Used 2017 Toyota Prius c

As the least expensive hybrid in the company’s lineup, one might think the 2017 Toyota Prius C subcompact is a bare-bones proposition. But that’s just not the case. While the Prius C is smaller and less powerful than its larger hybrid siblings, it offers a nice array of standard equipment, including Toyota’s Safety Sense-C system that includes pre-collision warning and braking, automatic-high-beam headlights and lane-departure warning. With a price tag starting around $21,000, the Prius C isn’t all that far from comparably equipped non-hybrid competitors, and its EPA estimated 48-mpg city (adjusted down quite a bit from last year’s 53-mpg figure) handily bests cars like the Ford Fiesta SFE, Toyota Corolla LE Eco and Mitsubishi Mirage.

Toyota’s subcompact Prius C hybrid for 2017 may not be quick, but it isn’t dull, either. With the compact Yaris serving as its platform, the Prius C comes to play with a sturdy body, precise steering and a fairly even front-to-rear weight distribution. It’s no Mazda3 for sure, but even at high speeds the Prius C feels confident in the curves. If only it had a bit more oomph for passing and merging. Truth be told, the Prius C is most at home in urban settings where its compact size makes it easy to maneuver and park. In normal driving mode the Prius C returns a 48-mpg-city rating, and while there is an electric-only mode, it can only be employed for about one mile at speeds under 25 mph. The price paid for the Prius C’s 99-horsepower output? It takes nearly 12 seconds to reach 60 mph.

Far from bare bones, the 2017 Toyota Prius C subcompact offers the standard Prius’ center-mounted gauges and multifunction steering wheel that carry over directly from the larger Prius liftback. The Prius C has comfortable and supportive seats up front, and a back seat that’s good for two adults or three kids. Those rear seats fold to nearly double the 17.1-cubic-foot cargo area.

Although it’s based off the Yaris subcompact, the Toyota Prius C hybrid for 2017 offers styling that puts it squarely in the Prius family, even if it is the runt of the hybrid litter. New front and rear designs join a black-out rear spoiler to give the Prius C a slightly sporty look, but the sweeping headlights with standard LEDs and distinctive taillights remain firmly rooted in the Prius design language. Unique touches include a "boomerang"’ shape within the rear doors. Prius C base models come with 15-inch alloy wheels, while the top-line Four offers 8-spoke 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and fog lights.

TOUCH-SCREEN MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM
The 2017 Toyota Prius C hybrid features an improved version of Toyota’s Entune audio. The system’s 6.1-inch touch screen is easy to operate and features large icons for functions, as well as an ample multimedia bundle.

46 MPG
Toyota’s 2017 Prius C hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. The 46-mpg combined rating is not a joke, and many owners report even better mileage when they go easy on the throttle (a practice known as “hypermiling”).

Like other Prius models, the 2017 Toyota Prius C hybrid comes in trim levels designated by spelled-out numbers. The Prius C One comes with standard LED headlights, power mirrors, Entune audio, Toyota Safety Sense-C, automatic climate control, cloth seats, and Bluetooth phone controls. Prius C Two models add cruise control and a center-console storage compartment, while Prius Three models get push-button start. Prius C Four models get heated faux-leather seats, a power moonroof and a rearview camera. Audio systems all include a 6.1-inch touch-screen display and USB input, but Three and Four models get navigation and a few other amenities.

Because of the 4-tier model lineup, individual options are sparse for the 2017 Prius C hybrid, and are confined to the Three and Four models. The Prius C Three model can be fitted with a power moonroof, and the Four model can be upgraded with 16-inch alloy wheels.

Lift the hood, and the 2017 Toyota Prius C will look familiar to any Prius driver. Using a smaller version of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive found in the larger Prius, the Prius C teams a 73-horsepower, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 60-horsepower electric motor energized by a compact nickel-metal hydride battery located beneath the rear seat. It combines for a peak of 99 horsepower, sending it through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to the front wheels. Normal, Eco and EV drive modes let drivers amp up the thriftiness, from Normal’s already good settings to Eco’s subtle adjustments of throttle response and climate control to maximize efficiency. EV takes gasoline completely out of the equation for short periods of time 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

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.