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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  Just OK - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By fl_lead_foot - March 11 - 9:51 pm

  Just an OK car that happens to get great gas mileage. Door shut sounds tinny (and is tinny); stiff ride; overly firm seats; CHEAP interior materials; HARD interior plastics; under optioned (cruise control is a MAJOR FACTOR in highway gas mileage and the One doesnt have it!) Bought this for my courier business. Not sure if the mileage is worth the sacrifice. Id MUCH RATHER drive my 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT, not quite as good gas mileage but a WHOLE LOT MORE FUN to drive and ride in!

• 

  Great jalopy for people who drive a lot - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By John - January 18 - 5:20 am

  I got one of these as a rental for about a week. The meage was outstanding. Averaged 58mpg over the entire time. Granted I was careful with the acceleration and had watched some tutorial videos in the past on the pulse and glide driving method. I would purchase this car if I had a long commute, especially if on hilly roads, around town or in the country. I dont think the car is all that great on the highway. Its adequate and keeps up with traffic but the mileage is not so high at 75mph. The engine is underpowered but coming from a 23 year old Subaru thats not a biggie. It requires you to think ahead in some situations. The interior is comfortable. The ac works well and there is surprising amounts of room for the four people inside. Overall this is a good car for a single person, a couple or maybe a family with one kid. Two kids would be pushing it because of all the junk kids have these days. If and when gas prices rise again, you can expect resale value on these appliances to be high. I popped the hood on this car and was surprised at the size of the tiny engine. But you know what? I dont need no 5.3L hem I to get me and my lunch pail to work. If Toyota ever figured out to put a turbo on this small engine it would be even better! It would be cool if they sold a bare bones "level 0" model with roll up windows and no rear wiper, steelies with no covers and a fm/aux input radio only - but still with AC! Id buy that.

• 

  Great jalopy for people who drive a lot - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By John - January 18 - 5:20 am

  I got one of these as a rental for about a week. The meage was outstanding. Averaged 58mpg over the entire time. Granted I was careful with the acceleration and had watched some tutorial videos in the past on the pulse and glide driving method. I would purchase this car if I had a long commute, especially if on hilly roads, around town or in the country. I dont think the car is all that great on the highway. Its adequate and keeps up with traffic but the mileage is not so high at 75mph. The engine is underpowered but coming from a 23 year old Subaru thats not a biggie. It requires you to think ahead in some situations. The interior is comfortable. The ac works well and there is surprising amounts of room for the four people inside. Overall this is a good car for a single person, a couple or maybe a family with one kid. Two kids would be pushing it because of all the junk kids have these days. If and when gas prices rise again, you can expect resale value on these appliances to be high. I popped the hood on this car and was surprised at the size of the tiny engine. But you know what? I dont need no 5.3L hem I to get me and my lunch pail to work. If Toyota ever figured out to put a turbo on this small engine it would be even better! It would be cool if they sold a bare bones "level 0" model with roll up windows and no rear wiper, steelies with no covers and a fm/aux input radio only - but still with AC! Id buy that.

• 

  love it - 2013 Toyota Prius c
  By jummy - January 8 - 7:55 am

  Ive only had it for 3 days, but Im in love with it because of the gas mileage. This is my first hybrid, and Im kicking myself for not getting one sooner. I drive about 120 miles a day, and Ive been averaging close to 60 MPG local, and have been right at 50 MPG highway. These are the mileage numbers from the onboard display; Ill check them when I fill the tank, but if theyre anywhere close Ill be saving about $100 / month in gas compared to my current car. The Prius C cost about $1500 more than the Honda Civic I was considering, so Ill break even on price in about a year and a half; sooner if gas prices go up. As a plus I get to drive in the HOV lane on the NJ Turnpike.