2019 Toyota Prius c Hatchback
What’s new
- 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
Pros & Cons
- Reliably returns excellent fuel economy
- Surprisingly roomy interior for such a small car
- Compact form makes it easy to maneuver and park
- Comes standard with active safety tech and touchscreen infotainment
- Stiff ride that's uncomfortable on rough roads
- Slow acceleration, even for a hybrid
- Low-rent materials in the interior
- Noticeable wind and road noise at highway speed
Which Prius c does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
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.
2019 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
Acceleration
Braking
Steering
Handling
Drivability
Comfort
Seat comfort
Ride comfort
Noise & vibration
Climate control
Interior
Ease of use
Getting in/getting out
Roominess
Visibility
Quality
Utility
Technology
Smartphone integration
Driver aids
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2019 Toyota Prius c.
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Most helpful consumer reviews
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.
Features & Specs
| LE 4dr Hatchback 1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,955 |
| MPG | 48 city / 43 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 99 hp @ 4800 rpm |
| L 4dr Hatchback 1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $21,530 |
| MPG | 48 city / 43 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 99 hp @ 4800 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Prius c safety features:
- 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
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.
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.
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.
FAQ
Is the Toyota Prius c a good car?
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
Is the Toyota Prius c reliable?
Is the 2019 Toyota Prius c a good car?
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:
- LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $22,955
- L 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $21,530
What are the different models of Toyota Prius c?
More about the 2019 Toyota Prius c
2019 Toyota Prius c Hatchback Overview
The 2019 Toyota Prius c Hatchback is offered in the following styles: 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 Hatchback?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 Toyota Prius c Hatchback and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2019 Prius c Hatchback 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 2019 Prius c Hatchback.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Toyota Prius c Hatchback and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 Prius c Hatchback featuring deep dives into trim levels including LE, L, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2019 Toyota Prius c Hatchback here.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 2019 Toyota Prius c Hatchback?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which 2019 Toyota Prius c Hatchbacks are available in my area?
2019 Toyota Prius c Hatchback Listings and Inventory
Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2019 Toyota Prius c Hatchback.
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2019 [object Object] Prius c Hatchback for sale near you.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2019 Toyota Prius c Hatchback and all available trim types: LE, L. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2019 Toyota Prius c Hatchback include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2019 Toyota Prius c Hatchback?
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