Editor’s note: If you’re looking for information on a newer Toyota Prius c, we’ve published an updated review: 2019 Toyota Prius c Review.
It didn’t take long for the Toyota Prius c to become one of Toyota’s rising stars. Orders for the pint-sized Prius exceeded expectations early on, transforming this projected bit player into a marquee attraction. In retrospect, we should have seen this coming. After all, the Prius c gets the same overall fuel economy as the regular Prius — an astounding 50 miles per gallon — yet its base price is more than $5,000 lower.
Not surprisingly, the 2016 Toyota Prius c makes a few compromises relative to Prius norms. Because the structure comes from the short-wheelbase Yaris subcompact, it’s not as refined as the standard Prius — and it yields a firmer, bouncier ride. Moreover, road noise is elevated, and space for passengers and cargo is diminished. We’ll also give big brother the nod for both exterior styling and cabin quality.
But the Prius c is certainly better at navigating tight spaces, and its handling feels more responsive, for those who care about such things. Plus, $5,000 is a lot of money, representing a discount of roughly 20 percent compared to the cheapest traditional Prius.
Overall, while the Prius c isn’t a full Prius substitute, it’s undoubtedly the cheapest way to hit the 50 mpg milestone in a new car today. That’s the formula that propelled the Prius c to instant stardom, and we expect it to maintain its appeal in these consumption-conscious times. See the 2016 Toyota Prius c models for sale near you
What’s New for 2016?
The Prius c makes two changes for 2016. One is Toyota’s Safety Sense option package, which includes several new safety features. The other is the addition of a new Persona Series Special Edition trim level, which allows Prius c owners to stand out a little more than usual.
What We Like
Stellar fuel economy; appealing price; hatchback convenience
What We Don’t
Firm ride by Prius standards; ponderous acceleration
How Much?
$21,200-$25,200
Fuel Economy
The front-wheel-drive Prius c is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline inline 4-cylinder and an electric motor teamed with a battery pack. Total output is 99 horsepower, which isn’t much in a car that weighs 2,500 pounds. But speed has never been the point of any Prius. And given that the Environmental Protection Agency rates the Prius c at a whopping 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway (50 mpg in combined city and highway driving), we suspect most owners won’t mind setting a leisurely pace.
Standard Features & Options
The 2016 Toyota Prius c subcompact hatchback comes in four trim levels: Two, Three and Four, along with a new Persona Series Special Edition trim positioned between the Two and the Three. Last year’s Prius c One is no longer available.
The entry-level Two ($21,200) includes power accessories, automatic climate control (an unusual luxury at this price point), a 3.5-inch color display with a real-time power-flow diagram, a 6-speaker audio system with iPod/USB and Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers, 2-tone seat fabric with driver’s-seat height adjustment, SofTex dashboard trim, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, cruise control and a center console with an armrest.
The new Persona Series Special Edition ($21,400) adds 15-in black alloy wheels and unique exterior color choices.
The Three ($22,700) adds voice-command recognition, a navigation system, the Entune smartphone-based mobile app interface and keyless entry and ignition with push-button starting (lesser models have a traditional twist key).
The Four ($25,200) tacks on LED fog lamps, 15-in alloy wheels (optional on Three), heated front seats, a backup camera, a power sunroof and SofTex trim for the seats and steering wheel.
In terms of options, the Prius c doesn’t have many. A sunroof can be added to the Three, and sunroof-equipped Fours are eligible for 16-in alloy wheels and a quicker steering ratio. Newly optional for 2016 is Toyota’s Safety Sense C package, offered on the Three and Four, which adds automatic high beams, lane-departure warning and forward-collision alert.
Safety
The Prius c comes with standard stability control, nine airbags and anti-lock brakes. Four models include a backup camera, while a new Safety Sense C package touts automatic high beams, lane-departure warning and forward-collision alert.
In crash-testing carried out by the federal government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Prius c received four overall stars out of five — a rating comprised of four stars in the frontal test, four stars in the side-impact test and four stars in the rollover test. The nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not fully tested the Prius c.
Behind the Wheel
The Prius c doesn’t have the smooth ride of the regular Prius. They’re different cars underneath, and the Prius c’s Yaris genes don’t do it any favors. It’s not as quiet at cruising speeds, either.
But while we unexpectedly found the steering too heavy (heavier still with the Four’s optional 16-in wheels), it’s reasonably precise for a car of this nature, and body roll is kept within acceptable limits. We also love the tiny turning circle, which makes U-turns a breeze. The regenerative brakes may feel strange if you’re a hybrid novice, but you’ll get used to their inconsistent feedback in time.
Other Cars to Consider
2016 Ford C-MAX — Though the C-MAX is more expensive than the Prius c (and it doesn’t tout the same excellent fuel economy numbers), it also offers more interior room and cargo space.
2016 Honda CR-Z — If you don’t need a back seat but could go for a more engaging drive, the 2-seat CR-Z is about the only game in town, delivering superior dynamics (but considerably worse fuel economy) for similar money.
Used Chevrolet Volt — The Volt is a plug-in hybrid — and that means regular access to a charging station is important. If you have that, you might want to consider a used Volt, which offers impressive fuel economy and a range-extending gasoline engine that kicks in once the electric motor is out of juice.
Used Toyota Prius — If the Prius c doesn’t seem like enough, keep in mind that the regular Prius starts under $25,000 and comes well-equipped. Used models are even less expensive, so you might be able to get a 1- or 2-year-old Prius for about the same money as a new Prius c.
Autotrader’s Advice
The Prius c Three is definitely the best deal. For under $23,000 with shipping, you get keyless access with push-button starting, a navigation system and Toyota’s Entune infotainment system. We’d also opt for the new Safety Sense package in order to have several of today’s latest safety gadgets. Find a Toyota Prius c for sale
