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:

• 

  Quality better then professional reviewer - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Alan - March 19 - 3:25 pm

  Did not find this car in the budget category, the over-all quality seems superior. The dashboard, seating , workmanship are great. The ride, handling is pretty much what I expected from a gas electric powered car. I would recommend this car.

• 

  On my second one - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Robert - February 27 - 9:45 pm

  I leased a 2012 Prius C Two, and when the lease was up debated buying it, but given it was November, I negotiated a deal on a 2015. The three years with the 2012 were trouble free, but the 2015 upgrades are noticeable. The most practical improvement is the headlights, which now project a good distance ahead. Aesthetic improvements include new vents, a vastly improved climate control interface, and updated taillights. The Three includes Toyotas E-tune system, which is a mixed bag. The voice recognition can be quite frustrating, and the navigation has little going for it verses Google maps on my phone. The Bluetooth interface however is seamless, and using apps like Pandora is great on long trips. Consistent across the years is the excellent fuel economy, and trouble free motoring.

• 

  On my second one - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Robert - February 27 - 9:45 pm

  I leased a 2012 Prius C Two, and when the lease was up debated buying it, but given it was November, I negotiated a deal on a 2015. The three years with the 2012 were trouble free, but the 2015 upgrades are noticeable. The most practical improvement is the headlights, which now project a good distance ahead. Aesthetic improvements include new vents, a vastly improved climate control interface, and updated taillights. The Three includes Toyotas E-tune system, which is a mixed bag. The voice recognition can be quite frustrating, and the navigation has little going for it verses Google maps on my phone. The Bluetooth interface however is seamless, and using apps like Pandora is great on long trips. Consistent across the years is the excellent fuel economy, and trouble free motoring.

• 

  Great Tiny Car - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Dimitrij Fedorov - February 1 - 7:10 am

  I bought a Prius C because I needed a cheap, reliable hatchback to use for work. Since then, I have discovered a lot of additional benefits, such as better-than-advertised fuel economy, very clever traction/braking control, quiet and comfortable ride (for a tiny vehicle) and great instrumentation. The amount of space in the rear seat area is almost obscene.

• 

  Great Tiny Car - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Dimitrij Fedorov - February 1 - 7:10 am

  I bought a Prius C because I needed a cheap, reliable hatchback to use for work. Since then, I have discovered a lot of additional benefits, such as better-than-advertised fuel economy, very clever traction/braking control, quiet and comfortable ride (for a tiny vehicle) and great instrumentation. The amount of space in the rear seat area is almost obscene.

• 

  All that I could want - 2013 Toyota Prius c
  By sjg4 - November 30 - 11:07 am

  I love my C! It is nimble, well-made, and fun to drive. Plus, unlike so many other hybrids, the mileage is no hype. I average 50 mpg and Ive owned my car for about 4 months now. You go so long between fill ups that you almost forget about getting gas. Regarding the comments about acceleration, its no Ferrari, but Ive found it to be fine on on ramps and here in Philly thats no joke. Also, many of the comparable hybrids sacrificed reliability. I dont think I should have to choose between great mileage and being stuck by the side of the road. I picked the C, and am very happy with the choice.

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  Prius c Two - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By fray1 - November 26 - 9:18 pm

  Recently purchased a Two and am extremely satisfied. Though it does not provide the quietest, nor smoothest, ride, I bought it for the gas mileage, and am not disappointed. I drive approximately 75% highway, and am currently getting about 50-52 mpg combined. Debated between a used Prius, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Rio hatch, and a new c, and am happy with our choice.

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  Answer to MPG dream - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By pablo50 - September 17 - 10:20 pm

  This review will be only for someone looking for excellent MPG! I drive 1,350 miles a week. 5,400 miles a month. (Every month - IC Courier). Ive had the car for 6 months, 22 days. It has consistantly averaged 51.3 mpg. ECO Mode gives you the best results in city. Regular mode (not ECO) gives best results on freeway. My best has been 59.1 in city driving, 47.8 on freeway. I owned a 2011 Corolla before this and at best only averaged 30 mpg. I drive 50% city, 50% freeway. I am saving $311.00 per month. Compared to the Corolla. Wish I would have bought the car when it first hit the market! These are "real-life" results. Hope this helps.....

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  Belts? What Belts? - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Joe Bentley - May 7 - 11:42 am

  Gettin older and I needed a car with value and the least maintenance short of an EV while maintaining my 2 teens NON hybrid older vehicles. This is it. Bought it because of the best CVT in the business and the expected reliability. Ive not been disappointed. After 3 years the only thing I have done is changed the oil at 10K intervals the cvt fluid and plugs at 100K. Shocks and struts are next. The plugs were still in good shape but recommend dealer because it is not easy for most people. I know we will get 300K and beyond out of this vehicle on the original batteries alone. Mileage has only slipped 1 mpg in 3 years which is normal for any vehicle with this mileage already. My new Altima has already had problems and been in the shop twice for premature rust. Yup new car. Will likely never buy another Nissan as their CVT still has issues. Cant wait to get the larger prius hatchback after the kids leave the nest. There is a reason these cars are preferred by Taxi companies. Less maintenance, best value currently. These cars are the best bridge until EVs can go 200+ miles per charge and are cost competitive. UPDATE 1-4-12. All going well except for check engine light during summer only. It is a coolant/air temp sensor discrepancy. We get our stickers in the summer as light goes out.

• 

  Belts? What Belts? - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Joe Bentley - May 7 - 11:42 am

  Gettin older and I needed a car with value and the least maintenance short of an EV while maintaining my 2 teens NON hybrid older vehicles. This is it. Bought it because of the best CVT in the business and the expected reliability. Ive not been disappointed. After 3 years the only thing I have done is changed the oil at 10K intervals the cvt fluid and plugs at 100K. Shocks and struts are next. The plugs were still in good shape but recommend dealer because it is not easy for most people. I know we will get 300K and beyond out of this vehicle on the original batteries alone. Mileage has only slipped 1 mpg in 3 years which is normal for any vehicle with this mileage already. My new Altima has already had problems and been in the shop twice for premature rust. Yup new car. Will likely never buy another Nissan as their CVT still has issues. Cant wait to get the larger prius hatchback after the kids leave the nest. There is a reason these cars are preferred by Taxi companies. Less maintenance, best value currently. These cars are the best bridge until EVs can go 200+ miles per charge and are cost competitive. UPDATE 1-4-12. All going well except for check engine light during summer only. It is a coolant/air temp sensor discrepancy. We get our stickers in the summer as light goes out.