If you're looking for simple and fuel-efficient transportation, it doesn't get much better than the 2019 Toyota Prius C. The Prius C is essentially a smaller and less advanced version of the ultra-popular Prius hatchback. It has a lower price, less space and fewer features, but it offers similarly high fuel economy.

Underneath, the Prius C uses the old version of the standard Prius hybrid system, but that doesn't stop it from achieving an impressive EPA rating of 46 mpg combined. The conventional gasoline engine and the battery combine for just 99 horsepower, which means the Prius C is pretty slow. But in city traffic it does just fine. And despite its small footprint, the Prius C is still relatively spacious — there's enough room for four adults and their baggage.

There are some drawbacks. The C's ride quality is stiff, and there's a lot of wind and road noise at highway speeds. Interior quality is a bit below segment standards, too. Overall, however, we'd recommend a closer look at the 2019 Prius C, even if you've avoided hybrids in the past.

Toyota Prius c models

The 2019 Prius C comes in two simple trim levels: L and LE. Both come with a hybrid drivetrain that pairs an electric motor with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder (99 horsepower, 82 pound-feet of torque). Together, the hybrid powertrain drives the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission. With its small dimensions and hybrid powertrain, the Prius C gets an EPA-estimated 46 mpg combined (48 city/43 highway).

Both the L and the LE come standard with a limited version of Toyota's Safety Sense. In the Prius C, this system includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning and automatic high beams.

Beyond this safety equipment, the L comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, LED headlights and taillights, power mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, automatic climate control, cloth seats with a 60/40-split folding rear bench, and a tilt-and-telescoping adjustable steering wheel. Entertainment duties are handled by a 6.1-inch touchscreen system with voice commands, Bluetooth, a USB port and a four-speaker stereo.

The LE comes with a few more items, but not much. It adds proximity entry with push-button start and an upgraded infotainment system. The LE also comes with a 6.1-inch screen with higher resolution, navigation, satellite radio and Toyota's Entune app suite.

Scorecard

Overall	undefined / 5

Driving

It's very solid and reassuring but not exactly sporty. Still, there's more to like than you'd expect from a car that can exceed 50 mpg.

Acceleration

The Prius C is not speedy, but it gets up to freeway pace adequately and holds its own in city traffic. It's about what you would expect from a car that can deliver up to 50 mpg.

Braking

The brake pedal has a solid feel that's reassuring. In light use there's a faint whine as the hybrid system turns braking energy into electricity for the battery.

Steering

Generally, the steering is responsive and direct. Smaller tires and wheels allow for tight U-turns and a very city-friendly turning radius.

Handling

The Prius C is well-balanced and agile, but its fuel-saving, low-rolling resistance tires don't have much grip. It's competent but rarely impressive in this area.

Drivability

Toyota's hybrids are built around a stepless continuously variable automatic transmission that's butter-smooth. It doesn't always sound that way, however, as the motor cycles on and off.

Comfort

The Prius C is a small car that rides bigger than you'd expect. The seats are surprisingly comfortable despite their basic adjustments and cloth upholstery.

Seat comfort

They don't come across as plush, but the seats are comfortable enough for putting in long hours behind the wheel.

Ride comfort

Better than you might expect from a small car with tires designed for mileage over comfort. At times, it even seems more settled and less up on tiptoes than the regular Prius.

Noise & vibration

Wind and road noise in the Prius C is at or slightly above the class average. The hybrid system itself emits characteristic noises at unpredictable intervals.

Climate control

It's a fairly spartan arrangement, with essentially one large dial for temperature control and a handful of buttons for mode, fan speed, recirculation and defrost functions. A pretty clean setup.

Interior

The simple, well-placed controls make the C easy to live with, and its long wheelbase provides usable cabin room for occupants. Trunk space starts off modest, but with the seats folded, the hatchback is versatile.

Ease of use

Unlike other Prius models, the C has a conventional shifter. The automatic climate controls are elegant and easy, and there are numerous useful steering wheel buttons.

Getting in/getting out

The front doors open wide, and there are no obstructions. The rear is similar but not as well-suited for those taller than 6 feet.

Roominess

Plenty of front-seat space for taller occupants, and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes for the proper fit. But rear seat space is a bit tighter.

Visibility

Slender pillars and lots of glass add up to good forward and rear side visibility, but the rear roof pillar is thick and the rear window is small.

Quality

Hybrids are more expensive than their conventional counterparts, but Toyota hasn't scrimped to offset that premium. The Prius C feels more substantial than typical subcompacts and cheaper non-hybrids in the same size class.

Utility

There's enough space behind the rear seats for groceries — 17.1 cubic feet — and a large suitcase just fits. Fold down the rear seats and this small hatchback becomes fairly voluminous.

Technology

The Prius C has one of the easier touchscreen interfaces to work with, and it's standard across the board. The menu structure and functions are intuitive, and graphics are crisp. Even the base model comes with Bluetooth and voice commands.

Smartphone integration

Entune is Toyota's smartphone app package, offering the ability to connect with apps such as Pandora, Yelp and Facebook while on the go. But it doesn't include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Driver aids

Toyota's Safety Sense package comes standard on all models and includes forward collision mitigation, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and automatic high beams. It's a pretty generous and uncommon offering at this level.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2019 Toyota Prius c.

