As the smallest member of the Prius family, the Prius c is designed primarily for urban drivers who need to make quick turns and park in small spaces. The Prius c measures just 13 feet in overall length, but it seats five and holds 17 cubic feet of cargo. It also features the lowest price among Toyota’s group of hybrids.
What's New for 2014
The 2014 Prius c remains unchanged from the 2013 model year.
Choosing Your Toyota Prius C
Although the Prius c comes in four different trims, they all feature a hybrid power system that includes a 73-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor powered by a 26-horsepower nickel-metal hydride battery. The total system output comes to about 99 horsepower. An electronic continuously variable transmission aids in efficient use of the power, as do two drive modes. EV mode uses only the electric motor for power, while ECO mode operates to conserve gasoline by limiting the use of the climate-control system and adjusting throttle response to maximize miles per gallon.
Trim levels for the Prius c are numbered simply One, Two, Three and Four.
Two
Move up to Level Two and you get six speakers, cruise control and upgraded fabric selections. The rear seat now features a 60/40 split so you can fold down just one side and carry a passenger.
Three
The Prius c Three upgrades the infotainment features to include a navigation system and satellite radio. A moonroof and eight-spoke alloy wheels are now available as options.
Four
The top-level Four trim adds heat to the outside rearview mirrors, front seats and steering wheel. The Three’s optional wheels are now standard, while a set of 16-inch wheels are optional. SofTex synthetic seat covering looks like leather but weighs only half as much to boost driving economy.
If it fits your budget, we would recommend paying a little extra for the Three or Four, which will also do a better job of holding their value when it's time to trade in.