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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr 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 | 48 / 43 / 46 | +72% | $1,450 | 193 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.8% |

Similar 2019 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Toyota Prius c (this car) | 46 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 Mazda 3 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Toyota Yaris | 35 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2019 Ford Fiesta | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2019 Mazda 2 | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
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.
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
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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 2019 Toyota Prius c. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Prius c years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 →