2012 Toyota Prius c: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big news for 2012 is the Prius c itself: this is its first U.S. model year, launching as a smaller, lighter five-door hybrid for city driving. Because there was no 2011 U.S. Prius c, this is a debut rather than an update to an earlier version.
About the 2012 Toyota Prius c
1st generation Prius c, first U.S. model year.
Toyota positioned the Prius c as the city-friendly gateway to the Prius family: easier to park than the regular Prius, tuned for stop-and-go efficiency, and aimed at younger urban drivers and first-time hybrid shoppers. Its core appeal is pairing proven Prius hybrid hardware with subcompact hatchback size, usable cargo room, and straightforward everyday technology. Compared with many other small hatchbacks of the time, the Prius c’s main differentiator was hybrid fuel economy without moving into a larger vehicle.
The lineup ranges from the simple One, centered on core hybrid commuting, to the technology-focused Three and more upscale Four. Three has a 6.1-inch touchscreen with navigation and keyless entry and start, while Four adds heated SofTex-trimmed front seats, heated mirrors, and fog lights. Every trim has automatic climate control, Bluetooth, USB/iPod input, and a 3.5-inch driver display.
What changed, by category
2012 Toyota Prius c specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 53 mpg | 53 mpg | 53 mpg | 53 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 46 mpg | 46 mpg | 46 mpg | 46 mpg |
| Horsepower | 99 hp | 99 hp | 99 hp | 99 hp |
| Torque | 82 lb-ft | 82 lb-ft | 82 lb-ft | 82 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 17.1 cu-ft | 17.1 cu-ft | 17.1 cu-ft | 17.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in | 35 in | 35 in | 35 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is 2012 the first U.S. model year for the Toyota Prius c?
Yes. The 2012 Prius c is the model's first U.S. model year and the start of its first generation, so there is no 2011 U.S. Prius c to compare it with.
What powertrain does the 2012 Toyota Prius c use?
Every 2012 Prius c uses a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and a continuously variable automatic transmission. The system produces 99 horsepower.
What fuel economy does the 2012 Toyota Prius c get?
The 2012 Prius c is EPA-estimated at 53 mpg city, 46 mpg highway, and 50 mpg combined. Those ratings apply across all four trims because they share the same hybrid system.
How do the 2012 Toyota Prius c Three and Four differ?
The Three is the technology-focused trim, with a 6.1-inch navigation touchscreen, voice controls, and keyless entry and start. The Four keeps that technology and adds comfort and appearance items including heated SofTex-trimmed front seats, heated mirrors, and fog lights.
What equipment is standard on every 2012 Toyota Prius c?
Every 2012 Prius c has automatic climate control, a 3.5-inch color driver display, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and USB/iPod audio input. All trims also share the same 99-horsepower hybrid system.