“Great fuel economy. Consider the space your loved ones need when sitting in the back seats. No room at all.”
2017 Toyota Prius c: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Toyota Prius c is that Toyota’s safety suite became standard on every trim. This is a meaningful late-cycle update rather than a full redesign, with refreshed exterior styling and standard alloy wheels but no hybrid-system change.
About the 2017 Toyota Prius c
1st generation Prius c (2012-2019 U.S.), late-cycle update year with a styling refresh and newly standard Toyota Safety Sense C.
Toyota positioned the Prius c as the smallest and most affordable Prius-family hybrid, aimed at city driving but useful beyond downtown streets. Its core appeal is easy parking, strong fuel economy, and a surprisingly roomy hatchback cabin for its size. Compared with larger hybrids, the Prius c trades speed and space for a tighter footprint, simple controls, and low running costs, making it a practical commuter car for shoppers who want hybrid efficiency in a small package.
The 2017 Prius c is a small hybrid hatchback offered in One, Two, Three, and Four trims, all using the same 99-hp hybrid system and 6.1-inch touchscreen. The Three is the tech-focused version, with built-in navigation, keyless entry, and push-button start. The Four has the most upscale cabin, with heated SofTex-trimmed front seats, a moonroof, navigation, and a backup camera.
What changed, by category
Safety
Toyota’s safety suite became standard on every trim. It includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams.
Styling
Toyota refreshed the front end, rear bumper, side rocker panels, and black rear spoiler. Alloy wheels also became standard across the lineup.
2017 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, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 48 mpg | 48 mpg | 48 mpg | 48 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 43 mpg | 43 mpg | 43 mpg | 43 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 |
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Toyota Prius c?
The biggest change is the newly standard safety suite on every 2017 Prius c trim. It adds forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams.
Was the 2017 Toyota Prius c fully redesigned?
No, the 2017 Prius c was not fully redesigned. It received a late-cycle exterior refresh and more standard safety equipment, while its basic cabin layout and 1.5-liter hybrid system carried over.
How is the 2017 Prius c different from the 2016 model?
The 2017 Prius c has standard forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams on every trim. It also has revised front and rear styling, standard alloy wheels throughout the lineup, and no returning Persona Series trim.
Did the 2017 Toyota Prius c get a new hybrid powertrain?
No, the 2017 Prius c kept the same 1.5-liter hybrid system, nickel-metal hydride battery, and continuously variable automatic transmission used previously. Output remained 99 net horsepower.
Which trims make up the 2017 Toyota Prius c lineup?
The 2017 Prius c lineup consists of One, Two, Three, and Four trims. The Persona Series offered for 2016 did not continue into 2017.
2017 Toyota Prius c Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Toyota Prius c.
4.4
2017 Toyota Prius c
(37 reviews)
“Great reliability and gas mileage with affordable price. I recommend Toyota Prius for all who prefer driving a compact car!”
“It's smaller than I expected, next time I buy a car, I will probably get the full size Prius rather than the C model.”