Average user rating: 5.0 stars

1 total reviews

Write a review

See all 1 reviews

5 star reviews: 100%

4 star reviews: 0%

3 star reviews: 0%

2 star reviews: 0%

1 star reviews: 0%

Most helpful consumer reviews

5/5 stars, Great car

PriusCFan, 01/21/2020

L 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Model is discontinued, but I'm glad I bought anyway. Handles smoothly, fuel savings are fantastic, city driving is very good but highway driving is only ok.

See all 1 reviews

Write a review

Features & Specs

Trim

Base MSRP: $21,530

MPG & Fuel: 48 City / 43 Hwy / 46 Combined; Fuel Tank Capacity: 9.5 gal. capacity

Seating: 5 seats

Drivetrain: Type: front wheel drive; Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic

Engine: Inline 4 cylinder; Horsepower: 99 hp @ 4800 rpm; Torque: N/A

Basic Warranty: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Dimensions: Length: 162.4 in. / Height: 59.6 in. / Width: 68.6 in.; Curb Weight: 2530 lbs.; Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 17.1 cu.ft.

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Prius c models:

Pre-Collision System: Warns the driver of potential front collisions and may reduce the vehicle's speed to mitigate damage.
Lane Departure Alert: Alerts the driver when the vehicle departs from its lane without signaling.
Automatic High Beams: Switches high beams on and off for maximum visibility, depending on road conditions and the presence of other vehicles.

NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	4 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	3 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	3 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	11.8%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test	Good
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test	Good

Toyota Prius C vs. the competition

2019 Toyota Prius C

2019 Honda Fit

Toyota Prius C vs. Honda Fit

Because the Prius C is a hybrid and the Honda Fit isn't, comparing fuel economy isn't really fair. The Prius C gets an EPA-estimated 46 mpg combined while the Fit is rated at 33 mpg combined. The Fit makes up for this lack in efficiency with better interior quality, more equipment for the money, and an overall driving experience that's much more enjoyable.

Compare Toyota Prius C & Honda Fit features

Toyota Prius C vs. Toyota Prius

The standard Toyota Prius was redesigned just a few years ago and now is more spacious and efficient. Rated at 52 mpg combined, it's even beating its little brother, the Prius C. The standard Prius is more expensive, though, so you'll have to look at a base model to get close to the Prius C's low price. Read Edmunds' long-term test of the Toyota Prius.

Compare Toyota Prius C & Toyota Prius features

Toyota Prius C vs. Chevrolet Bolt EV

As far as small, efficient cars go, the Chevrolet Bolt is certainly worth a look. The Bolt is an electric vehicle, so you'll need to have access to a nearby charging station or one at your house. With impressive EV range and a suite of available modern features, it compares favorably to the Prius C, despite the price difference. Read Edmunds long-term road test of the Chevrolet Bolt.

Compare Toyota Prius C & Chevrolet Bolt EV features

People who viewed this also viewed

Toyota Prius
4.857143 average Rating out of 7 reviews.
Starting at $24,525

Honda Civic
4.6 average Rating out of 15 reviews.
Starting at $21,050

Honda Fit
4.7391305 average Rating out of 23 reviews.
Starting at $16,190

FAQ

Is the Toyota Prius c a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2019 Prius c both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Toyota Prius c fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Prius c gets an EPA-estimated 46 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Prius c has 17.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Prius c. Learn more

What's new in the 2019 Toyota Prius c?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2019 Toyota Prius c:

The base and top-level trims eliminated from Prius C lineup
Two remaining midlevel trims renamed L and LE
Part of the first generation of the Prius C introduced for 2012

Learn more

Is the Toyota Prius c reliable?

To determine whether the Toyota Prius c is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Prius c. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Prius c's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2019 Toyota Prius c a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2019 Toyota Prius c is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2019 Prius c is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2019 Toyota Prius c?

The least-expensive 2019 Toyota Prius c is the 2019 Toyota Prius c L 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $21,530.

Other versions include:

L 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $21,530
LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $22,955

Learn more

What are the different models of Toyota Prius c?

If you're interested in the Toyota Prius c, the next question is, which Prius c model is right for you? Prius c variants include L 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of Prius c models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

More about the 2019 Toyota Prius c

Used 2019 Toyota Prius c Overview

The Used 2019 Toyota Prius c is offered in the following submodels: Prius c Hatchback. Available styles include LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and L 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT).

What do people think of the 2019 Toyota Prius c?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the Used 2019 Toyota Prius c and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the Used 2019 Prius c 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the Used 2019 Prius c.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Toyota Prius c and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 Prius c featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New Used 2019 Toyota Prius c?

Used 2019 Toyota Prius c L 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

The Used 2019 Toyota Prius c L 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $22,485. The average price paid for a new Used 2019 Toyota Prius c L 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $3,040 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $3,040 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $19,445.

The average savings for the Used 2019 Toyota Prius c L 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is 13.5% below the MSRP.

Used 2019 Toyota Prius c LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

The Used 2019 Toyota Prius c LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $23,910. The average price paid for a new Used 2019 Toyota Prius c LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $3,388 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $3,388 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $20,522.

The average savings for the Used 2019 Toyota Prius c LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is 14.2% below the MSRP.

Which used 2019 Toyota Prius cs are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2019 Toyota Prius c for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2019 Toyota Prius c.

Can't find a new 2019 Toyota Prius cs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Toyota for sale - 3 great deals out of 8 listings starting at $15,729.

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2019 Toyota Prius c?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Toyota lease specials
Check out Toyota Prius c lease specials

Used 2019 Toyota Prius c

Which Prius c does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating