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2018 Toyota Prius c

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Make
Toyota
Model
Prius c
Year
2018
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Toyota Prius c OEM Exterior Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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2018 One 5dr Hatchback
most popular
Price:   -  From $20,630
2018 Two 5dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $21,430
2018 Three 5dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $22,855
2018 Four 5dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $24,965

Overview

Since its US-market introduction in 2001, the groundbreaking Toyota Prius has paved the way for mainstream acceptance of the once unfamiliar hybrid technology. Today, the proliferation of mass-market cars coupling gasoline engines to electric motors in the quest for better fuel economy has left the Prius less of a unique proposition, but it is still very much a competitive and compelling choice. The distinctly styled 2018 Prius c is the smallest and most affordable of the available Prius models (c, regular Prius, V, Prime), but delivers low emissions and efficient motoring - hallmarks of the Prius lineup - in a big way.

What's New for 2018

For 2018, the baby Prius borrows a few aesthetic tricks from the crossover's playbook. As a result, the Prius c gains black rocker panels, wheel well moldings and roof rails, while a body-colored spoiler and silver-accented lower front and rear bumpers complete the subtle styling refresh. Two new colors, Sandstorm and Tide Pool Pearl, and new 15-inch eight-spoke wheels finish it all off. Rounding out the notable changes for 2018 is a now-standard rearview camera.

Toyota Prius C

Choosing Your Toyota Prius c

Toyota makes it surprisingly easy to select a Prius c. With hardly any standalone options and four trim levels simply numbered one through four, choosing one of these tiny Prii is easier than ordering off a fast food menu.

For all versions, power comes courtesy of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that works in tandem with an electric motor and battery. Combined output from this setup is 99 horsepower, which is routed to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. Considering it's a member of the fuel-sipping Prius family, fuel economy is unsurprisingly impressive – the EPA rates the Prius c as being good for 48 miles per gallon city, 43 highway and 46 combined.

For those hypermilers who might get a little too intent on drafting and coasting, Toyota has made standard their Safety Sense-C, which is a suite of doodads intended to prevent a collision from occurring. These features include the pre-collision system (which provides audible and visual warnings of an impending accident), brake assist, lane departure alert and automatic high beams.

One

The first rung on the Prius c ladder is the One, with an MSRP of $21,525 (destination charge included). Among the One's standard features are a tilt and telescope steering wheel, automatic climate control and remote keyless entry.

A standard 3.5-inch display lets drivers scroll through a laundry list of information readouts, ranging in scope from the outside temperature to the hybrid system monitor. A 6.1-inch touchscreen in the center stack controls the audio, with AM/FM/CD/Aux functionality and, for Apple iPhone users, the ability to verbally cue up songs via Siri Eyes Free.

Two

Next up is the $22,325 Two. It builds on the One by adding niceties such as two-toned seats, a six-way power driver's seat, cruise control, rear 60/40 split-folding seats and a cargo cover. The cabin is dressed up a bit over the One through the use of piano-black trim along with a smattering of chrome accents and soft-touch materials.

Three

Opting for the $23,750 Three furnishes the Prius c with a few more amenities, including a navigation system and a push button start. It also comes with two additional speakers (for a grand total of six), weather and traffic updates, and SiriusXM radio. A $700 power tilt/slide moonroof is available.

Four

At the top of the hierarchy sits the Four, for which Toyota wants $25,860. It adds to the fray LED foglights, a moonroof, specially trimmed seats, heated front seats and heated outside mirrors. For $300 buyers can upgrade to 16-inch wheels.

CarsDirect Tip

Two is not as bad as One, but Three is where you want to be, offering the best mix of features at a reasonable price point. Buyers stuck in the Snowbelt or other cold weather locales should consider the Four, if only for the heated seats and heated outside mirrors.

Get your price on a Toyota Prius C »

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Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Writer

Seven years into its current model cycle and following a mild refresh last year, the 2018 Toyota Prius c scores points for its excellent fuel economy, surprising interior room, and steering feedback. But it's held back by a low-rent interior, paltry performance, and, on upper trims, pricing close to the superior Prius Liftback.

