Toyota Prius C: Hybrid Subcompact Ultimate Guide

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Toyota Prius C: Hybrid Subcompact Ultimate Guide

Antony Ingram

6,463 views Mar 29, 2013

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2012 Toyota Prius C

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Toyota's Prius has become such a significant figurehead for hybrids that Toyota has turned the Prius name into a burgeoning range of models.

First to join the regular Prius was the 2012 Toyota Prius V, a hybrid wagon, and most recently we've got to know the 2013 Toyota Prius C, a Yaris-sized hybrid subcompact offering some impressive economy and emissions figures.

As with several of the most significant green cars on sale, we've decided to bring together all our content on the Prius C to offer you a one-stop-shop for information on the model.

Before you check out some of the links, why not read our comprehensive 2012 Toyota Prius C First Drive Report?

The Prius C certainly lives up to the economy of its bigger brother. Rated by the EPA at 53 mpg city and 46 mpg highway, it matches the Prius's 50 mpg combined rating, making it one of the most economical, clean-running vehicles on sale.

And with 2013 model-year cars starting at only $19,875 (including the mandatory delivery fee), it's also something of a bargain next to many hybrids. The gas-electric drivetrain pairs a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, and visually it's sportier than the larger Prius models.

Since the 2012 Toyota Prius C is an ideal first hybrid, why not check out our guide on what to expect in your transition to a hybrid car.

To find out more, head to some of the links below.

Driving the Prius C

So does the Toyota Prius C drive like a hybridized Yaris, or a miniaturized Prius? A little of both, actually, but for detailed impressions you can read the first drive report below. For comparison, we've also had a drive in the Toyota Yaris Hybrid sold in Europe--and it's interesting to note the similarities and differences.

Buying the Prius C

Despite its small stature, the Prius C isn't actually the cheapest hybrid on sale--that honor falls to the Honda Insight. Buyers will see greater efficiency from the Prius C, and you can read our popular comparison of the Honda Insight and Prius C models by clicking on the link.

News and information

As the Prius C is a relatively new models, it's easy to keep track of details on the car. That includes its IIHS Top Safety award, and its part in helping Toyota top 4 million hybrid sales.

Auto show reports

Now the Prius C is out on the streets there's less emphasis on its auto show appearances, but should you wish to check out any of our previous coverage on the car, then you can find it via the links below.

For a comprehensive rundown. head over to our sister site TheCarConnection for a full review of the 2013 Toyota Prius C.

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Comments (7)

John Briggs Posted: 3/29/2013 7:15am PDT

The Prius C seems to be delivering 50 MPG in the real world according to Fuelly
http://www.fuelly.com/car/toyota/prius%20c

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Justin Wages Posted: 3/29/2013 3:04pm PDT

Indeed, John. Many Prius c owners were hitting high 50s and low 60s right off the bat and for many it was their first hybrid. We run a little mpg contest at PriusChat and try as we might nine of us can best the Prius c. I believe the #1 spot is 86mpg over the course of a full tank. The next 10 spots are all 71mpg-79mpg. Damn that little car!

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Xiaolong Li Posted: 3/30/2013 1:35pm PDT

Why don't you list your average speed and corresponding MPG?

driving around at 20mph is NOT acceptable way for achieving high efficiency.

Get a Leaf instead...

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Jeff Zekas Posted: 3/29/2013 10:30pm PDT

Never seen a Prius hit such high numbers. Big problem is price- standard Prius sell for $30,000 cos dealers load them up with options. And you can't buy a Prius C for $19,875, at least not in Oregon. The Prius C One is basically a "loss leader" that is only imported in small numbers. The Honda Insight, on the other hand, IS available at the MSRP.

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Justin Wages Posted: 3/30/2013 5:34am PDT

Jeff, I'm not sure what area of Oregon you live in but in California and even Portland there are thousands of Prius Liftback sold for below MSRP and they end up much much less than $30k. In fact,people are buying Model Threes for less than $25k and Twos for even less. There are also tons of C's on the road. Many more than there are Insights. Maybe you just live in a terrible market or have never been to a Toyota dealer? Check out our site if you need proof on the numbers. These are competition numbers over a full tank. Daily commutes are much lower in the 58mpg-65mpg range.

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Jeff Zekas Posted: 3/29/2013 10:25pm PDT

The real problem is: you can't buy a Prius C for $19,875, at least not in Oregon. The Prius C One is basically a "loss leader" that is only imported in small numbers. The Honda Insight, on the other hand, IS available at the MSRP.

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Justin Wages Posted: 3/30/2013 7:24pm PDT

I'm not sure what you mean. All Prius are available at MSRP and most sell for $500 or more below invoice in California/Texas/New York etc. I think your opinion is based on what you see in your geographic area which is apparently much different than the rest of the coastal states. The Insight II nets 5+mpg less than the c according to Fuelly and it suffers from the wannabe-Prius look. I'm not trying to be a fanboy here. I don't even really care for the c. :)

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