Toyota Prius c vs Mazda MAZDA3

Last redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Mazda 3 is getting old, yet aging gracefully. It still looks, feels, and drives better than some of its rivals. For 2025, Mazda adds value to the lineup, introducing a new base version of the 2.5 S. Moving one rung up the trim level ladder, the 2.5 S Select Sport gets Amazon Alexa Built-in for 2025, while the Premium and Premium Plus gain a cloud-based navigation system.

Verdict: Available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, there is a Mazda 3 to suit nearly anyone. Basic or upscale, turbocharged or not, and with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the common threads across all Mazda 3s are quality, refinement, sophistication, safety, and enjoyable driving dynamics. This is a terrific compact car.

The Toyota Prius family is growing. The iconic hybrid has been so successful Toyota has seen fit to expand the Prius into a multi-vehicle sub-brand. It still lives under the Toyota name, but has expanded to several uniquely Prius–ey vehicles. The first variant was the Prius V, which is a larger vehicle that took on more of an MPV/wagon shape when it went on sale in the U.S. in October 2011. As you might have guessed the, “V” stands for “Versatility.”

In March of 2012, the family grew again, but this time by going smaller. The Prius C is a subcompact hybrid, based on the same platform as the diminutive Toyota Yaris. But the Prius C features the namesake drivetrain and more attractive and fun packaging. The Prius C is a more affordable, more city-friendly means of staying within the Prius family. The “C” in the name stands for “City,” but it might as well be “Compelling.”

So, is the Prius C, at $19,080, worth its premium over the mere $14,430 for a Yaris? It depends on where you’re standing.