Power (i.e. torque) is just fine. Im a pretty aggressive driver and when I need to go 80 in metro traffic it gets the job done. I have a family member with a 3.0L BMW Z4 and I cant say I particularly miss the acceleration when Im back in the "c". 2. Im just out of the 2k mi break-in period but based on the computer and some validation from the gas pump Im getting ~45mpg rather than the 50mpg the EPA says and the 60mpg the enthusiasts brag about. You *can* get 50mpg+ but it seems youll need to really commit to the pulse and glide method (and obeying the highway speed limit) to get this.

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  A Comfortable and Nimble Gas Sipper - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By wiscpriusc - July 1 - 12:39 pm

  I spent close to a year looking for the best hatchback to meet my needs. The Prius C won out due to excellent efficiency and driving almost like an all-petrol car. I had driven both the Insight and the Prius Liftback, both were hard to see out of and hard to get moving. The Prius C moves a little quicker and has much improved outward visibility. The C has plenty of pep to get on the Interstate and is quick around town. Room for four adults on short trips, road trips best kept to three adults max. I have almost forgotten what going to the gas station is like, I average 50 mpg without any special driving techniques.

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  Most economical hybrid, just dont expect ZOOM - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Danny L - March 19 - 9:16 pm

  Upgraded interior from the year before, definitely was a plus. Navigation and push start is standard at Three trim and above. LED headlights and tail lights are standard on all Prius Cs. The car has a smaller engine than the regular liftback, but at the same time more efficient on gas. Easy to park, being about 155" long. We did a lot of research on compact cars before settling on this one, a close second was the Versa Note and the third car, the Honda Fit. Dont expect to take road trips without letting others behind you pass because you cant make it up the hill at the same speed as they are keeping. 10% inclines had us pushing the engine. The range that this car was most comfortable in is: 5 mph parking lot - 55 mph hwy. Overall, if I had to buy a car again, I would still go with this car because of the gas savings per month, I drive 2,800 mi per month, and I spend about $135 versus a gas-only car where Id be spending $250.

• 

  Most economical hybrid, just dont expect ZOOM - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Danny L - March 19 - 9:16 pm

  Upgraded interior from the year before, definitely was a plus. Navigation and push start is standard at Three trim and above. LED headlights and tail lights are standard on all Prius Cs. The car has a smaller engine than the regular liftback, but at the same time more efficient on gas. Easy to park, being about 155" long. We did a lot of research on compact cars before settling on this one, a close second was the Versa Note and the third car, the Honda Fit. Dont expect to take road trips without letting others behind you pass because you cant make it up the hill at the same speed as they are keeping. 10% inclines had us pushing the engine. The range that this car was most comfortable in is: 5 mph parking lot - 55 mph hwy. Overall, if I had to buy a car again, I would still go with this car because of the gas savings per month, I drive 2,800 mi per month, and I spend about $135 versus a gas-only car where Id be spending $250.

• 

  Good little commuter car - 2016 Toyota Prius c
  By D White - February 22 - 2:01 pm

  While this is not the car you want for long trips (wouldnt be comfortable after a couple of hours) or the car for a family with lanky teens (Back seat legroom is tight even for my short wife!) it will get you from point A to point B with great gas mileage and in relative comfort. Acceleration isnt great, but I didnt expect it to be with an engine smaller than many motorcycles. It will hold weekend luggage for three, but not much beyond that. Sound system and Bluetooth are adequate, and the microphone for my phone is actually better in the C than in my V!