Auto Guide
2017 Toyota Prius C
Used Expert recommended

Review and specifications

2017 Toyota Prius C

The Prius C is an affordable, smaller alternative for those who want a Prius hybrid for a little less money. But its harsh ride, noisy engine and cabin, and slow acceleration make it feel more like an econobox than a sophisticated hybrid. It gets very good city fuel economy, 37 mpg, but its overall 43 mpg falls 1 mpg short of the larger 2010-2015 Prius. The interior is full of cheap-looking materials, the driving position and rear seats are cramped, and there's not much cargo space. At least the C's tiny dimensions and easy parking make it a natural for urban driving. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking became standard for 2017.

Market value
$9,888
Fuel
Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
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Model year 2017
Owner rating 4/5
Reliability 4/5
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Hybrid
Body style
4-door hatchback
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
CVT
Category
Small sedans/hatchbacks
Generation began
2012

Pricing

Current retail median
$9,888
Retail value range
$8,700 - $10,825
Original MSRP range
$20,150 - $24,965
Trade-in range
$5,430 - $7,410

Ratings

Road test score
55/100
Owner satisfaction
4/5
Would buy again
67%
Reliability
4/5
Expert recommendation
Recommended

Fuel economy

EPA city
48 MPG
EPA highway
43 MPG
EPA combined
46 MPG
Tested city
37 MPG
Tested highway
48 MPG
Tested overall
43 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$905
Cruising range
410 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.7 sec
0-60 mph
11.3 sec
60-0 mph braking
135 ft
Avoidance speed
51.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
159 in
Width
67 in
Height
59 in
Wheelbase
100 in
Weight
2,545 lb
Maximum load
845 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
4 in
Front leg room
41 in
Rear head room
2.5 in
Rear leg room
27 in
Luggage
1+1+0

Owner feedback

Comfort
2/5
Driving
2/5
Styling
4/5
Value
4/5

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
8/10
Greenhouse gas score
10/10
SmartWay
Yes

Brand context

About Toyota

Toyota mostly fulfills its reputation for building efficient and exceptionally reliable vehicles. Most of their models do well in our testing, thanks to their impressive fuel economy, comfortable rides, quiet cabins, and ease of getting in and out. All of this makes Toyotas among the best options for used vehicles. The brand was a hybrid pioneer, starting with the original Prius. Toyota has evolved and expanded that technology, and most vehicles in its lineup are available as a hybrid. Toyota also sells a number of plug-in hybrids, which were once called Prime but are now simply referred to as Plug-in. The company also knows how to add a dose of excitement into its lineup. The GR86, GR Corolla, and Supra are legit, fun-to-drive sports cars. However, some models we’ve tested have been disappointing. The company’s EV, the bZ4X SUV, is mediocre.

Vehicle ID: 6342 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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