Toyota Prius C

Overview: Is the Toyota Prius C a Good Hybrid Car?

The Toyota Prius C is a subcompact hybrid hatchback sold in the United States from 2012 to 2019. As the smallest member of the Prius family, the Prius C was designed to offer excellent fuel efficiency, a compact size, and an affordable price point. With its hybrid powertrain, practical interior, and Toyota's reputation for reliability, the Prius C appeals to buyers seeking an eco-friendly and economical city car.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Toyota Prius C cars for sale.

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Related: Which Year Models of Used Toyota Prius to Avoid

Key Features

The Toyota Prius C offers:

• Five-door subcompact hatchback body style
• 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid electric motor
• Front-wheel drive
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

Trims

The Toyota Prius C comes in four trim levels: One, Two, Three, and Four. Higher trims add features like a push-button start, a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and synthetic leather upholstery. The range-topping Four trim includes heated front seats, a sunroof, and integrated fog lights.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Toyota Prius C's interior prioritizes practicality and the essentials. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, while the rear seats offer adequate space for two adults or three children. The Prius C has features like automatic climate control, a 3.5-inch multi-information display, and a four-speaker audio system. Higher trims and optional packages add a navigation system, a rearview camera, and Toyota's Entune infotainment system. The Prius C offers a decent amount of cargo space for its size, with 17.1 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.

How It Drives

Getting behind the wheel of a Toyota Prius C means setting expectations in line with what most city cars deliver (the “C” stands for city). So, acceleration is more than adequate in urban settings, but the 99-horsepower hybrid powertrain is underwhelming on the highway. The continuously variable transmission adds to this sluggishness. The benefit is an impressive combined fuel economy rating of 50 mpg. The Toyota Prius C is strictly front-wheel drive; buyers wanting a Toyota hybrid with all-wheel drive (AWD) will have to consider the RAV4 Hybrid or Corolla Hybrid.

Safety

he Toyota Prius C received an overall four-star safety score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with some individual tests also receiving a four-star rating. However, most years received a caution advisory due to insufficient rear passenger protection in a side pole barrier test.

Reviews

Toyota Prius C reviews on Kelley Blue Book average 4.7 out of 5, with owners giving high ratings for the car’s reliability, quality, and value.

Learn More: How Much Does A Toyota Prius Battery Replacement Cost?

FAQs

Why was the Toyota Prius C discontinued?

The Toyota Prius C was discontinued after the 2019 model year due to declining sales and Toyota's decision to streamline its hybrid lineup. The introduction of the more efficient and feature-rich Corolla Hybrid and the popularity of crossovers and SUVs contributed to the Prius C's demise.

Is the Toyota Prius C the smallest Prius?

Yes, the Toyota Prius C is the smallest member of the Prius family. Its subcompact hatchback body style makes it more compact than the standard Prius liftback, the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, and the Prius V wagon.

How many miles per tank does a Toyota Prius C get?

The Toyota Prius C's fuel tank capacity is 9.5 gallons. With an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of up to 50 mpg, the Prius C can travel up to 475 miles on a single tank of gas. However, actual mileage may vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance.

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