2018 Toyota Prius C Review

2018 Toyota Prius C Review, Back in 2012, when a gallon of 87 octane topped $3.60, the Toyota Prius C was a sensible addition on the Japanese automaker’s lineup. Making within the fuel-efficient concepts from the Prius gasoline/electric hybrid model line, the Yaris-based Prius C advertised a combined 50 mpg EPA estimate inside a sub-$20,000 package-that was 17 mpg better compared to the most productive Yaris on the time, albeit at a selling price almost $5000 dearer than that of Toyota’s entry-level model.

A half-dozen years later, though, the Prius C comes across as being a significantly less compelling option. Together with the nationwide common to get a gallon of fuel at well under $2.60, the littlest Prius lacks the cost-conscious appeal it when had. Adding insult to damage, Toyota’s smallest hybrid car is no longer as affordable and might no longer tout that 50-mpg figure-mostly because the EPA implemented tougher fuel-economy testing tips. By using a starting up price of $21,525, the Prius C now bears an EPA-estimated combined fuel-economy figure of 46 mpg.

2018 Toyota Prius C Review


The Prius C relies about the exact same powertrain as it did in 2012. Consisting of a one.5-liter inline-four in addition to a pair of AC motor/generators, the Prius C’s hybrid program musters a combined 99 horsepower and drives the front wheels by means of an electronically controlled continuously variable automated transmission (CVT). As in Toyota’s other hybrid motor vehicles, the smaller of its two electric motors sets the drive ratio to convey the combustion engine’s grunt towards the ground. Meanwhile, the greater second motor is geared directly on the final-drive differential and delivers propulsion, as well as electrical energy regenerated during deceleration.

Electrical power is provided on the two motors courtesy of the 0.9-kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery pack mounted below the rear seat, and an EV mode makes it possible for the Prius C to travel on electrical energy alone for as much as a mile at very low speeds, provided the operator has an exceedingly light proper foot.

Lean Not Mean - 2018 Toyota Prius C Review

Regardless of its slim 2644-pound curb excess weight, the Prius C is downright slow. The one particular we examined necessary a glacial eleven.4 seconds to amble from zero to 60 mph and 18.2 seconds to cross the quarter-mile mark at 75 mph. Its lethargy is exacerbated by the CVT, which causes the engine to drone in producing quite possibly the most from the meager 73 horses the inline-four generates at 4800 rpm. A compact little bit of solace originates from the immediacy in the electric motors’ 125 lb-ft of torque, with all the Prius C going from zero to thirty mph in a reasonable ample 3.3 seconds.

Boot the accelerator pedal at velocity, although, plus the Prius C moves with all the alacrity of the three-toed sloth. Receiving from 50 to 70 mph takes 8.three seconds, or 0.4 second longer than a CVT-equipped, three-cylinder Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback. The $15,490 Mitsubishi also manages to match the hybrid Toyota’s 43-mpg highway EPA estimate, a figure this Prius C check vehicle equaled on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test.

We averaged a mere 36 mpg total from the Prius C in excess of in excess of 550 miles of mixed use-that’s 10 mpg worse compared to the EPA’s mixed rating and 3 mpg worse than we received in the 2012 check of a Prius C that weighed 47 lbs significantly less (and was 0.5 second quicker to 60 mph). Our observed fuel economic system was also no much better than what we recorded for an automatic-equipped Toyota Yaris iA (née Scion iA). On top of that, the iA was the two faster and even more pleasant to drive than the Prius C because of the Mazda-based sedan’s engaging dynamics, feelsome steering, and clairvoyant six-speed automated transmission.

The Prius C earns kudos for its brake pedal’s come to feel and modulation, which nicely blends regenerative and mechanical braking functions. In collaboration with its 15-inch Goodyear Assurance all-season tires, this Prius C stopped from 70 mph in 173 feet, 12 feet shorter than the two a Yaris hatchback as well as the Yaris iA sedan. Weather conditions precluded our typical 300-foot skidpad check, however the last Prius C we puttered about it recorded a modest 0.79 g of grip.

Crossing In excess of - 2018 Toyota Prius C Review

As opposed to its mechanical bits, the exterior with the Prius C altered appreciably for 2018, trading its outdated wares for fresh and handsome crossover-SUV-inspired seems to be. Black wheel arches surround new eight-spoke wheels, even though roof rails and new front- and rear-end solutions with faux skid plates give the Prius C a much more rough-and-tumble mien. Redesigned LED head- and taillights add a hint of modernity for the aging hatchback.

Within, the Prius C welcomes extra piano-black plastic pieces around the dashboard as well as the steering wheel. The smudge-friendly surfaces complement standard features such as automatic climate management, a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment procedure, and also a steering wheel with integrated audio and Bluetooth controls. The ergonomically troubling center-mounted instrument cluster carries more than, however, along with the dashboard and door panels carry on to become crafted from tough, low-rent plastic pieces.

The interior is surprisingly roomy offered the Prius C’s small footprint, and also the rear legroom even tops that of the greater Prius. The Prius C also offers a Honda Fit-matching 17 cubic feet of cargo area with all seats in area. A folding rear seat is conventional.

Other Prius C merits include things like common safety objects this kind of as automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automated high-beam headlamps. Having convenience goods this kind of as cruise manage, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, plus a cargo cover needs paying $22,325 within the pricier Prius C Two trim (the $21,525 Prius C A single serves because the entry-level model).

2018 Toyota Prius C Review - Features:

A proximity vital with push-button get started in addition to a navigation method are grouped into the $23,750 Prius C Three, although the top-of-the-line $25,860 Prius C Four contains LED fog lights, a sunroof, faux-leather trimmed seats, and heated exterior mirrors with integrated flip signals. Our Prius C 4 test auto also featured a $395 coat of Tangerine Splash Pearl paint and $224 worth of carpeted floor mats to deliver its as-tested cost up to $26,479-that’s $419 a lot more than a well-equipped non-C Toyota Prius Two Eco, a model that is rated by the EPA at 58 mpg inside the city and 53 mpg over the highway. The greater and quicker senior Prius provides eight cubic feet of further cargo area, too.

There was a short time when the Prius C had a objective in Toyota’s lineup. On the other hand, its bigger Prius stablemate has since undergone in depth enhancements and would seem to signify a greater value. This junior edition is much less intriguing to drive than standard subcompact versions and offers insufficient fuel economy to offset that deficit. It is not your most effective option irrespective of whether you are scoring it as being a hybrid or as being a subcompact hatchback.