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:

• 

  Compare - 2016 Toyota Prius c
  By Edith Burris - October 1 - 9:59 am

  Do your homework and use all the internet assistance. I was all prepared when I arrived at the dealer and had a pleasant experience.

• 

  Insane MPG - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By jay206 - July 17 - 5:05 am

  After patiently waiting a few weeks for a Prius C One (base) to arrive at a local dealer here in RI, a black metallic one came into Tarbox Toyota. I traded in my 08 with 87,000 on it that I have only owned for about a month. I liked it so much I thought a new one for a few thousand more made a lot of sense. Well Toyota really hit it out of the park with this car. My Aunt bought one two weeks before me and she has been telling me her mpg and I honestly didnt believe her. Well I am getting much better mpg than she was. I mean over 75 mpg city and over 60 overall, while my 08 was getting just over 50. I am still pinching myself. Other than the insane mpg, the car is very styish and tight.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  My First Hybrid - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By marambula - February 27 - 2:08 am

  I 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.

• 

  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!

• 

  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.

• 

  MPG heavily dependent on velocity - 2014 Toyota Prius c
  By skh3 - July 18 - 6:21 am

  I bought my Prius C a couple years ago. It is a generally well-built car, but it is pretty slow to accelerate and is rather loud when the accelerator is pressed. Perhaps most importantly, it MPG is heavily dependent on the speed at which you travel. I mainly drive on the highway and if I drive 75-80 mph, I noticed that I only averaged about 40 mpg whereas if I drove 55-60 mph, I seem to have gotten over 50 mph. I dont know how the reviewer on this site stated that he is getting 64 mpg. He must be driving REALLY conservatively on the hwy.