“It is a great vehicle and fun to drive. It gets great gas mileage. I just love everything about it. I get so many compliments on it.”
2018 Toyota Prius c: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Toyota Prius c gets a mild styling refresh rather than a full redesign. Its main change is a more crossover-inspired exterior with black lower-body trim, silver guards, and new machined alloy wheels.
About the 2018 Toyota Prius c
1st generation Prius c (2012-2019), seventh model year and a late-cycle mild refresh.
Toyota positioned the Prius c as the smallest and least expensive Prius: a city-sized hybrid hatchback built for easy parking, low fuel use, and everyday practicality. The brand emphasized its 46-mpg combined efficiency, five-door hatchback usefulness, and surprisingly roomy cabin for such a short footprint. Compared with larger Priuses, the Prius c was marketed less as a high-tech flagship and more as a simple, maneuverable commuter with Toyota hybrid dependability.
The Prius c remains a small, efficient hybrid hatchback with simple controls and four trims. The One covers the basics with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and a driver-assistance suite, while the Three adds navigation, keyless entry, and push-button start. The comfort-focused Four stands out with heated synthetic-leather front seats, a moonroof, and heated mirrors.
What changed, by category
Styling
Every trim receives black wheel-arch and rocker trim, lower silver body guards, and 15-inch eight-spoke machined alloy wheels with dark-gray accents. Inside, Toyota also gives the Prius c a new steering wheel design and slightly rearranges the center console.
2018 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 2018 Toyota Prius c?
The biggest change is its more crossover-inspired appearance. Black wheel-arch and rocker trim, lower silver body guards, and new machined alloy wheels give every trim a slightly tougher look.
Is the 2018 Toyota Prius c a full redesign?
No, the 2018 Prius c is a mild late-cycle refresh, not a full redesign. Its basic structure, cabin layout, and hybrid system carry over.
How is the 2018 Toyota Prius c different from the 2017 model?
The 2018 Prius c differs mainly in appearance. It has new lower-body trim, black wheel-arch cladding, silver guards, and machined alloy wheels, along with a new steering wheel design and a slightly rearranged center console; the hybrid system is unchanged.
Did the 2018 Toyota Prius c get a new hybrid system?
No, the 2018 Prius c keeps the same 99-horsepower 1.5-liter hybrid system and automatic transmission. Its EPA combined fuel-economy rating remains 46 mpg.
Did the 2018 Toyota Prius c add new safety equipment?
No new lineup-wide safety hardware was added for 2018. Toyota's driver-assistance suite was already standard across the Prius c lineup for 2017 and carries into 2018.
2018 Toyota Prius c Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Toyota Prius c.
4.2
2018 Toyota Prius c
(110 reviews)
“The Prius C is not the fastest car around but it saves a ton of money on gas which is way too expensive right now!”
“The Prius C gets amazing gas mileage; we've averaged 58 miles/gallon so far, including winter driving. It also has excellent safety features, including collision avoidance and back-up camera.”