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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Toyota Prius c

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Toyota Prius c

Overview

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2012 Toyota Prius c Review

By Bob Nagy

KBB Expert Rating: 7.9

Taking Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) technology down to its smallest size yet, the 2012 Toyota Prius C - for "City" – arrives on the scene as the latest and most fuel-efficient member of the automaker's ever-expanding Prius family. With a starting price below $20,000, this subcompact 5-door hatchback also is the most affordable. It should prove particularly appealing to those leaning toward conventional rivals like the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, and even the Toyota Yaris.

You'll Like This Car If...

Anyone seeking a scaled-down sustainable transportation solution that matches practicality, versatility and a surprising level of affordability with outstanding fuel economy will be well served by the new Toyota Prius C.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While the Prius C is attractively priced for a hybrid, some buyers may find that a more affordable conventional alternative – like the Ford Fiesta SFE, Honda Fit or Hyundai Accent – may deliver a better long-term total return on their investment.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.9
Driving Dynamics

7.0
Comfort & Convenience

7.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.0
Value

8.0
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#2

out of 22

MPG

#21

out of 22

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.7 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's Significant About This Car?

Aimed at young, value-oriented consumers, the 2012 Prius C is coupled with four trim levels – named One, Two, Three and Four. An outstanding roster of standard features and a 50-mpg EPA combined rating endows the new Prius C with a grand slam of character traits that should endear it to budget-conscious buyers of all ages.

Driving the Prius c

2012 Toyota Prius c Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions A strategically reinforced body and optimally positioned battery and powertrain elements coupled with purpose-tuned suspension bits elevate handling dynamics of the new Prius C well beyond the Toyota Yaris on...

which it's based. Although low-rolling resistance tires limit cornering grip to acceptably modest levels, body roll is impressively controlled and the column-mounted electric power steering offers surprisingly positive feel and decent feedback in standard form as well as with the quicker-ratio setup that accompanies the 16-inch wheel/tire package. The same holds true of the Prius C's well-regulated regenerative disc/drum antilock brake system. Ride quality skews towards the firm side in all models and can be somewhat harsh on rough road surfaces, particularly on the C Four with the wheel/tire upgrade. While fully capable of dealing with urban commuting and freeway cruising duties, the Prius C's 11.5 second 0-60 mph time does encourage a bit of driver discretion prior to engaging in any dramatic overtaking maneuvers.

Favorite Features

Display Audio System

Standard in Prius C Three/C Four trim grades, the 6-speaker Display Audio System with Navigation and Entune multimedia includes a 6.1-inch LED touchscreen, voice recognition capability, HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with Real Time traffic/weather/sports/stocks/fuel prices, plus a smartphone interface that allows access to various downloadable apps, including Bing and Pandora.

Enhanced Multi-mode Eco Display

The Prius C is the first of Toyota's HSD clan to be fitted with an upgraded Multi-information Display that offers even more Eco Savings-related data-logging features – including the ability to calculate actual mpg and fuel-cost savings over various time/distance intervals as well as present relative cost comparisons versus other vehicles.

2012 Toyota Prius c Details

2012 Toyota Prius c Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Prius family values are clearly evident inside of the Prius C's surprisingly spacious and well-finished passenger compartment. The commonality is clearest in the offset positioning of the hatchback's main gauge display and the design of its multifunction steering wheel, which carries directly from the Prius liftback sedan. Well-formed bucket seats provide a good combination of comfort and support up front while the Prius C's rear bench – which features a 60/40 split back in all but the C One model - can accommodate a pair of average-size adults or three kids. It easily folds flat to virtually doubles the capacity of the Prius C's already generous 17.4-cubic-foot cargo bay.