Best Value

Available in four trim levels, pricing starts at $21,525 for the Prius c One model and rises to $26,555 for a Moonglow Pearl Prius c Four model equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels. With a single drivetrain, the choice comes down to equipment levels.

Standard fare includes the usual power features as well as automatic climate control, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, 15-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, LED high- and low-beam headlights, a rearview camera, and a suite of advanced safety features that includes pre-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.

Price is the only reason we'd pick a Prius c over the latest base Prius Liftback, which means opting for a One model that looks like this:

  • Model: 2018 Toyota Prius c One
  • Engine: 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine / 60-hp electric motor / 19.3-kw nickel-metal hydride battery pack
  • Output: 73 horsepower (engine), 60 horsepower (electric motor), 99 horsepower (system net) / 82 lb-ft (engine), 125 lb-ft (electric motor)
  • Transmission: CVT automatic
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • MPG: 48 City / 43 Highway
  • Options: None
  • Base Price: $21,525 (including an $895 destination fee)
  • Best Value Price:$21,525

Performance

Toyota Prius c

The Prius c's performance highlights include excellent fuel economy – an EPA-estimated 48 miles per gallon in the city, 43 on the highway, and 46 combined – plus a number of advanced safety features. It comes into its own in urban areas where communicative steering and a small footprint make scooting around town and parking in tight spots a breeze.

On the highway, however, it isn't nearly as much fun, as its meager system horsepower struggles to move the Prius c with any alacrity. In addition, when pushed, the engine sounds noisy and unrefined, while low speed, battery-only EV mode lasts less than a mile due to its smallish 6.5 amp-hour NiMH battery.

Style

Unlike the Prius Liftback, the Prius c doesn't look like a hybrid and garners kudos for its conventional design and single rear window. In addition, the four long doors allow easy access to the interior, where it's possible to seat four six-foot adults in relative comfort, while the hatchback body means a very usable 17.1 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seat up.

On the flip side, despite a number of recent upgrades, the interior, a veritable cornucopia of hard plastic trim that lags well behind competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq, is accessed via doors that close with an econobox-sounding, hollow thud.

The Best and Worst Things

Excellent fuel economy and a spacious interior should make the Prius c an appealing subcompact, but a bargain-basement interior and poor performance will probably tip the scales for many buyers.

Right For? Wrong For?

Toyota Prius c

A starting price of $21,525 and EPA-estimated numbers of 48 miles per gallon in the city, 43 on the highway, and 46 combined should be enough to attract eco-friendly buyers – especially those who are price-sensitive – to the Prius c.

The Prius c's mediocre performance will cause many buyers – those who identify as enthusiasts most of all – to look somewhere else.

The Bottom Line

Despite excellent fuel economy and remarkable interior room, underwhelming performance, a cheap-looking interior, and better competitors – including the Kia Niro, Hyundai Ioniq, and even the new Prius Liftback – make the Prius c an also-ran in its class.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.5L I-4 / 73 HP / 82 ft.lbs.
Transmission
2-spd CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
48 / 43 / 46 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.5L I-4 / 73 HP / 82 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
48 / 43 / 46 Mpg
Brakes
Front Disc/rear Drum
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
9.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$36
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
17.1 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
87 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
159.8 "
Exterior Width
67.5 "
Exterior Height
58.7 "
Front Headroom
38.6 "
Rear Headroom
37.0 "
Front Legroom
41.7 "
Rear Legroom
35.0 "
Front Shoulder Room
52.3 "
Rear Shoulder Room
51.7 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,530 Lbs.
Wheel Base
100 "
Turning Radius
15.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
15.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone / Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
4-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
Full Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan
Speakers
4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
24 Months / 25,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
24 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2018 Toyota Prius c for Sale

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SC Motors II (30 mi)

Phone: (714) 524-8400
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Mileage

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SC Motors II (30 mi)

Phone: (714) 524-8400
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