2017 Toyota Prius c Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Toyota Prius has the most recognizable name in the world of hybrid automobiles. It debuted 20 years ago with a single model and a distinct, aerodynamic shape. In 2012, Toyota added the Prius v hatchback wagon, Prius Plug-In (now called the Prius Prime), and the Prius c subcompact to the lineup to grow the hybrid’s appeal.
The Prius c achieves particularly high fuel economy, thanks in large part to its smaller size, and in 2017 it remains one of the cheapest hybrids available and Japan’s best-selling automobile. It got a facelift for 2015 with a revised front bumper and new headlights and taillights, and 2016 models received a number of standard safety features with the Toyota Safety Sense C package. The 2017 Prius c is conventionally styled by Prius standards, with fewer body creases and less outrageous lights—the casual observer might even mistake it for a Yaris. It’s available in four aptly named trim levels—One, Two, Three, and Four—and starts at just over $20,000.
A 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 73 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque is the only engine available for the Prius c. This engine is paired to a smaller hybrid system than that in the rest of the Prius range, and total output is just 99 hp. While the Prius c is a subcompact, it’s still a 4-door car that weighs about 2,500 pounds, and these power figures will allow it keep up with traffic, but that’s about it. Where this car really shines, of course, is between fill-ups. With fuel-economy figures of 53 mpg city, 46 highway, and 50 combined, it’s hard not to see the appeal, especially given its price. The high sticker price of earlier Priuses meant it could take years of driving for the fuel savings to make up the difference in cost compared to a conventional commuter sedan. With the Prius c, though, a $20,150 price tag for the base trim means buyers can start counting their savings pretty much immediately. An EV mode allows the car to run exclusively on electric power for up to a half-mile at low speeds, while an Eco mode limits the throttle response and climate-control system for extra efficiency.
The Prius c handles like a conventional subcompact should, avoiding the numb, sterile feel of previous hybrids. While not exactly tiny, its size makes it ideal for urban maneuvering and tight parking. Both the battery pack and fuel tank fit under the rear seat, so the inside of the car is roomier than one might expect and offers adequate passenger room in both the front and rear. The base One trim is inexpensive, but comes with turn-signal-integrated power mirrors, automatic climate control, and a USB port. Higher trims include conveniences like in-dash navigation, heated front seats, and a reversing camera, and a standalone options package adds a power moonroof and alloy wheels. The Prius c’s build quality is typical Toyota, but with a full hybrid powertrain at such a low price, the fit and finish are not exactly luxurious.
While the Prius c is one of the most fuel-efficient cars you can buy, it isn’t quite the safest. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2016 model Good scores in most crash testing, but only an Acceptable rating for the small-overlap frontal test, while the 2017 Prius c received a 4-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). That said, it does come with antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, and daytime running lights, as well as the Toyota Safety Sense C package with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams.
The Prius c is the cheapest new hybrid out there and the most fuel-efficient non-plug-in hybrid you can buy. Those attributes have made it the second best-selling Toyota hybrid after the original Prius, and they will continue to draw buyers even as gas prices remain relatively low.
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2017 Toyota Prius c Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual seat cushion front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: air conditioning · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 60 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 45 · Electric Motor Torque: 125 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 73 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 4800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 82 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Entune · Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: one-piece · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 8
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual seat cushion front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 60 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 45 · Electric Motor Torque: 125 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 73 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 4800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 82 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Entune · Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 8
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual seat cushion front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: air conditioning · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 60 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 45 · Electric Motor Torque: 125 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 73 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 4800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 82 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment: Entune · Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: two-tone
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 8
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: leatherette
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 60 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 45 · Electric Motor Torque: 125 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 73 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 4800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 82 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment: Entune · Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: anti-trapping feature
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 8
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent