Toyota Prius C
The 2020 Toyota Prius C is an excellent choice for used car shoppers prioritizing reliability and exceptional fuel efficiency.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2020 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km | Fuel-economy range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 48 | 43 | 46 | 4.9 | 5.47 | 5.11 | — |
| 2019 | 48 | 43 | 46 | 4.9 | 5.47 | 5.11 | — |
| 2018 | 48 | 43 | 46 | 4.9 | 5.47 | 5.11 | — |
| 2017 | 48 | 43 | 46 | 4.9 | 5.47 | 5.11 | — |
| 2016 | 53 | 46 | 50 | 4.44 | 5.11 | 4.7 | — |
| 2015 | 53 | 46 | 50 | 4.44 | 5.11 | 4.7 | 46-53 mpg combined |
| 2014 | 53 | 46 | 50 | 4.44 | 5.11 | 4.7 | — |
| 2013 | 53 | 46 | 50 | 4.44 | 5.11 | 4.7 | — |
| 2012 | 53 | 46 | 50 | 4.44 | 5.11 | 4.7 | 53-46 mpg combined |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Transmission | Drivetrain | Horsepower | Torque | Engine configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | hatchback | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2019 | hatchback | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT) | 4x2 | — | — | — |
| 2018 | hatchback | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2017 | hatchback | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2016 | hatchback | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2015 | hatchback | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 99 hp | 82 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Inline-4 |
| 2014 | hatchback | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2013 | hatchback | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2012 | hatchback | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 73 hp | 82 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Inline-4 |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | msrp | Series | Base price | Trim | Note | pricing | currency | Base MSRP | MSRP range | Confidence | notes | Source | estimatedAt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | — | NHP10L | — | — | — | Series: NHP10L | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | — | NHP10L | — | — | — | Series: NHP10L | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | — | NHP10L | $20,630 | One/Two/Three/Four | — | Base price: $20,630, Series: NHP10L, Trim: One/Two/Three/Four | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | NHP10L | $20,150 | One/Two/Three/Four | Entertainment System: Entune Audio, 6.1-in. touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player, MP3/WMA playback capability, four speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, 5 hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology), Siri Eyes Free | Base price: $20,150, Series: NHP10L, Trim: One/Two/Three/Four, Note: Entertainment System: Entune Audio, 6.1-in. touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player, MP3/WMA playback capability, four speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, 5 hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology), Siri Eyes Free | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $19,540, MSRP range: $19,540 - $24,475, Confidence: 0.9, notes: MSRP for the 2015 model year, excluding delivery, processing, and handling fees., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 5/1/2026 | — | — | — | — | — | USD | $19,540 | $19,540 - $24,475 | 0.9 | MSRP for the 2015 model year, excluding delivery, processing, and handling fees. | llm_estimate | 5/1/2026 |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $18,950, MSRP range: $18,950 - $23,230, Confidence: 0.9, notes: Excludes destination charge., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 5/1/2026 | — | — | — | — | — | USD | $18,950 | $18,950 - $23,230 | 0.9 | Excludes destination charge. | llm_estimate | 5/1/2026 |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | Steering location | Seat rows | GVWR | Axles | Wheels | Entertainment system | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel | Brakes | bodyAndInterior |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 4 | 208 | 7.3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2019 | 5 | 5 | — | — | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | CD + Stereo | 100.4 | 15 | 15 | — | Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Entertainment system: CD + Stereo, Seat rows: 2 |
| 2018 | 5 | 5 | — | — | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | — | 100.4 | 15 | 15 | Calipers / Front Vented Discs | Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2017 | 5 | 5 | — | — | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | CD + Stereo | 100.4 | 15 | 15 | Calipers / Front Vented Discs | Rear Drums | Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Entertainment system: CD + Stereo, Seat rows: 2 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 5 | 4 | 484 | 17.1 | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | 5 | 4 | 484 | 17.1 | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | autoBrake | rearCamera | adaptiveDrivingBeam | forwardCollisionWarning | pedestrianAeb | laneDepartureWarning | autoReverseSystem | nhtsaSafetyRatings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2020 Toyota PRIUS c 5 HB FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | — | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 4, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2020 Toyota PRIUS c 5 HB FWD |
| 2019 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2019 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 4, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2019 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD |
| 2018 | — | — | — | — | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — |
| 2017 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2017 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 4, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2017 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD |
| 2016 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2016 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 4, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2016 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD |
| 2015 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2015 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 4, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2015 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD |
| 2014 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2014 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 4, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2014 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD |
| 2013 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2013 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 4, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2013 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Technology & electrification
Listed infotainment, equipment, battery, and charging data.
Model year reports
2020
NewestThe 2020 Toyota Prius C is an excellent choice for used car shoppers prioritizing reliability and exceptional fuel efficiency.
2019
The 2019 Toyota Prius C offers dependable hybrid efficiency, but buyers should confirm the hybrid system's DC-DC converter recall has been addressed.
2018
The 2018 Toyota Prius C offers average reliability, with significant concerns around uncommanded acceleration and steering lock.
2017
The 2017 Toyota Prius C offers average reliability, but potential buyers must be aware of critical safety system concerns, particularly unintended acceleration and brake failure.
2016
The 2016 Toyota Prius C offers excellent fuel economy and a low entry price, but its average reliability rating and documented issues with the braking and electrical systems warrant careful consideration.
2015
The 2015 Toyota Prius C presents a mixed reliability picture for used car buyers.
2014
The 2014 Toyota Prius C is a below-average risk for a used purchase, primarily due to significant concerns with its hybrid system and brakes.
2013
The 2013 Toyota Prius C is a below-average reliability choice, primarily due to significant issues with its **electrical system** and **service brakes**.
2012
The 2012 Toyota Prius C is generally considered below average for reliability.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Toyota Prius C?
Carfocal currently has 9 published Prius C reports, covering 2012 through 2020. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2020 Toyota Prius C is an excellent choice for used car shoppers prioritizing reliability and exceptional fuel efficiency.
Published year coverage: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.
Is the Toyota Prius C reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Toyota Prius C. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2020 toyota prius c is an excellent choice for used car shoppers prioritizing reliability and exceptional fuel efficiency. and the 2020 toyota prius c represents strong value for used car buyers, particularly given its excellent reliability and low running costs. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
9 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Toyota Prius C?
Across Carfocal's published Prius C guides, recurring problem areas include DC-DC Converter, Hybrid Battery Cooling Fan, and Steering System Component. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: DC-DC Converter, Hybrid Battery Cooling Fan, and Steering System Component.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 9
- Years tracked
- 9
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints