2015 Toyota Prius C 1.5 Hybrid VVT-i CVT (99 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Toyota refreshed the Prius C for the 2016 model year and made it even more attractive to young buyers since it was better-looking and one of the most affordable hybrids on the market.

The Japanese automaker launched the Prius C as a lower-priced, city-oriented version of the Prius. It unveiled it in 2012, and by 2015, the compact-sized hybrid hatchback was ready to receive a facelift. Toyota seemed to finally understand that it had to invest more in the design department because the technology the car offered was already proven, and the carmaker’s reliability index was sky-high. As a result, it didn’t focus too much on enhancing the drivetrain and invested more in the vehicle’s overall look and features. In addition, the automaker tried to make the Prius C more attractive to younger customers who were willing to get a fuel-efficient vehicle for their daily commute. On the other hand, the dynamic factor of the Prius C was not essential, so customers couldn’t brag about the performance of their vehicles, which gave their parents peace of mind.

Despite the fact that the Prius C was not a sporty vehicle, Toyota restyled it with a more aggressive front fascia. For the 2016 model year, the car came with a hexagonal-shaped broad grille interrupted only by the horizontal slat that supported the license plate. Since both elements were black, it looked like the car had a massive front opening, ready to eat the road. The single LED projector low- and high-beam headlights were also new and offered as standard on the One trim level. In addition, on the lower side of the bumper, the automaker added a pair of side scoops that housed round fog lamps and rectangular parking lights.

From its profile, there were little things to be changed on the Prius C. The standard version came with a set of 15-inch alloy wheels, while a Sport package added a 16-inch set wrapped in low-profile tires. Thanks to the ascending curved line sculptured on the door panels; it looked closer to a hot hatch than to a fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle. Out back, Toyota installed LED taillights with clear lenses and a chromed background, making the car look sporty and stylish.

Inside, customers could find the Toyota Entune Multimedia Bundle, featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen. For the Three grade, Toyota provided the 2016 Prius C with a same-sized touch-sensitive display with a higher resolution. It also featured a split-screen mode, six JBL speakers, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and navigation. The same screen also displayed information about the hybrid drivetrain, including recharging and drive modes. Toyota noticed that its customers were pleased with the instrument cluster placed atop the dashboard but placed the main information closer to the driving post. Customers with deeper pockets could opt for the Four trim level, which added SofTex upholstery and a wrapped steering wheel. The Prius C boasted a 17.1-cu.ft (484 liters) of space in the trunk, which could almost double when the rear 60/40 bench seat (from the Two grade up) was completely folded down.

Under the hood, things remained unchanged. The 1.5-liter gasoline engine that ran in the Atkinson cycle was efficient in charging the battery pack and keeping up with traffic speeds on the highways. While its out-of-town fuel consumption was not on par with the one provided by its Prius liftback sibling, it shined in city traffic. The 0.28 drag coefficient, which was higher than the 0.25 boasted by the regular Pirus, increased consumption at higher speeds. At the same time, thanks to the lower weight and smaller displacement ICE, the Prius C had an improved fuel efficiency over its larger sibling.