DecodedCars2018 Toyota Prius c
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 46 MPG combined — 70% better than the average 2018 compact car (27 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Few owner complaints6 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 29 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 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), 70% better than the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $1,450 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 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 | +70% | $1,450 | 193 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.8% |
Similar 2018 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Prius c (this car) | 46 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Toyota Yaris | 35 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Ford Fiesta | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Jetta | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Mazda 2 | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Hybrid Propulsion System · Jun 26, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V491000 · 464 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Prius C vehicles. The DC-DC converter may fail resulting in the auxiliary battery no longer receiving power from the converter, which may cause a loss of drive.
- Risk
- A loss of drive increases the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DC-DC converter with a new one, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is K0K.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Mar 15, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V176000 · 19 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Prius C vehicles sold in Puerto Rico. The front passenger air bag and recommended child occupant seating positions label may not have been attached during assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- If the label is missing, occupants may not follow the proper restraint usage guidelines, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners and will mail the removable labels to all known owners of the subject vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0L.
Not every 2018 Toyota Prius c is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Toyota Prius c buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,233 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 2018 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 |
| 2017 Prius c | 46 | 157.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2016 Prius c | 50 | 157.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 12 |
| 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 →