2012-2014 Toyota Prius C Review and Road Test

In the geek world we have "Moore's law" which states the number of transistors in ICs will double every two years. In the automotive world we have the bloat law. Every generation of a vehicle will get more powerful, heavier and physically larger than its predecessor, ultimately requiring the manufacturer to design an entirely new, smaller car to fill the void left by the original.
Back in 2001, the original Prius cost $19,995, weighed 2,765lbs and delivered 52/45MPG. Three generations later it costs $24,000, tips the scales at 3,050lbs, yields 51/48MPG and is far more practical for a family of four. Listing for $1,000 less than the original Prius and weighing a svelte 2,500lbs, the baby Prius delivers 53/46MPG of hatchback hybrid love. More important than the weight loss routine is the fact that this new Prius is "only" $4,835 more expensive than the Toyota's Yaris (the cheapest 5-door economy car in their US lineup.) That might sound like a big chunk of change, but back in 2001, the Prius was $6,591 dearer. We can thank this price difference to Toyota's continuing efforts to downsize their hybrid system's footprint and price tag. Speaking of that footprint, the Prius c manages to weigh only 185lbs more than the 5-door Yaris L while the original Prius was 700lbs heavier than the Echo of the era. For once downsizing is progress.
Harkening back to the Prius origins isn't just something I wax poetic about, Toyota did as well resurrecting the original 1.5L engine from the first generation Prius. While the engine is essentially the same it now produces 73HP and 82b-ft of torque, up 3HP due mostly to the removal of all the belt driven accessories including the water pump. Rather than lifting the old Hybrid Synergy Drive from the first gen Prius or borrowing the liftback's larger transaxle, Toyota designed an all-new unit with smaller motors and considerably smaller packaging. Total system horsepower is rated at 99HP and around 125lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the Prius c's low curb weight, the power reduction compared to the liftback isn't obvious, with the Prius c scooting to 60 in just under 11 seconds.
The Prius c may be the smallest and cheapest member of the Prius family, but it may also be the best. It preserves the funkiness of the center mount cluster while giving up some quirkiness to convention. Not to mention, excellent fuel economy is addictive. While I may not be willing to get out of my SUV for 30 or 40MPG, 50+ MPG makes the trade something else entirely. It also makes the Yaris redundant. I can't honestly think of a single reason to get the Yaris over the Prius c, considering that the difference in cost would be made up over the car's life. I am frequently asked what my favorite car is, and I don't know if I have one -- but the Prius c, for its reasonable price and high fuel economy, is certainly on the very short list of cars that I would buy myself.
Music by Kevin MacLeod, incompetech.com/
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[@coffeekhan]

Alex, I just came back to this video because I recently test drove a c4. This is a very good review of the C, but what struck me was how much better your videos are now, even though this one wasn't published all that long ago. You certainly have worked hard at improving your craft! Great job, and keep up the hard work!

[@otisedward3964]

I realize I am pretty off topic but does anybody know of a good site to watch newly released tv shows online?

[@way2kuhl]

Another excellent review. You put out more useful info in less time than anybody.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It depends on what you're after. The Prius C delivers the highest MPGs and the lowest average cost to own, but the trade off is a cheaper interior with fewer creature comforts you would find in the competition. The Note specifically delivers a slightly nicer cabin in SV and SL trim at a lower purchase price than the Prius but in the long run will only tie with the Prius due to higher operating costs.

[@iridius001]

Thank you for this informative video!

[@aurelian1]

Very nuts-and-bolts - nice break from the usual looks. Always have respect for TTAC.

[@ablebasher17]

This is the best car you can buy with your money.

[@TeakScoop]

Good review on the Prius C. I particularly like the MPG ratings quoted, my kind of figures, however no one in any of the 'write ups' have said whether it uses Regular gas or High Test gas. That would make a difference to me.

[@Dark0blivion]

Hey Alex--it's been over a year since you reviewed this car. How would you rank it compared to other compacts you've reviewed since then? eg, the Versa Note? What would you personally buy?

[@electrictroy2010]

You should see the Ultra-small parts inside a 1999-2006 Insight or Fiesta/Focus (just 1.0 liter)
.

[@Dark0blivion]

Thanks. Is there a particular online took/widget that you use to calculate overall cost-to-own? I've looked at the one used on Edmunds, but I wonder if there's a better one that would take initial price, depreciation, maintenance schedules, etc, all into account.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I actually prefer Edmund's work on the TCO front, I have spent plenty of time talking to the Edmunds people that do the TCO calculations and I trust their judgement in that area.

[@MrJeff832000]

OK PEOPLE NEW CAR BUYER HERE IM GETTING A 2013 PRIUS C-MODEL AND NEVER DRIVEN ONE BEFORE BUT GETTING IT FOR GAS MILAGE AND KEEPING MY BILLS LOW, BUT IF ANYONE OWNS ONE CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR EXPIERENCE WITH IT IF THERE ARE ANY ISSUES I NEED TO WATCH OUT FOR AND BASICALLY THE PRO'S/CON'S OF THE CAR ID REALLY APPRECIATE IT EVERYONE

[@nbatalkz6635]

5 years later did u get it?

[@djkenny1202]

I am debating between dropping over 17 grand for a Prius 2 left over 2016 at a dealer, or a 10k new Mirage. I liked the Mirage seats and outward vision better, and managed over 50 mpg on the freeway during the test drive. 8 grand more, that is a lot for me to spend. I actually liked the Mirage a little better to drive with it's 5 speed. It had a little more "Go"..not that either was particularly peppy. I could see out of the rear and even sides and front pillars of the Mirage, too. Do you think the cost of ownership will be that much less over 15 plus years or about equal?

[@Haybaybay7]

djkenny What did you end up buying?

[@chisapic]

Is there USB input in the standard option?
Thx for review.

[@jasonwilkins1509]

+chisapic Yes, Alex states this is standard in all trims at 5:44

[@fluffyfetlocks]

"plastic as you'd expect just under $20000". I love how plastic is considered that expensive.

[@desicayenne9948]

Can you use the car to travel

[@MsBickle76]

Lowest one Unleaded. I believe it's called "regular"

[@DJTEVAdotCOM]

God those seats are hideous...I'll get some nice seat cover right away

[@newoldkid]

regular

[@bodhifyer]

6:45 you said allah :0

[@mans4104]

San Francisco Bay area, Gas expensive, electricity expensive, higher taxes , looks like the socialist paradise is expensive.

[@JohnDoe-lw2nm]

Yea, too expensive for you. Best stay in Topeka.