DecodedCars2013 Toyota Prius c
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- /Technology 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 50 combined · 53 city / 46 hwy
- Length
- 157.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,502 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 50 MPG combined — 93% better than the average 2013 compact car (25.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Toyota Prius c is a compact car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 158 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 100-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,502 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 50 MPG combined (53 city / 46 highway), 93% better than the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,350 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Prius c — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Prius c →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| /Technology 4dr Hatchback | 157.5 in | 66.9 in | 57.1 in | 100.4 in | 57.1 / 56.7 in | 2,502 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius c Hybrid | 1.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 53 / 46 / 50 | +93% | $1,350 | 179 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Toyota Prius c.
Similar 2013 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Toyota Prius c (this car) | 50 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Ford Fiesta | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Mazda 2 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Toyota Prius c.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2013 Toyota Prius c is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Toyota Prius c buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 21 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 15 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 7 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Toyota Prius c. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Prius c years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Prius c | 46 | 157.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 Prius c | 46 | 157.5 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 6 |
| 2017 Prius c | 46 | 157.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2016 Prius c | 50 | 157.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 12 |
| 2015 Prius c | 50 | 157.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 17 |
| 2014 Prius c | 50 | 157.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 33 |
| 2012 Prius c | 50 | 157.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 53 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →