DecodedCars2015 Toyota Prius c
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 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
- 2,496 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 50 MPG combined — 90% better than the average 2015 compact car (26.3 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 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 2,496 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 50 MPG combined (53 city / 46 highway), 90% better than the 2015 compact car average of 26.3 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 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Prius c — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 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 | 2,496 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 | +90% | $1,350 | 178 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Toyota Prius c.
Similar 2015 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Toyota Prius c (this car) | 50 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 35 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2015 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Ford Fiesta | 35 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Aug 13, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V514000 · 949 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2015 Toyota Prius C vehicles manufactured April 20, 2015, to June 30, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may be improperly calibrated and, as a result, the TPMS may fail to warn the driver that the tire pressure is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
- Risk
- If the vehicle is driven on underinflated tires, the tires may fail. Sudden tire failure increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will re-calibrate the TPMS, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET15E.
Not every 2015 Toyota Prius c is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Toyota Prius c buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 3 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 18,000 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 2015 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 |
| 2014 Prius c | 50 | 157.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 33 |
| 2013 Prius c | 50 | 157.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 52 |
| 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 →