2019 Toyota Prius c
The Toyota Prius C was a fine little hatchback when it debuted back in 2012, but time is a cruel mistress. The car has been outdone and outclassed by a myriad of other products, including some from within Toyota's own ranks. It seems the automaker agrees, as it's ditching the model at the end of this model year. Still, you might be able to snag a deal on a spacious and fuel efficient little hatchback if you keep your eyes peeled. Our tester was a Prius C LE, the top of two available trims. Standard features on this model include LED projector headlights, LED taillights, automatic climate control and navigation. The only two options on our car were Tide Pool Pearl paint for $395 and floormats for another $264. All in, this one stickered for $24,534. Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder: Last time I drove the Prius C, I had a bit of fun with it. This time around, I had hoped to repeat the experience, as it'd quite possibly be my last stint in the pint-sized Prius. Alas, weather and traffic thwarted my plans to joyride the little hybrid. Instead, I used it like I would a normal car: commuting, grocery runs and taking my son to soccer. As such, the weirdness of this car stuck out a bit more. The steering wheel is made out of a material that feels like hard, dense and somewhat rough rubber, almost like the grippy coating on the palms of some types of work gloves. While it was easy to grip, it made my hands restless. Also, not having an instrument panel directly in front of me was weird, especially at night. Having to look to my right to check my speed — a trait common to all Prius models — is a little annoying. Having no lights directly in front of me, while presumably better for night vision, is a little disorienting. But now that the inexpensive Corolla gets a hybrid powertrain, Toyota doesn't need the Prius C, and is sunsetting it. I might have been a little sad, but since the Corolla Hybrid is better than the Prius C in so many ways, I'm shedding no tears over this one. Let's just hope they put the hybrid powertrain in the Corolla Hatchback at some point. Assistant Editor Zac Palmer: It's difficult to recommend the Prius C to folks anymore. As John said, now that the 2020 Corolla Hybrid exists at a nearly identical price point with significantly better fuel economy, this dinosaur just doesn't measure up in 2019. I'd normally defend hatchbacks, but this one is just meant for folks who want the cheapest, most fuel efficient car money can buy. There's an inkling of fun hiding in the handling, largely thanks to this car only weighing about 2,500 pounds. It's all about fuel economy when it comes to the right pedal, though. Don't expect anything, and you might be slightly less disappointed after putting your foot down. The …
Full Review
The Toyota Prius C was a fine little hatchback when it debuted back in 2012, but time is a cruel mistress. The car has been outdone and outclassed by a myriad of other products, including some from within Toyota's own ranks. It seems the automaker agrees, as it's ditching the model at the end of this model year. Still, you might be able to snag a deal on a spacious and fuel efficient little hatchback if you keep your eyes peeled. Our tester was a Prius C LE, the top of two available trims. Standard features on this model include LED projector headlights, LED taillights, automatic climate control and navigation. The only two options on our car were Tide Pool Pearl paint for $395 and floormats for another $264. All in, this one stickered for $24,534. Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder: Last time I drove the Prius C, I had a bit of fun with it. This time around, I had hoped to repeat the experience, as it'd quite possibly be my last stint in the pint-sized Prius. Alas, weather and traffic thwarted my plans to joyride the little hybrid. Instead, I used it like I would a normal car: commuting, grocery runs and taking my son to soccer. As such, the weirdness of this car stuck out a bit more. The steering wheel is made out of a material that feels like hard, dense and somewhat rough rubber, almost like the grippy coating on the palms of some types of work gloves. While it was easy to grip, it made my hands restless. Also, not having an instrument panel directly in front of me was weird, especially at night. Having to look to my right to check my speed — a trait common to all Prius models — is a little annoying. Having no lights directly in front of me, while presumably better for night vision, is a little disorienting. But now that the inexpensive Corolla gets a hybrid powertrain, Toyota doesn't need the Prius C, and is sunsetting it. I might have been a little sad, but since the Corolla Hybrid is better than the Prius C in so many ways, I'm shedding no tears over this one. Let's just hope they put the hybrid powertrain in the Corolla Hatchback at some point. Assistant Editor Zac Palmer: It's difficult to recommend the Prius C to folks anymore. As John said, now that the 2020 Corolla Hybrid exists at a nearly identical price point with significantly better fuel economy, this dinosaur just doesn't measure up in 2019. I'd normally defend hatchbacks, but this one is just meant for folks who want the cheapest, most fuel efficient car money can buy. There's an inkling of fun hiding in the handling, largely thanks to this car only weighing about 2,500 pounds. It's all about fuel economy when it comes to the right pedal, though. Don't expect anything, and you might be slightly less disappointed after putting your foot down. The …
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Retail Price
$21,530 - $22,955
MSRP / Window Sticker Price
| Engine | I-4 |
| MPG | Up to 48 city / 43 highway |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | CVTi-S 2-spd CVT w/OD |
| Power | 73 @ 4800 rpm |
| Drivetrain | front-wheel |
| Curb Weight | 2,530 lbs |
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