Four 5dr Hatchback
2014 Toyota Prius c

2014 Prius c Photos
Toyota Prius c is a smaller, cheaper version of the original Prius Liftback. Think of it as a cross between the Prius's gasoline-electric hybrid powerplant and a compact four-door hatchback like the Toyota Yaris. But this isn't just a Yaris repackaged, it's a whole new breed of small hybrid car. And although Toyota doesn't say so, we think its urban-friendly dimensions and ability to fit in smaller spaces make the c a perfect abbreviation for city.

Dimensionally similar to the Yaris and a couple of hundred pounds heavier, the Prius c is nearly 20 inches shorter than a Prius and 500 pounds lighter. It has room for four adults, or five with kids in the back. The airy cabin has interesting textures and textiles, and standard equipment on the least-expensive version includes automatic climate control and Bluetooth phone book and streaming audio. Upper level trims have connectivity on par with $100,000 luxury sedans.

Prius c was introduced as a 2012 model, only minor changes to trim materials were made for 2013, and the Prius c is unchanged for 2014.

A sophisticated combination of gasoline engine, electric motors, big and small batteries, variable-speed transmission, controllers and coolers provides the Prius c with economy-car acceleration and excellent fuel economy. One-touch start, select D and off you go. On-board fuel data displays graphically detail the efficiency of your driving.

Like other hybrids, the Prius c powertrain pairs gasoline and electric motors: a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes produces 73 horsepower at 4800 rpm, paired with two electric motors for a total combined output of 99 horsepower. Power is sent to the front wheels via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). The batteries are nickel-metal hydride, the same type used in the non-plug-in version of the Prius LIftback, while the Prius c engine is smaller and less powerful than the Liftback's.

Fuel economy is the most compelling reason to buy a Prius c. EPA estimates put it at 53/46 mpg City/Highway, with 50 mpg EPA Combined rating. At $4 per gallon, that's 450 miles on a $36 tank. Factor in the Prius c's lower sticker price, and you've got the most economical (non plug-in) hybrid on the market. In addition, Prius c may qualify for additional tax incentives or a coveted carpool-lane access sticker in some locales.

Despite its small size, the Prius c gets high marks for safety. Standard features include front seat side airbags, a driver knee airbag and side curtain airbags, as well as electronic stability control, traction control and antilock brakes. In crash testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Prius C the highest rating of Good in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests.

The closest direct competitor to the 2014 Prius c is the Honda Insight, but while pricing is similar, the Prius c blows it out of the water with its 50 mpg Combined rating, versus the Insight's 42 mpg. Other similarly priced compacts include pure gasoline-powered cars such as the Honda Fit, Chevrolet Sonic, Ford …
Full Review

Toyota Prius c is a smaller, cheaper version of the original Prius Liftback. Think of it as a cross between the Prius's gasoline-electric hybrid powerplant and a compact four-door hatchback like the Toyota Yaris. But this isn't just a Yaris repackaged, it's a whole new breed of small hybrid car. And although Toyota doesn't say so, we think its urban-friendly dimensions and ability to fit in smaller spaces make the c a perfect abbreviation for city.

Dimensionally similar to the Yaris and a couple of hundred pounds heavier, the Prius c is nearly 20 inches shorter than a Prius and 500 pounds lighter. It has room for four adults, or five with kids in the back. The airy cabin has interesting textures and textiles, and standard equipment on the least-expensive version includes automatic climate control and Bluetooth phone book and streaming audio. Upper level trims have connectivity on par with $100,000 luxury sedans.

Prius c was introduced as a 2012 model, only minor changes to trim materials were made for 2013, and the Prius c is unchanged for 2014.

A sophisticated combination of gasoline engine, electric motors, big and small batteries, variable-speed transmission, controllers and coolers provides the Prius c with economy-car acceleration and excellent fuel economy. One-touch start, select D and off you go. On-board fuel data displays graphically detail the efficiency of your driving.

Like other hybrids, the Prius c powertrain pairs gasoline and electric motors: a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes produces 73 horsepower at 4800 rpm, paired with two electric motors for a total combined output of 99 horsepower. Power is sent to the front wheels via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). The batteries are nickel-metal hydride, the same type used in the non-plug-in version of the Prius LIftback, while the Prius c engine is smaller and less powerful than the Liftback's.

Fuel economy is the most compelling reason to buy a Prius c. EPA estimates put it at 53/46 mpg City/Highway, with 50 mpg EPA Combined rating. At $4 per gallon, that's 450 miles on a $36 tank. Factor in the Prius c's lower sticker price, and you've got the most economical (non plug-in) hybrid on the market. In addition, Prius c may qualify for additional tax incentives or a coveted carpool-lane access sticker in some locales.

Despite its small size, the Prius c gets high marks for safety. Standard features include front seat side airbags, a driver knee airbag and side curtain airbags, as well as electronic stability control, traction control and antilock brakes. In crash testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Prius C the highest rating of Good in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests.

The closest direct competitor to the 2014 Prius c is the Honda Insight, but while pricing is similar, the Prius c blows it out of the water with its 50 mpg Combined rating, versus the Insight's 42 mpg. Other similarly priced compacts include pure gasoline-powered cars such as the Honda Fit, Chevrolet Sonic, Ford …
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Retail Price

$23,360 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine I-4
MPG 53 City / 46 Hwy
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 2-spd CVT w/OD
Power 73 @ 4800 rpm
Drivetrain front-wheel
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