2019 Toyota Prius c Review
2019 Toyota Prius c Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+25
Used Prius c for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
byTravis Langness
Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
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
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Toyota Prius c L 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$92/mo for Prius c L
Prius c L
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
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.
Audio & navigation
The audio system tops out at six speakers. It's nothing memorable, but it does the job. An integrated navigation system comes at the LE trim level and works well.
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.
Which Prius c does Edmunds recommend?
We'd go with the Prius C LE. Both the base L and the top-level LE get Toyota's Safety Sense technology (forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, automatic high beams), but the top-level LE, which doesn't cost much more, gets navigation, a higher-resolution touchscreen and additional stereo speakers.
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.
Toyota Camry vs. Honda Accord vs. Hyundai Sonata: Hybrid Sedan Head-to-Head
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#3 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota Prius c from 2008-2022.$353/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.6x/yr
vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).9.7%
vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 Toyota Prius c.
5 star(67%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
43 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
An Unexpected Surprise!
KW, 05/13/2016
2016 Toyota Prius c Three 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I bought this car as a secondary commuting car to save massive amounts of gas money, as I drive probably 70-80 miles a day during the week. I figured it would just be a means to get me from point A to B, with four wheels, a steering wheel, and great gas mileage.
I was pleasantly surprised, even on the test drive, but even more so after driving it daily for the past 5,000 miles.
Let me … start off with my complaints, although they are somewhat trivial:
- The driver seat needs some lower lumbar support, at least for my back. My Jeep has an adjustment on the seat that does that; this car does not.
- The forward view from the driver seat is great; however there are enormous blind spots on the side and the rear windshield is tiny. Makes changing lanes in Chicago traffic interesting to say the least.
- The front collision "sensor" on the windshield gets "blocked" by the slightest rain/condensation/dirt on the windshield, and flashes an irritating warning on your dashboard until it is corrected.
That's really it. Everything else about the car I really enjoy. The sound system is surprisingly decent, I love the Audio controls of AM/FM/CD/XM/Pandora/Spotify, it's so easy to switch between them and the information provided is great. The Nav works well, although I still prefer to use Google Maps on my phone when that is available.
Acceleration you could say is an issue, but this is a 99hp *hybrid*. If you take that into consideration, it's more than fine. I have no trouble merging into horrific Chicago traffic every morning (Advice: Turn off "Eco" mode when you do, however). Gas mileage has been way more than stated so far, I have been getting usually 55-60mpg, and that's with absolutely no consideration on how I'm driving the car. I've gotten a few 66mpg driving days as well!
Handling on both curving roads and straightaway highway has been fine. When you have a crosswind on the highway though, use two hands on the wheel, this car is pretty light and can veer in heavy wind.
Driving it at night is a joy, the dashboard lighting and the LED highlights are fantastic. Also, driving the kids to a friends house on a rainy day just a few blocks away in EV mode (all electric) is amusing, also be careful in parking lots as the gas engine doesn't usually turn on and you can sneak up on people!
Anyways, I could go on. The point is this car is much more than just four wheels to get you to your destination. At this price, for the gas mileage and Toyota quality you get, after a thorough test drive it really was a no-brainer for me.
5 out of 5 stars
Respect the Prius c !
Rob, 10/26/2015
2015 Toyota Prius c Two 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I have previously driven Honda Fits (07 and 2012) but I didn't care for the new redesign. I never really considered the Prius (was leaning more towards a Crz or Golf) but that was before I saw the c at a dealership one night. It was shining in the moonlight and looked so edgy- futuristic. I test drove it the next day and it was mine within the week! I REALLY ENJOY my c. It hugs the road … through messy weather and brakes nicely. The interior is very stylish-blue instrumentation and a touchscreen light the front. The c is so quiet. One foggy night we left the movies and before we hit highway speeds it felt surreal - silently cutting through the fog, the futuristic interior/blue glow, and high powered LED lights- so memorable. The fuel economy is excellent! The acceleration takes some time getting used to but now I know how it handles- its not peppy like a Fit but it isn't a sluggard either. Because it is a Hybrid it is not a powerhouse but I never feel intimidated merging or traveling on the interstate as the engine does have a little kick when needed! The c holds quite a bit too-flatten the rear seats in any combo and it almost gives the Fit a run for its money in storage space. I do wish it had more hidey-holes and cup holders like the Fit though. I truly feel blessed to have and drive such an amazing little car. Respect the Prius!
