Toyota Prius c

In 2012, Toyota capitalized on the popularity of its hybrid-powered Prius model by introducing a new subcompact version, the Prius C. Meant primarily for city dwellers, the bite-sized hatchback boasts the same great fuel economy as its larger sibling but in a nimble, easy-to-park package. Owners of the Prius C rate it highly for those qualities as well as for its affordability, both to purchase and to own. On the downside, some find its 99-horsepower hybrid powertrain a bit sluggish to drive. In addition, it has far less rear-seat and cargo space than the standard Prius.

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In 2012, Toyota capitalized on the popularity of its hybrid-powered Prius model by introducing a new subcompact version, the Prius C. Meant primarily for city dwellers, the bite-sized hatchback boasts the same great fuel economy as its larger sibling but in a nimble, easy-to-park package. Owners of the Prius C rate it highly for those qualities as well as for its affordability, both to purchase and to own. On the downside, some find its 99-horsepower hybrid powertrain a bit sluggish to drive. In addition, it has far less rear-seat and cargo space than the standard Prius.

Toyota Prius c Model Lineup

Produced from 2012 through 2019, the Prius C is a subcompact four-door hatchback with a hybrid powertrain. It’s Toyota’s smallest hybrid hatchback, measuring some 18 inches shorter than the standard Prius. The “C” in its name stands for “city.”

Toyota sold the Prius C in four main trims, ranging from the entry-level One to the top-tier Four. The One comes with cloth seats, automatic climate control, and a Bluetooth-based infotainment system whose 3.5-inch display was upgraded to a 6.1-inch touchscreen in 2015. The Two adds cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Opting for the Three further includes navigation and keyless entry and ignition, while heated front seats, faux leather upholstery, and a standard sunroof are reserved for the range-topping Four. All trims gained forward collision mitigation, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning in 2017, while a rearview camera became standard in 2018. In 2019, Toyota dropped the One and Four trims and renamed the Two and Three trims to L and LE, respectively. The Prius C never offered some popular features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Under the hood, the Prius C employs a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a small battery pack. Together, they produce 99 horsepower (combined), and output is routed to the front wheels (only) via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The setup is capable of achieving between 46 and 50 mpg in mixed driving, according to the EPA.

Toyota Prius c Owner Reviews

Average Rating for 2014

4.2

51 verified owner reviews

Ratings Compared by Year

Top 2014 Reviews

Randy C. from OH

Verified Owner · Jun, 2015

2014 Toyota Prius c

Love, love my Prius C. Had it since March 2015 and every time I drive it I discover a new feature. It is so easy to drive.

M P. from FL

Verified Owner · May, 2015

2014 Toyota Prius c

I only wish the steering wheel were more open with less cut out parts -- a complete circle would make it easier to hold as I have small hands. I also wish the color of the dashboard's lights would be easier to see on a sunny day. I have one eye that I am almost blind in and the color is hard to see when the sun is out and I do not drive at night. The interior is black and that is also hard to see in the daytime, except for all the dirt. It shows up very well on the black. My bad for not knowing this I guess. I do love this car a lot just the same.

Belinda G. from CA

Verified Owner · Apr, 2015

2014 Toyota Prius c

The gas mileage is AWESOME!!

Paige M. from NY

Verified Owner · Mar, 2015

2014 Toyota Prius c

Nav system is a major disappointment. Features of Entune app could be improved. This is an excellent vehicle. I would rate it a 95 out of 100. But the navigation system is a total disaster. Worthless. If, for purposes of discussion, we assume that the nav system added $250 to the cost of the car, then I did not get my money's worth for that $250. In my previous car, I purchased a Garmin Nuvi 3590 LMT, and the built-in nav system cannot compete. The built-in nav system lacks major features that my Garmin has, and the built-in nav system has a terrible user interface. So I don't use the built-in nav system, I still use my Garmin.

Sergio L. from CA

Verified Owner · Mar, 2015

2014 Toyota Prius c

My wife and myself have enjoyed our new Prius C, especially my wife. She is not a heavy driver, the car is driven an average of 20 miles/day or so. But it is very reliable, comfortable and safe.

Ryan H. from CO

Verified Owner · Mar, 2015

2014 Toyota Prius c

5.0

The Toyota brand as a whole so far, and my new PriusC are impressively done in my opinion! I love my car, and feel confident that I will eventually move into the Lexus segment of the brand one day as long as they offer a Prius-like vehicle.

Janice P. from CA

Verified Owner · Jan, 2015

2014 Toyota Prius c

4.0

We bought this vehicle because we already had one and love it. When it was time for a new vehicle, we decided that although it may be silly to have two of the same car, it works for us.

Paul R. from GA

Verified Owner · Jan, 2015

2014 Toyota Prius c

Armrests and console need more padding for comfort.

Helen K. from OR

Verified Owner · Jan, 2015

2014 Toyota Prius c

5.0

The Prius C is a great car. Pretty good fuel economy, easy maneuverability. It's a bit light-weight but that also means it was manufactured with less material, eg consuming less natural resources. The off-gassing of interior finishes was quite strong.

Sheari T. from CA

Verified Owner · Dec, 2014

2014 Toyota Prius c

Love my new car! ! Only drawback is the blind spot on the right side.