DecodedCars2016 Toyota Prius c
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 5dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 96 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 50 combined · 53 city / 46 hwy
- Length
- 157.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,496 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 50 MPG combined — 88% better than the average 2016 compact car (26.6 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 96 hp, versus about 197 hp for similar 2016 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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 50 MPG combined (53 city / 46 highway), 88% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,350 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Prius c — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Prius c →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2016 Prius c configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
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 | 53 / 46 / 50 | +88% | $1,350 | 178 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Toyota Prius c.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota Prius c (this car) | 50 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2016 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Ford Fiesta | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mazda 2 | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Toyota Prius c.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Toyota Prius c is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Toyota Prius c buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Hybrid Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 7,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 2016 Toyota Prius c. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Prius c years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Prius c | 46 | 157.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 Prius c | 46 | 157.5 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 6 |
| 2017 Prius c | 46 | 157.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 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 →