Exterior

While based on the Toyota Yaris platform, a comprehensive recasting endows the 2012 Prius C with the distinctive "Triangle Silhouette" design motif seen in other members of the Prius family. Aerodynamically optimized front/rear exterior treatments and the jaunty sweep of its C-pillar and body side contouring add visual interest to this diminutive newcomer while helping mask the fact that it is over a foot and a half shorter than the standard Prius liftback. Prius C One/Two/Three variants wear 175/65 low-rolling resistance tires on 15-inch steel wheels while the C4 gets standard aluminum rims and offers optional 16-inch alloys and 195/50 rubber.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Offered in four distinct variants, all Prius C models are impressively equipped and include automatic climate control, an enhanced Multi-Information Display, remote keyless entry, seven airbags and the comprehensive Toyota STAR Safety system. Even the baseline audio system offers AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA capability plus AUX/USB/iPod inputs and Bluetooth connectively. The C Two adds things like premium 2-tone fabric trim, a tilt/telescoping steering column, cruise control and a 6-way driver's seat, while the Prius C Three and Four models gain a Display Audio/Navigation/Entune multimedia package, Touch Tracer display and push-button starting. The primo C Four also features leather-like and eco-friendly SofTex upholstery, heated front bucket seats and fog lights.

Optional Equipment

The Prius C is essentially configured in four different equipment-specific trim grades, and consequently, the extras list is minimal. Save for a choice of nine exterior colors and various dealer-installed accessory items, there are no options for either the Prius C One or C Two models. The Prius C Three can be fitted with a power tilt/slide moonroof and 15-inch alloy wheels, while C Four buyers can opt for the moonroof as well as a 16-inch alloy wheel upgrade that also nets quicker-ratio electric power steering.

Under the Hood

Sole powertrain for the Prius C is a new, downsized but upgraded version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system that teams a 73-horsepower/1.5-liter Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a new smaller, lighter hybrid transaxle that contains a 60-hp drive motor energized by a compact nickel-metal hydride battery that's located beneath the rear seat. Collectively, this gas/electric pairing makes 99 quite serviceable horsepower and works in concert with an equally new, slimmer and trimmer Power Control Unit. The Prius C offers the choice of Normal, Eco and EV modes, with the latter delivering up to one mile of zero-emissions travel at up to a 25-mph pace. However, the more meaningful upside is the Prius C's real-world fuel economy, pegged by the EPA at an estimated 53/46 mpg city/highway.

1.5-liter inline-4 + 45-kilowatt Electric Motor and 0.87kWh battery pack
73 horsepower @ 4,800 rpm/60 horsepower (99 net system horsepower)
82 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm/125 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 53/46 mpg

Pricing Notes

Toyota intends to fully leverage the potential market appeal of the Prius name with this new newest member of the family. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price ranges from just over $19,700 for a Prius C One to just under $24,000 for a Prius C Four, and even a fully loaded top-line Four will barely crack the $25,000 mark. Those opening numbers position it about $4,000 below comparable members of the Prius "Classic" liftback sedan lineup. While it's certainly possible to buy a gasoline-powered competitor for less, nothing on the market without plug-in capability can touch the Prius C's stellar fuel economy figures. Depending on your tendency to rack up miles, that fact can serve as a very enticing advantage, particularly if the price of gasoline rises beyond the $4/gallon level. KBB.com has not yet issued residual value figures for the Prius C, but the existing Prius has held its own versus other hybrid offerings and that seems likely to be the case with this scaled-down variation on the theme.

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2012 Toyota Prius c Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.7

Out of 10

Based on 24 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.7/10

Quality

9.5/10
Reliability

9.8/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.3/10

Super gas saver car.

By Jerry (CA) on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 550

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "48.7 mpg."

Cons: "Alloy wheel is not a standard feature."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"If you look to save gas, then look at Prius C. 2013 Prius C is actually getting 48.7 mpg combine city/highway. Overall, it's a great car."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love Love Love

By Branmufn3 (OR) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 550

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great Value, Fun Ride, and Amazing Gas Mileage!"

