Review and specifications
2019 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
- $13,488
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
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
- $13,488
- Retail value range
- $13,025 - $13,950
- Original MSRP range
- $21,530 - $22,955
- Trade-in range
- $9,470 - $10,535
Ratings
- Road test score
- 55/100
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
- 160 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
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 7/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 10/10
- SmartWay
- Elite
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: 13689 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.