Used 2019 Toyota Prius c

The 2019 Toyota Prius C is the most affordable new hybrid. Starting price: $22,450. It’s a subcompact hatchback with only 99 horsepower, but to achieve 48 mpg in the city, it was never going to be a tarmac-burner. The Prius C has been around since 2012 with only a few updates. Changes happening with the 2019 range, which we’ll go into below, and the fact that the bigger Prius (no C) is within a similar financial reach — but returns superior fuel economy — leads us to believe it may not be around for much longer, at least in its present form. In the meantime, this fuel-sipper comes with useful safety equipment as standard while competing with the Hyundai Ioniq and Kia Niro hybrids, plus economical conventional rivals like the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic.

Apparently, the C in the 2019 Prius C’s name relates to “city.” This subcompact hatchback is certainly at home in this environment, able to spring off the line when the lights go green, dart into a traffic gap, then take advantage of tight parking spots thanks to its modest dimensions. There are rivals with more compelling driving manners, like the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta, but the Prius C is far from the yawn that 99 horsepower might imply. The suspension is basic by modern standards, but that means a driver can feel what’s going on, trusting the setup enough to brake late into a corner, which brings a mild hint of rotation, then the car eases through the bend. It’s on the freeway where that lack of power becomes disappointing. It takes a while to reach speeds that keep up with the flow. Overtaking requires a considerate driver in front and preferably a tailwind.

Although the hard plastics around the dashboard and center console are more prevalent than we’d like to see, everything is put together well enough for the price. And the shapes are pleasant in a mildly futuristic way. The center-mounted display for the engine/battery system takes some getting used to if this is a driver’s first hybrid. Outward vision is excellent. For a subcompact, rear accommodation is adequate, with space for a couple of average-sized adults. Behind those seats is 17.1 cubic feet of luggage space, sufficient for three or four carry-on roller cases. Toyota doesn’t give the seats-down figure, but it can probably take another 10 of those cases.

It’s all very well for a hybrid vehicle to be easily distinguishable from those using gasoline-only power, but the Prius and Prius Prime plug-in hybrid are now (arguably) downright weird. The 2019 Prius C has its own style, which is quite conventional and perhaps all the better for it. There’s a bit of a European flavor in there that’s always welcome, providing a certain understated flair. Yet the hatchback section is also wonderfully practical.

TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE C
Safety Sense C is found in compact Toyota vehicles. It’s an umbrella term that incorporates forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. It’s standard in both trim levels of the 2019 Prius C.

EV/ECO MODES
Drive the 2019 Prius C without going into these modes and it will still achieve great fuel economy. It qualifies as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV). Select Eco mode, though, and the powertrain is set for maximum efficiency. In EV mode, the Prius C can run on battery power for about a half-mile.

Up until now, the Prius C’s trim levels went from “One” to “Four.” For 2019, these become L and LE, with roughly the same equipment as “Two” and “Three.” This means 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, hill-start assistance, automatic climate control, cruise control, 6.1-inch infotainment touch screen, Bluetooth, USB port, rearview camera and 60/40-split/fold rear seats. The LE comes with keyless entry/ignition, navigation, satellite radio and an upgraded audio system.

About the only options for the 2019 Prius C come with the LE trim. These are a power tilt-and-slide moonroof with a sliding sunshade and the option of deleting the black roof rails.

The 2019 Prius C deploys a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine augmented by an electric motor, which is powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery (housed under the back seat). Other Toyota hybrids have more power, but the principle is the same and it’s been highly successful for the company. This model sends a total of 99 horsepower to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Just put it in D and drive. Normal, Eco and EV modes optimize fuel consumption, from Normal’s already good settings to Eco’s subtle adjustments of throttle response and climate control for more efficiency. EV mode shuts down the gasoline engine for short stretches at speeds below 25 mph.

1.5-liter inline-4
73 horsepower @ 4,800 rpm
82 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
45-kilowatt electric motor
60 horsepower, 125 lb-ft of torque
Total System output: 99 horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 48/43 mpg