5 out of 5 stars
Safety
Lona, 11/01/2015
2015 Toyota Prius c One 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
The best words I can say about this car is AMAZING SAFTY!!! If for no other reason you could find, the safety of thus car should be the #1 reason to buy it. Not only is it beautiful, gas savings, roomy (for a small car) it also has great safety). My son got a 2012 modle. The other day him, and 3 passengers were in a wreak. The air bags came out from the front, at all doors, the back … seats and the trunk. Thank God, because all though the engine was all over the road from where it drops down for safety, NO ONE was badly hurt. All the pain was coming from the seat belts that kept them from bouncing around. I am so greatful that my son got this car and we will be getting another one. I wish there was a bigger way to express my graditude for the people who have worked hard for making this car safe. It's worth the price to buy this car.
5 out of 5 stars
Ignore the snobby critics
Justin M. Chase, 11/10/2015
2015 Toyota Prius c Three 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
To be honest, since this is a hybrid car and its main purpose is to get you from point A to Point B while cheap on gas, I am totally pleased with this car. I got even better mpg than the claims. Acceleration is not neck breaking however it isn't slow like critics claim. If you mash the gas it will scoot so I'm not sure why anyone would buy a Prius to race it. This car is very nice and I … know that whoever chooses this car will love it like I do. I am convinced that the magazine and internet critics that rag on this car probably drive Mercedes to work and I can't help but feel as if they are biased in their opinions toward this car. They gave a good review of the Ford Focus and when I drove the Focus SE, the transmission kept slipping from 1st to 2nd during the test drive (it was a new car). Anyways, if you like the idea of a hybrid and want to save money on your gasoline, this car is the smart choice. Like I already mentioned, I love this car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Toyota Prius c, so we've included reviews for other years of the Prius c since its last redesign.
2019 Prius c Highlights
L
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,530 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 46 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $92/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall4 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall4 / 5Driver3 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat3 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover11.8%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestAcceptable
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
Related Used 2019 Toyota Prius c info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Ford F-250 Super Duty 2019
- Used Ford Mustang 2011
- Used Volvo XC40 2019
- Used Nissan NV 2012 For Sale
- Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2018
Shop similar models
- Used Hyundai Ioniq-hybrid
- Used Lexus CT-200H
- Used Toyota Prius
- Used Hyundai Ioniq-plug-in-hybrid
- Used Toyota Prius-prime
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Toyota Prius c 2012
- Used Toyota Prius c 2013
- Used Toyota Prius c 2017
- Used Toyota Prius c 2019
- Used Toyota Prius c 2015
- Used Toyota Prius c 2016
- Used Toyota Prius c 2018
- Used Toyota Prius c 2014
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2024 Dodge RAM 250
- BMW 2 Series 2023
- 2025 BMW 4 Series
- Volvo Ex 30
- 2023 Nissan Titan
- 2023 Ram Promaster Window Van
- 2025 Acura ADX News
- 2024 Giulia
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2023
- Fisker Alaska
Research other models of Toyota
- Corolla Cross Hybrid
- 2023 Toyota Camry
- 2023 Toyota 4Runner
- Toyota RAV4 2023
- Corolla GR
- Car Toyota Camry Hybrid
- 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross
- 2023 Toyota Venza
- Toyota Pickup 2024
- 2023 Toyota Pickup
Research similar vehicles
- 2023 Kia Rio
- Mitsubishi Mirage
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2023
- Nissan Leaf
- Audi S 5 For Sale
- 2023 Polestar 2
- Golf R
- Hyundai Venue
- 2023 Toyota GR Corolla
- 2023 LEAF
Other models
- Used Chevrolet Malibu-Classic in Brea, CA
- Used Infiniti G37-Sedan in Dallas, GA
- Used Bentley Continental-Supersports-Convertible in Chester, PA
- Used BMW Z8 in Lawrenceburg, TN
- Used Kia Amanti in Jackson, MS
- Used Mercedes-Benz 560-Class in Avery, TX
- Used Nissan Versa in Arlington, TX
- New Chevrolet Blazer for Sale in Granbury, TX
- Used Mercury Sable in Brewster, NY
- Used Toyota Sienna in Mc Lean, VA