2016 Toyota Prius c Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$19,560 to $24,495

Original MSRP

--

expert review

3.4

avg user rating

(5 reviews)
2016 Toyota Prius c Preview summaryImage

Need a subcompact hybrid hatchback with surprising room, a truly affordable MSRP, and a healthy dose of standard features? Check out the 2016 Toyota Prius c. It may not be the quickest off the line--in fact it’s among the slowest--but it’ll get you to work and back, or your family to the mall and beyond, and burn very little gas while doing so. And if you opt for the brand new Persona Series trim, you'll even turn a few heads.

The 2016 Prius c returns in the base One trim, the Two, the Three, and the flagship Four. The new Persona Series, which is based on the Prius c Two iteration, comes with an all-black exterior (including the wheels), distinctive badges, and neon splashes of either “electric lime” or “cherry pearl” on the mirrors, below the windows, and beneath the headlights.

All Prius c trims are available only with front-wheel drive (FWD). Toyota lists cargo area at 17.1 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, but does not mention total cargo area, perhaps because the base One offers a folding bench rear seat, different from the split-folding rear seatbacks on all other trims.

The 2016 Prius c packs a 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) hybrid engine and a 525-volt electric motor managed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT), putting out a total of 99 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. The CVT boasts a selectable EV mode that allows the Prius c to be driven up to a mile on its nickel-metal hydride battery alone, and an Eco mode that adjusts throttle response and climate control functions in order to optimize fuel mileage. Mileage numbers come in at 53 mpg city/46 highway/50 combined, which reviewers say are at the top of the Prius c's (somewhat limited) segment.

Look for the 2016 Prius c One to sport standard 15-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, taillights, and brake lights, cloth upholstery, a folding rear bench seat, full power accessories, a multifunction display, and telescoping tilt-wheel steering. This entry-level trim also features automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free calling, a 6.1-inch infotainment display, and a CD/MP3 player with 4 speakers and a USB port.

The 2016 Prius c Two, Three, and Four add such standard features as alloy wheels, cruise control, upgraded upholstery, a heated power-adjustable driver’s seat, split-folding rear seatbacks, a 6-speaker audio system, satellite radio, voice-activated navigation, and smartphone apps. The Prius c Four trim also throws in a standard power sunroof, heated outside mirrors, a rear-view camera, and heated front seats. The Persona Series includes the standard features found on the Two.

Standard safety features aboard the 2016 Prius c include 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, hill-start assist, front-side-mounted airbags, front- and rear-head-curtain airbags, front-seat-cushion airbags (to prevent passengers sliding under the seatbelts in a collision), and a driver’s-side knee airbag. Daytime running lights are standard in all trims, and the Prius c Four adds standard daytime running lights. The above-noted new Safety Sense C package (available as a standalone option in the Prius c Four and as part of option packages on the lower trims) includes low-speed pre-collision braking, lane-departure alert, and automatic high/low-beam headlights.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2015 Prius c 4 out of 5 stars for overall crashworthiness, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards the hybrid hatchback a score of Good in all tests other than the small-overlap frontal-offset portion, where it gets a worst possible score of Poor.

Now that Honda has deleted its Civic hybrid, the CR-V hybrid crossover is about the only 5-door hybrid to rival the 2016 Toyota 2016 Prius c for affordability.

Published May 31, 2022 by Eric Tallberg

User reviews for 2016 Toyota Prius c

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User rating:
by Paul G
Mar 22, 2022
C model uses more gas and with a smaller interior. This would be my least favorite.Mar 22, 2022
by Brenda Z
Sep 22, 2021
I love the gas mileage! Visibility out the back window and trunk space is not what I’m used to, but I’m adjusting. Overall, I love the feel of the drive and how it handles. I’m sure I’ll enjoy many, many miles driving it!Sep 22, 2021
by Tea T
Dec 22, 2020
This 2016 Prius C Four has all the right features like a back-up camera, navigation, leather seats, and a sunroof...However, I’m surprised it doesn’t have a pre-collision system, nor lane departure warning, which is a bumper because those are very useful safety features to have for the top trim. This car is compact yet spacious for its class, which I really like. It handles well and is very easy to park especially with the back-up cam. Overall, it’s a great value if you’re looking for a car of this size. What more can I say other than that it’s a fuel-efficient hybrid from Toyota. It’s the cutest thing on the road. Dec 22, 2020

2016 Toyota Prius c Pricing

Original MSRP
$19,560 to $24,495
Price range
$12,256 to $13,030
Average price on CG
$12,357
YoY price change
$12,947 to $12,357

Trims & specs

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 · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 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: front · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · 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: phone · 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: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · 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: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front

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: 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

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

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 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 · 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: 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: voice recognition 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: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · 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: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front

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

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

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 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 · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM 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: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · 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: audio · 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: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · 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: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · 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

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front

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: 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: intermittent

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 · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Gracenote internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display 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: 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: voice recognition 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: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · 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 · Headlights: auto delay off · 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

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front

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: 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 · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

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 · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Slacker internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display 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: air conditioning · Storage: accessory hook · 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: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · 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: Facebook · 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: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Rearview monitor: in dash

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: leatherette

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: intermittent

See all trims (5)