2012 Toyota Prius C Review

2012 Toyota Prius C Review

Bruce Sheridan

Overview

The two most efficient classes of cars, besides plug in electrics, are hybrids and subcompacts. Taking a move right out of a mad scientist's playbook, Toyota has combined the two and created the new 2012 Toyota Prius C. What they got was the most fuel efficient vehicle outside of plug in hybrids, and one of the most affordable hybrid options on the market.

Toyota is trying to make its Prius brand to be its number one vehicle, and has spawned the smaller Prius C and the larger Prius V to expand the number one hybrid in the world's demographic.

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This car was built to be the cheapest, most fuel efficient option for practical car buyers. In this regard, it's hard to view the Prius C as anything but a success. It is still very early to tell, but Toyota feels very confident it can become one of its best vehicles ever. This unique blend of hybrid and subcompact has everything it needs to attract people looking for the most practical cars.

2012 Toyota Prius C

Starting MSRP	Max City / Hwy MPG
$18,950	53 / 46

Pros	Cons
Best mpg of non plug ins	Dull ride
Cheap hybrid	Weak engine
Very maneuverable

Trims

The 2012 Prius C comes in four different trims, thoughtfully named One through Four. All trims come with the same hybrid engine. Aside for the addition of 16 inch alloy wheels that improve handling, they all drive pretty similarly. The biggest difference between trims is the standard equipment, which comes out in the final price.

Prius C Trims
Name	MSRP	Engine	Best MPG City / Hwy
One	$18,950	Hybrid 1.5L 4-cyl	53 / 46
Two	$19,900	Hybrid 1.5L 4-cyl	53 / 46
Three	$21,635	Hybrid 1.5L 4-cyl	53 / 46
Four	$23,230	Hybrid 1.5L 4-cyl	53 / 46

Performance

If you have a need for speed, you won't find much with the Prius C. The Prius was downsized for the C, and so was the engine. The 1.5L hybrid 4-cyl engine gets a combined 99 horsepower under the hood, but the Prius C really doesn't mind. This car was built for gas mileage, and right now, it is the undisputed champ. The 2012 Toyota Prius C has the highest gas mileage of any non plug in vehicle on the market today, all as a new car for under $20000.

Interior / Exterior

Considering this is a vehicle that is built for practicality and affordability, it should come as no surprise that the interior design of the Toyota Prius C is a bit lacking. The Prius C seems like it sports a lot of cheap plastic features and fabric materials, especially compared to its big brother, the 2012 Toyota Prius. However, it is pretty standard for the subcompact class.

Also like other subcompacts, interior room is pretty lacking all around, but the Prius C is comfortable enough, even for the six footer drivers. The exterior is also not likely to turn many heads, but the Prius C does have its own unique look, just like its larger brothers.

Features

Seeing that this is a car centered on fuel economy, the Prius C's command center reflects that with its array of informational displays that track every aspect of your gas mileage. It can even compare how much money you saved by driving the Prius C over other cars.

All Prius C trims come standard with USB connectivity and Bluetooth, along with all the other features that come in just about every new car these days. The Prius C has a nice set of optional features, and many become standard as you move up the trims. Some of the notable options include Toyota's infotainment and navigation system, Entune, and HD and satellite radio.

Safety

The Prius C is built differently and on a smaller platform than the 2012 Prius and Prius V. Even so, the Prius C joined its larger brothers as an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012. Each Prius C comes with the full arsenal of standard equipment; like electronic stability and traction control, nine air bags, front disc and rear drum anti lock brakes with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist.