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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Toyota Prius c

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Overview

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2013 Toyota Prius c Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.8

The 2013 Prius C is the smallest vehicle in Toyota's family of hybrids. With a starting price under $20,000, this 5-passenger hatchback also represents the least expensive way to get into a Toyota hybrid. Yet like its bigger Prius brother, there's another number that's sure to impress: 50. That's the combined miles-per-gallon rating for the Prius C, which attains an even loftier 53 mpg in the city – the area for which this hybrid gets its "C" designation. The Prius C isn't the least expensive or most fun-to-drive subcompact out there, but its sterling mpg figures stand well beyond even traditional fuel misers in this segment such as the Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Mini Cooper Hardtop, and Hyundai Accent.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're seeking superb fuel economy at an affordable price, the Prius C is hard to beat. And with its hatchback design and tech offerings, Toyota's smallest hybrid won't penalize you when it comes to versatility or creature comforts.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Though the Prius C is competitively priced for a hybrid, some buyers may find a conventional alternative such as the Ford Fiesta, Chevy Sonic or Hyundai Accent a better return on their investment, especially if they don't drive many miles. Those wanting a subcompact with a bit more scoot might prefer a Mini Cooper Hardtop or Honda Fit.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.8
Driving Dynamics

6.9
Comfort & Convenience

6.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.9
Value

7.9
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#1

out of 18

MPG

#17

out of 18

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.7 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2013 Toyota Prius c Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

Since it was just introduced last year, changes are minimal for the Prius C in 2013. All but the base model receive upgraded material for the dash, while the steering wheels in top-line trims are now wrapped in SofTex, a leather-like material.

Driving the Prius c

2013 Toyota Prius c Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions While the Prius C is based on the Toyota Yaris, the hybrid has improved handling dynamics over its value-obsessed sibling. Credit for this goes to a reinforced body, optimally positioned...

battery and powertrain components, and a specially tuned suspension. But don't get the wrong idea: The Prius C is still about high mpg, not high mph. With a 0-60 mph of 11.5 seconds, this hybrid isn't agonizingly slow, but you will need to use discretion when engaging in any dramatic overtaking maneuvers. Meanwhile, cornering grip is acceptable and the electric power steering has a surprisingly positive feel, as does the C's regenerative disc/drum antilock braking system. Ride quality overall is on the firm side and can be a bit harsh on rough roads, especially in models with upgraded wheels and tires.

Favorite Features

TOUCHSCREEN MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM
Upper trims of the 2013 Prius C come with a Display Audio system with a built-in navigation system that features real-time traffic/weather/sports/stocks/fuel prices. In addition to the usual audio and nav functions, the 6.1-inch touchscreen acts as a command center for downloadable apps, such as Pandora, that are part of Toyota's Entune infotainment technology.

50 MPG
That's the EPA combined city/highway fuel economy rating for the 2013 Prius C. With its "city" rating even higher at 53 mpg, you'd have to buy a plug-in vehicle to outperform the Prius C's fuel economy.

2013 Toyota Prius c Details

2013 Toyota Prius c Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The C's Prius family resemblance is evident inside the hybrid's surprisingly spacious cabin. The most notable ties are in the offset positioning of the main gauge display and the multifunction steering wheel that carries over directly from the larger Prius liftback sedan. Up front, the Prius C has comfortable and supportive bucket seats. In back is a rear bench that can accommodate a pair of average-size adults or three kids. The rear seat folds to nearly double the capacity of the hatchback's already generous 17.1-cubic-foot cargo bay. Top-line models have leather-like SofTex seating, while the others feature fabric.

Exterior

Though based on the Yaris platform, the Toyota Prius C has its own identity and exterior traits that define it as a member of the Prius family, albeit one that's over a foot and a half shorter than the standard Prius liftback. Among those visual cues are sweeping headlights, long and vertical taillights, and window design that includes a stylish boomerang shape within the rear doors. The 2013 Prius C comes with 15-inch wheels, with One, Two, and Three trims shod with steel wheels and wheel covers. Top-line Four models wear 8-spoke alloy wheels and further distinguish themselves with fog lights up front.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Prius C comes in four trims, simply named One, Two, Three, and Four. Even the sub-$20,000 One model is quite well-equipped with automatic climate control, a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio unit with auxiliary and USB inputs and Bluetooth streaming, and keyless entry. Prius C Two models add cruise control, 60/40 split folding rear seats in lieu of a one-piece design, a 6-speaker audio system, and a cargo cover. Prius C Three trims include Display Audio navigation unit with the Entune infotainment system, and top-line Four models have aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, SofTex-trimmed upholstery, and heated front seats.

Optional Equipment

The 2013 Prius C is essentially preconfigured in four equipment-specific trims, so options are minimal and confined to the upper two trim levels. Among the extras that can be had in Prius C Three and Four models are a power moonroof and upgraded wheels. For the latter, the Three model can be fitted with 15-inch, 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, while the Four model can be upgraded with 16-inch versions.

Under the Hood

The Prius C is powered by a similar but smaller version of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system used in the larger Prius liftback. The Prius C teams a 73-horsepower/1.5-liter Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a smaller, lighter 60-horsepower drive motor energized by a compact nickel-metal hydride battery located beneath the rear seat. In total, the gas/electric pairing supplies an adequate 99 horsepower. All Prius C models have a CVT automatic transmission, are front-wheel drive, and use regular unleaded gasoline. The Prius C offers three drive modes: Normal, Eco, and EV. Eco mode adjusts throttle response and climate control to maximize efficiency, while EV mode allows you to drive short distances (less than a mile) at speeds below 25 mph on electric power alone.

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

With a starting price of just under $20,000, the 2013 Toyota Prius C is a high-mileage hybrid that doesn't cost much more than a comparably equipped economy-car. Even a loaded Prius C Four only reaches around $25,000. The Prius C's starting price is about $5,000 less than that of the traditional Prius liftback sedan. While it's certainly possible to buy a gasoline-powered competitor such as a Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta, or Mazda2 for less, nothing on the market without plug-in capability can touch the Prius C's fuel economy. Depending on how many miles you rack up and if gasoline rises above the $4/gallon level, that can pencil out to an advantage over the years, never mind the good mood that getting 50 mpg can foster. Like others in Toyota's family of hybrids, the Prius C is expected to hold its value well in the years ahead.

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2013 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