2019 Toyota Prius c Review

Name: 2019 Toyota Prius c Review
Brand: Toyota
Rating: 4.6 (44 reviews)

Price: $17,499

2019 Toyota Prius c LE 4dr Hatchback Exterior Shown

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Price & Payment

11 cars

$16,055 avg. price

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Toyota Prius c model years

2012

Toyota Prius c for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Travis 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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2019 Toyota Prius c
L 4dr Hatchback
$9,995
great price
$1,578 below market
- 171,181 miles
- 2 accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 48 City / 43 Hwy MPG
- RPM Auto Sales (248 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Mogadore, OH
* 2019 Toyota Prius C L * NEW Hybrid Battery! * 1 Owner * 43 MPG'S & CITY 48 MPG'S HWY! * Great Service History per CarFax * Lane Departure Warning * ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
46 Combined MPG (48 City/43 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTDKDTB36K1625358
Stock: 4009
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-29-2025
2019 Toyota Prius c
L 4dr Hatchback
$17,999
good price
$931 below market
- 14,975 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 48 City / 43 Hwy MPG
- Auto Expo Corp (529 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Smyrna, GA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
46 Combined MPG (48 City/43 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTDKDTB32K1623106
Stock: 623106
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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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.

Compare 2019 Toyota Prius c trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost 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 $2.91 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$80/mo

$153/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#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

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

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

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.}

Toyota Prius c Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

44 reviews

5(68%)

4(25%)

3(5%)

2(0%)

1(2%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

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.

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 …

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 …

If you think Prius c is too small, think again!

C. Kellaway, 12/05/2015

2015 Toyota Prius c Two 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

For some folks, the Prius v, with reclining rear seats is a must and while most are drawn to the Prius liftback, (the Prius that started it all) I have to emphasize the amazing parkability of the Prius c! I was given a Prius c for a day by the dealership and at the time, decided the car was too small for the long term. A month later my roomate got the Prius c and for the last two … years, I've had the pleasure of test driving it on weekends. Living in Los Angeles, it is extremely satisfying to be able to fit into parking spaces that you wouldn't even attempt with the worlds best selling car, also built by Toyota. That one parking space that is truly just big enough for a compact car, squeezed-in between a cement pillar on one side, and a large truck parked at an angle over the dividing line on the other,..The only space available in the lot because nobody else could fit in one so small and compromised,.. Pull in with pride in your Prius c! Sometimes, this is the difference between making your appointment on time and circling up or down level after level in a parking structure. The interior is spacious and comfortable and it drives with a wonderful center of gravity giving it the feel of a much heavier car. There's also the fact that the Prius c is the highest mileage non plug-in hybrid car available. I've averaged as high as 92.4 miles per gallon going from point A to point B 'from trip start.' Otherwise nothing short of 50 MPG under normal driving conditions. It has a surprising amount of pep for it's size an if you step down hard on the pedal, the car definitely holds its own. I've wanted a Prius for a long time, am the last one in my circle of friends and family to get one and am happier with the car than I’d anticipated. Passing fuel stations for weeks at a time and filling a nine gallon tank when I visit one is more exciting to me now than hearing the roar of a racing car engine used to be. If you don't know the awesome definition of SULEV, may I suggest you look it up, or better yet, call a Toyota store and ask. It is the best reason to get this car! Id like to see the Prius assembled in America like many other Toyota vehicles. A nice update would be replacing Entune with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is my personal opinion that fog lights are a safety feature and therefor should be an available option on all trim levels.

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.

See all 44 reviews of the Toyota Prius c

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2019 Prius c Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$21,530
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	46 MPG
Cost to Drive	$80/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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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

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver3 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat3 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover11.8%

IIHS Rating

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

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Acceptable
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good