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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 28

MPG

#26

out of 28

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 31 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.7/10

Quality

9.6/10
Reliability

9.9/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.5/10

Owned since March, 2013.

By PJ (CA) on Sunday, July 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,300

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Overall MPG so far is 63.5, which is amazing. I love driving this car, as the more I drive, the more I save."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Prius C Second Prius

By Wandering Jew (WA) on Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,500

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: "Eceonomy, comfort, appearance, sufficiant power"

Cons: "If I ever find a con, I will review again"

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

"My wife drives her Prius 50 mils a day to and from work. We drive to schul which is also 50 miles round trip. She has a 2010 Prius 3, mine a 2013 Prius C. She averages 50 plus miles per gallon consistently, I am getting 54 plus. We have only had one recall for an adjustment to the battery charge while breaking. Other than that, we have been trouble free for four years. My Prius C, of is economical as is hers, comfy, as is hers, and on a trip from Seattle to Yuma AZ, the Grand Canyon and back to Seattle, we never had a problem with the 2010, and expect the same performance and reliability with the Prius C. If you want a rocket, or a hauler the Prius C isn't for you, but if you want value economy and a small carbon foot print, Toyota Prius and Prius C is for you. We are sold, and if we ever purchase another car, you can be sure it will be a Toyota Prius or Prius C. I see no reason however to ever need another car. Amazing little cars, there are none better."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Cold Weather

By Cold Weather (WI) on Friday, June 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,900

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: "Gas Savings, Reliability, Price Range"

Cons: "Lack of power"

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

"I own this car since August 2012. I live in Wisconsin. I didn't know what to expect and was not a great fan of Toyota brand. I owned Dodge & Nissan vehicles previously. But my view changed after owning this car. On an average mileage during winter/snow I got from 45 to 55miles per gallon. This is during Dec/Jan/Feb/March. Mileage improved after that & now my monthly average is over 60miles. I've got 85 to 99 on short trip down hill some times. Note that this is with mix of single and riding with family. I'm totally happy with this car. One thing I would suggest Toyota is to improve the power on Prius C and extend its electric drive mode range to 55 from 40."

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Best MPG Car

By PriusC Buyer (CA) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,100

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: "Good Fuel Economy"

Cons: "Back Seats not for everyone"

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

"2013 Prius C is an excellent car around the city. It has a fuel economy of 47.8 mpg city/highway combine. If you don't like gas station, then this is the car for you. If you want power, then you are looking at the wrong car. I commute short distance every day, so Prius C serves me well. If you are looking to save gas, then buy the Prius C. If you are looking for power and driving on the highway, then you might want to look at Malibu or Camry. It's up to you. Test drive and give yourself options and considerations before buying your new car. Happy car shopping!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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By far the best car I have ever owned or driven!

By Lisa (AZ) on Friday, May 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

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: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "My Prius is so much fun to own and drive!"

Cons: "I honestly can't think of even one negative!"

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

"This car is LITERALLY paying for itself! I have done the math and with the current fuel prices being the highest they've been in a while, I have come to the conclusion that what I am saving in fuel cost is far-outweighing the monthly payments that I am making! Also, I can zip in and out of any spot or through and around any traffic better than I have in any other vehicle I have ever owned or driven. In short, I LOVE MY PRIUS!!!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Glad I bought this car

By Robbyb (CA) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,800

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: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "It's all about gas mileage. Dependable, 50+ mpg"

Cons: "none yet"

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

"It's all about gas mileage. Dependable, crazy 50+ mpg. Going uphills you feel a lack of power but the solution is cruise control. I set the cruise going up steep hills and the power seems fine. Bluetooth and my iPhone work seamless. Interior has plenty of room for a compact car. Easy to drive and saves a ton of gas. I thought my gas gauge was broken because it took so long to move off full."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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See all 31 reviews