DecodedCars2017 Toyota Prius c
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 5dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 46 combined · 48 city / 43 hwy
- Length
- 157.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,496 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 46 MPG combined — 71% better than the average 2017 compact car (26.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Few owner complaints2 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 50 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 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 46 MPG combined (48 city / 43 highway), 71% better than the 2017 compact car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,450 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2017
- Best combined MPG down from 50 to 46
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Prius c →
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 | 48 / 43 / 46 | +71% | $1,450 | 193 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.8% |
Similar 2017 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Toyota Prius c (this car) | 46 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2017 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 Toyota Yaris | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Ford Fiesta | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Mazda 2 | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · May 2, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V295000 · 409 vehicles
- Problem
- Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
- Risk
- A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
Not every 2017 Toyota Prius c is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Toyota Prius c buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,000 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 2017 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 |
| 2016 Prius c | 50 | 157.5 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 12 |
| 2015 Prius c | 50 | 157.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 17 |
| 2014 Prius c | 50 | 157.5 in | ★★★★★ | 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 →