Vehicle Tested
2012 Toyota Prius C Three 4-dr Hatchback (1.5L 4-cyl. Hybrid CVT Automatic)
Driven On
10/2/2012
Ratings Summary
This rating has been carried forward from a prior year because the newer model has no substantial differences.
Outstanding mpg in a small package that rides bigger than it looks.
B
Performance
Very solid and reassuring, but not exactly sporty. Still, there's more to like here than you'd expect for something that can exceed 50 mpg.
| Acceleration |
C
|
The Prius C is not speedy, but it gets up to freeway speed adequately and holds its own in city traffic. Besides, if 50 mpg is your goal you won't be flogging it anyway. |
| Braking |
B
|
The brake pedal comes across as reassuring in most situations. In light use there's a faint whine as the hybrid system turns braking energy into electricity for the battery. |
| Steering |
B
|
Generally, the steering is responsive and direct. Smaller tires and wheels allow the I, II and III to make much tighter U-turns than the top-of-the-line IV model. |
| Handling |
B
|
The Prius C is well-balanced and agile, but its fuel-saving low rolling resistance tires don't have lots of ultimate grip. Unsurprisingly, this isn't a high-performance machine. |
| Driveability |
B
|
Toyota's hybrids are built around a stepless continuously variable transmission that's butter smooth. It sometimes doesn't sound that way as the motor cycles on and off, though. |
B
Comfort
The Prius C is a small car that rides bigger than you'd guess by looking at it.
| Seating Comfort |
B
|
Although they don't come across as plush, the seats are comfortable in that they don't call attention to themselves after long hours behind the wheel. |
| Ride Comfort |
B
|
A longer wheelbase settles the ride and makes the C feel one class bigger. It even seems more settled and less up on tiptoes than its older brother, the original Prius. |
| Quietness |
B
|
At or slightly above the class average in terms of wind and road noise. On the other hand the hybrid system emits characteristic noises at unpredictable intervals. |
B
Interior
Simple, well-placed controls make the C easy to live with, and its long wheelbase opens up usable cabin room for occupants. Trunk space starts off modest, but with seats folded the hatchback adds versatility.
| Ergonomics |
B
|
Unlike other Prius models, the C's shifter is conventional. The automatic climate controls are elegant and easy, and there are numerous useful steering wheel buttons. |
| Ingress/Egress |
B
|
The front doors open wide and there are no obstructions. The rear is similar, but not as well suited for those over 6 feet tall. |
| Space/Room |
B
|
Plenty of front seat space for tall guys, and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes for the proper fit. Rear-seat space is a bit tighter, though. |
| Visibility |
C
|
Slender pillars and lots of glass add up to good forward and rear side visibility. The C-pillar is thick and the rear window is small; a back-up camera would be nice here. |
| Cargo/Storage |
B
|
There's space enough behind the rear seats for groceries, and a large suitcase just fits. Fold down the rear seats and this small hatchback becomes fairly voluminous. |
A
Value
The Prius C costs thousands less than the original Prius, yet it's mpg is equally remarkable. Also, it feels more substantial than cheaper non-hybrids in the same size class, enough so that the hybrid premium doesn't seem excessive.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
B
|
Hybrids are more expensive than their conventional counterparts, but Toyota hasn't scrimped to offset the hybrid premium. |
| Features(vs. $) |
B
|
It feels more premium than a typical subcompact: automatic climate control and interactive driver coaching are standard, as are height adjustable seats and a telescopic wheel. |
| Cost |
B
|
As hybrids go this one is priced quite low, especially considering its 50 mpg combined rating and 50+ mpg potential. |
| MPG |
A
|
It doesn't get any better than this. Its 50 mpg EPA combined rating is the best, bar none, for a gasoline-powered car that has no EV range limitation and no exhorbitant EV price. |
| Warranty |
B
|
The hybrid components and battery enjoy a long warranty (8 years/100k miles), but it would be nice if Toyota's general warranty was better than 3 years/36k miles. |
| Ownership |
A
|
Fuel costs are nil, and oil changes and tire rotations are covered by Toyota for the first 2 years. The engine has no belts to change. There's little to go wrong. |
B
Fun To Drive
Fun isn't really the right word unless you get jazzed about driving past gas pumps. Perhaps satisfying is a better word. And the interactive driver feedback can turn fuel saving into a game if you're so inclined to play along.
| Driving Experience |
B
|
This isn't a driver's car unless saving fuel and bragging about mpg is your thing. To that end the Prius C has engaging driver feedback that turns saving fuel into a game. |
| Personality |
B
|
It's a subcomapct with a purpose, but its stealthier than the overtly quirky original Prius. |
