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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 84.00-
My First Hybrid - 2012 Toyota Prius c
By marambula - February 27 - 2:08 amI just put 500 miles on my Prius C Three. I traded my 2010 Toyota Matrix for it. Im glad to report Im getting exact EPA mileage, and then some. No regrets! This subcompact is not for racing. You want to race get something else. I have no problems merging in freeway traffic and its size and excellent steering allow me to maneuver in city traffic easily. The seats offer plenty of support and adjust in enough positions to allow me to drive comfortably. The AC cools the interior quickly and I live in South Texas where the daytime temperature is already at 90 degrees. This model is very well equipped for the price. This is an excellent little car that does everything its supposed to do well.
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Safety - 2015 Toyota Prius c
By Lona - March 7 - 6:26 amThe best words I can say about this car is AMAZING SAFTY!!! If for no other reason you could find, the safety of thus car should be the #1 reason to buy it. Not only is it beautiful, gas savings, roomy (for a small car) it also has great safety). My son got a 2012 modle. The other day him, and 3 passengers were in a wreak. The air bags came out from the front, at all doors, the back seats and the trunk. Thank God, because all though the engine was all over the road from where it drops down for safety, NO ONE was badly hurt. All the pain was coming from the seat belts that kept them from bouncing around. I am so greatful that my son got this car and we will be getting another one. I wish there was a bigger way to express my graditude for the people who have worked hard for making this car safe. Its worth the price to buy this car.
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Safety - 2015 Toyota Prius c
By Lona - March 7 - 6:26 amThe best words I can say about this car is AMAZING SAFTY!!! If for no other reason you could find, the safety of thus car should be the #1 reason to buy it. Not only is it beautiful, gas savings, roomy (for a small car) it also has great safety). My son got a 2012 modle. The other day him, and 3 passengers were in a wreak. The air bags came out from the front, at all doors, the back seats and the trunk. Thank God, because all though the engine was all over the road from where it drops down for safety, NO ONE was badly hurt. All the pain was coming from the seat belts that kept them from bouncing around. I am so greatful that my son got this car and we will be getting another one. I wish there was a bigger way to express my graditude for the people who have worked hard for making this car safe. Its worth the price to buy this car.
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I Love my Baby Prius - 2012 Toyota Prius c
By gemo06 - December 7 - 12:21 amI bought my car back in Mach. I Received the first Prius C from the dealership because I had bough the car without ever seen it in person. I am very pleased and happy with the result. This car is so fun to drive. I am averaging 51 mpg. I drive about 50% city and 50% Highway. It is true that the car could use more horsepower but that is the price I paid for the mpg. This car was meant for city driving and it does decently in highway. I dont understand why people keep complaining about the car. The car is reliable and fun to drive. I am a happy customer but if people want a car with specific expectations, then they should really test drive as many car so they can make the right decision.
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Moved UP to the FOUR - Great choice - 2016 Toyota Prius c
By Marian Chiara - November 29 - 8:54 pmIf you are looking for a strong engine, this is not the car for you, but if you want improved style, easy on the wallet, great gas mileage, and excellent technology - go with the Prius c 4. So happy with the daily drive now. The view of the electronics is perfectly placed, no more peeking around the steering wheel to see whats up. I would prefer a leather seat, but the current interior is easy to maintain and the seat warmers are lovely on a cold morning.
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Great Bargain $$$ - 2016 Toyota Prius c
By Frankie Arambula - July 5 - 10:17 amI had a standard size Prius. I loved it for 5 years. I wanted something smaller. The price of my 2016 Prius c (compact) was good and I got a great trade in price for my 2011 Prius. I had very little left to pay. They let me put it on a credit card. It gave me a cash rebate. My insurance is less. With the free road service for two years, I cancelled my AAA. Toyota gives free maintenance for two years. I get better mileage, over 50 mpg in town. Even the cost to ride the ferry is less, because it is shorter. Edmunds gave me a $100 gift card. The savings just keep on coming. Check out photos 27, 28, 29, 35, 36, 37, 43 and 49. That is my Prius c Persona Special Edition, Black Sand Pearl with Electric Lime Metallic accents and 8 spokes black alloy wheels.
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Wish we could buy 2 more - 2012 Toyota Prius c
By merkel - May 16 - 12:31 pmPurchased our C 2 on Halloween 2012 after much research , car trying & bargaining with dealers. We needed to save GAS $$ because one of us was driving 12 hours every weekend & with 2 kids in college - budget was tight. Non of the other gas saving , budget cars felt just right until this one. We went for the 2 because the extra $$ for the 3 didnt seem to be worth it for us. After 9 months & about 24,000 miles , we are VERY happy with this car & are surprised by how much fun it is to drive. In the beginning we would have competitions to see who would get the best ECO score & MPG- if you go totally EV for long stretches 99 MPG is possible. Now we just drive & get 44-51 MPG. Save over $200 pm
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this is the one you have been waiting for - 2015 Toyota Prius c
By philip schwartz - April 11 - 4:00 amgreat deal now
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this is the one you have been waiting for - 2015 Toyota Prius c
By philip schwartz - April 11 - 4:00 amgreat deal now
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Great car but not for shallow people. - 2016 Toyota Prius c
By Ron R - January 23 - 5:13 amThe Prius C is built to save gas. Acceleration is slow even if you try and and gun it. It is adequate enough to speed up more than the average car in normal driving. In freeway entrance with two lanes, Im more than 90% faster than other cars I assume driving normally and not racing me. The battery charging without the plug in, but by the combustion engine is adequate to lower MPG by assisting in acceleration and taking over the stop and go without turning the gas engine on. Ive heard people complaining about the braking system. It doesnt take long to get used to it and enjoy the regenerative braking and see the animation of your batteries being charged. If you are childlike in terms of personality youll probably hate and throw a tantrum, so dont buy it. For the thinking person, its quite a joy to see how efficient the Prius C is. I see it more appealing to people who eat healthy and understand the importance of quality living and not the junk food crowd who are more into satisfying their hunger and feelings. The CVT continuous variable transmission is awesome. Its actually more efficient and quicker than the regular planetary automatic or manual transmission. The CVT does not have a pause power is constantly applied making it quicker. I heard that CVT was rejected by dumb consumers on regular cars because they wanted the feel of the inefficient of gear shifting. CVT was acutally conceptualized by Leonardo DaVinci in 1490 and was first patented in 1829 for a saw mill. First cat to patent is Daimler Benz in 1886. I got the Prius C one the most basic, for me the car is not for luxury or sport use, its a way to save money. I got 2 Mercedes, a Ram Hemi, a BMW Z4 and Mini Cooper S for the fun, sport and luxury part of driving. For my cheap side, my family drives the technologically advance, and energy efficient Prius C. You cant help but love it.
