Makes›Toyota›Prius c›2019

2019 Toyota Prius c

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.

Toyota Prius c
Pictured: 2012 Toyota Prius c (NHP10R) hatchback (2015-07-03) 01. Photo: OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
5dr Hatchback
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid
MPG (best)
46 combined · 48 city / 43 hwy
Length
157.5 in
Curb weight
2,496 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
1 campaign

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 46 MPG combined — 72% better than the average 2019 compact car (26.8 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 25 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2019 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 46 MPG combined (48 city / 43 highway), 72% better than the 2019 compact car average of 26.8 MPG, for an estimated $1,450 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 1 recall campaign on file.

What changed for 2019

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 Prius c — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Prius c →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
5dr Hatchback157.5 in66.9 in57.1 in100.4 in57.1 / 56.7 in2,496 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Prius c Hybrid1.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive48 / 43 / 46+72%$1,450193
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.8 MPG2019 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2019 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★11.8%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2019 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD
Frontal crash test — 2019 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2019 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD
Side crash test — 2019 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2019 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2019 Toyota Prius c (this car)46 MPG★★★★★1
2019 Mazda 330 MPGNot rated0
2019 Volkswagen Golf/GTI32 MPG★★★★★6
2019 Toyota Yaris35 MPGNot rated3
2019 Ford Fiesta31 MPG★★★★★3
2019 Mitsubishi Mirage39 MPG★★★★★0
2019 Mazda 235 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (1)

Hybrid Propulsion System · Jun 26, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V491000 · 464 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Prius C vehicles. The DC-DC converter may fail resulting in the auxiliary battery no longer receiving power from the converter, which may cause a loss of drive.
Risk
A loss of drive increases the risk of crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DC-DC converter with a new one, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is K0K.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2019 Toyota Prius c is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

No owner complaints for the 2019 Toyota Prius c in NHTSA's database since 2015.

Used 2019 Toyota Prius c buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  3. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Toyota Prius c. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Prius c years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2018 Prius c46157.5 in★★★★★26
2017 Prius c46157.5 inNot rated12
2016 Prius c50157.5 inNot rated012
2015 Prius c50157.5 inNot rated117
2014 Prius c50157.5 inNot rated033
2013 Prius c50157.5 inNot rated052
2012 Prius c50157.5 inNot rated053

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →