The 2013 Toyota Prius C is the subcompact 4-door hatchback version of the Prius gas-electric hybrid family of cars from Toyota, which also includes the Prius, Prius V and Prius Plug-in Hybrid. Like the Prius C and Prius Plug-in Hybrid models, the Prius C is in its second year of production and has not undergone any changes from the 2012 model.

Available in 4 front-wheel-drive trims—One, Two, Three and Four—the 2013 Toyota Prius C is packaged with a 1.5-liter aluminum DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission that is capable of 73 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque and a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor capable of 60 hp. The combined hybrid system achieves 99 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. The Prius C has a 520-volt sealed nickel-metal hybrid battery. The EPA estimates that the Prius C is capable of 46 mpg city/53 highway.

The 2013 Toyota Prius C seats 5 passengers and has a cargo volume of 17.1 cubic feet. Starting with the One, all Prius C trims come standard with automatic climate control, power windows, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with mounted audio and climate controls, remote keyless entry, fabric seating surfaces, 4-way adjustable driver’s and front passenger seats, fold-down rear seat, a 4-speaker AM/FM audio system with CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability and a 3.5-inch multi-information display, rear defroster, intermittent front and rear wiper blades, projector beam halogen headlights, rear combination lights with LED taillights and 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers.

Buyers choosing the 2013 Toyota Prius C Two trim receive cruise control, fabric-trimmed two-toned seating surfaces, 6-way adjustable driver’s, 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat and 6-speaker AM/FM with CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability. Those who pick the Three trim will receive will add an Entune 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability and hard-drive navigation with a 6.1-inch touchscreen display. Four trim buyers receive SofTex-trimmed heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors with turn-signal indicators and 15-inch 8-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. A power tilt-and-slide moonroof is available as an option for the Three and Four trims. The 15-inch 8-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are an option for the Three trim, while the Four offers the option of 16-inch 8-spoke aluminum alloy wheels.

Like all Toyotas, the 2013 Prius C has the Star Safety System, which encompasses vehicle stability control, a traction control system, antilock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution with brake assist and smart-stop technology. The Prius C is also equipped with 9 airbags, including a driver's and front passenger advanced airbag system with driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, driver and front passenger seat cushion airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. Other standard safety features include daytime running lights, hill start assist and a tire pressure monitor system. Security features include a vehicle proximity notification system, as well as an engine immobilizer, which is not available on the One trim.

Many buyers of the 2013 Toyota Price C love the fuel economy the hybrid delivers, but some feel it is somewhat underpowered and its steering does not offer much feel or feedback, leaving handling average at best.

The 2013 Prius C offers a great deal of fuel mileage without much fanfare. The Prius C has no direct competitors as a hybrid-electric subcompact, but does find itself competing against the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, along with Toyota’s own Matrix and Yaris. Cheaper than most hybrids, the Prius C has much to offer those looking for a small hatchback.