Cons: "None that I haven't already figured out."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I was a Subaru fanatic until I found this car. About a week before working a 70+ hour work week due to a job change, and moving into a job where a reliable vehicle is a must, my 2005 Subaru Impreza Outback died on the Interstate. I was devastated, but wanted to invest the $5000 to get it back to almost new condition. Some words of wisdom from family, friends, and coworkers got me at least considering the idea of purchasing a new car (my Subaru has never died on me and I will still say that it was worth it to put the money into it... but...). I got out and started looking at all of my different options. I looked at new cars, used cars, then finally decided to take a look at some hybrids since they are so economical. WOW! The Prius C blew me away. It's cuter than a full-sized Prius and it's a car I'm not embarrassed to drive. While there are some downsides: the dash and driver's cup holder being awkwardly placed to the point that a drink will "bump" the dash when you put it into the cup holder, the seats are a little hard, and the car does not have as much get-up-and-go as I would have liked... plus they don't make hybrids in a manual version. However, I have learned to overcome all of these and am extremely happy with my choice. I tilt drinks ever so slightly, purchased some cushioned seat covers, and have learned to enjoy the ease of an automatic transmission. When paired with my killer gas mileage, quick maneuvering capabilities (hello amazing parallel parker!), and the fact that the car can definitely keep up on the highway or around town, I believe I made a wonderful choice and have not regretted it once in the few weeks that I've owned this gem of a vehicle. Plus... it's so quiet that sometimes I feel like it's not even running."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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The future is NOW !

By Tony (WA) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Very easy to drive, great on gas even on highway!"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am 48 years old and one entry in my bucket list goes "Drive a hybrid car" before I am no longer capable of driving. I did interviw a lot of taxi drivers driving the larger Pruises and it was interesting to note that none of them had any negative comment about their vehicle. They give the Prius very high regard for driver comfort, reliability and its long lasting battery (most of them have clicked over 100K miles) and just like that pink bunny...it just keeps going..and going!! This pretty much added to my desire to get one. Then the vehicle gods gave me a better option with the youngest member of the Prius brood. The "C" variant. So far I am averaging 54mpg. So far so good! I got the top-of-the-line model Prius C. It has all the bells and whistles you'll find in a luxury car like push button start. The built in Navigation system and hands-free blue tooth connectivity is top notch! The many ways the car's computer tells you how much gas you are consuming (or saving) and the throng of other infotainment at your fingertips is just mind blowing! (They say this model was brought in from Japan as CBU) On the downside, it may be not that responsive coming from a stop light (this is not good for people who jack-rabbit start). As they say - this car was built for mpg, not mph. But on the upside - my wife now has better peace of mind knowing that I spend less time on the fast lane =) Thank you vehicle gods! One less entry in my bucket list."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love it

By leroy (OH) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "gas mileage"

Cons: "small size"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We are not small people and we have gone from Cincy to Minneapolis, from Cincy to Albany NY, from Cincy to Gettysburg, from Cincy to Clearwater, Fl in reasonable comfort and great music. This car gets such great mileage we are more than happy to drive in a manner that's not exactly luxury, but reasonable comfort. We have a 2012 and really love it. The "smug" factor is great ;- ) Btw, we are both over 55."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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1 year mark

By MrsM (AR) on Tuesday, March 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "MPG, easy to park, easy to manuever"

Cons: "Storage, small back seat,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had this car for a year now and am still in love with it. I always get questions about if it has to be plugged in (it doesn't) and if it really gets 50 mpgs (I've gotten an average of 47.7 and I mainly drive highway). My husband is 6 foot 2 and never had issues with comfortable seating though I don't recommending driving 5 people in your car for an extended period of time. Overall very satsified though it does take some getting use to in terms of learning the best way to drive to maximize mpgs."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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SUPERB VEHICLE

By # 1 for all (FL) on Tuesday, March 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Gas savings pays for the car"

Cons: "Interior fabric and colors could use improvement."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Drove a BMW 3 series. This C Two saves me about $392/month in fuel costs. So, the way I look at it - the car pays for itself! My actual MPG are much higher than Toyota states. I get 72 in town and 45 on the highway. The only thing I would change about the car is the interior, it's all black/gray fabric - leather should be an option. I just ordered a new one, paid $1100 additional for leather."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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