2019 Prius C – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Spec
A Prius Made Compact
Already prized for its astounding fuel economy, the compact hatch is made even more compact with the Prius ‘C’ (City) variant. The smaller form factor means more seamless driving through the tight squeeze of busy cities. A lighter car also means the Prius C will get you ridiculously low fuel consumption – EPA of 46 mpg on combined city and highway driving to be exact.
The point here is that a smaller form factor means tighter packaging. And a tighter package means more rigidity. That said, expect the Prius C to deliver a confident drive in the steering and handling department.
The same can’t be said for acceleration though. Its hopes are governed by a 1.5L 4 cylinder engine and an electric motor netting to a total of just 99 horsepower. A standard CVT transmission manages the gear shifts.
Coupled with the fact that the battery pack is using older nickel-metal-hydride technology rather than more recent lithium ion, the Prius C is really just older technology trickled down from previous generations of the Prius that’s been tried and tested for over a decade.
Retaining the Spirit of the Prius
Interior remains familiar to that of older generations – stripping out the latest fancy gadgetry. Seating is also what you would expect in a compact hatch with smaller and tighter seats with an authoritative drive viewing angle.
Despite not being the latest and greatest, you’ll still get Entune multimedia software with optional navigation upgrade running on a basic 6.1″ touchscreen. Toyota Safety Sense “C” also comes standard offering pre-collision avoidance, lane departure and automatic high-beam system.
Final Thoughts
Because the city commuter manages twists and turns so well, you’ll often forget and tend not to care about the frugal interior. The smaller form factor also means easier parking, and a better sense of control. You’ll get all that without worrying about draining your wallet at the fuel pump with an exceptional fuel EPA rating of a combined 46 mpg.
It’s a good approach, but not perfect and that’s mostly in part of the lack of power and fidelity in its drive, often forcing a deep foot on the gas pedal with an indefinite moaning engine tone from working the small engine hard. Still, the drawbacks became less of a nuisance over time.
Our Prius C Technology trim comes in at $28,962, a fair bit for the quality of car you’re getting.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2019 Prius
- Model : Priuc C (City)
- Vehicle Type : Compact Hatch
- Seating Capacity : 2+3
- Engine : 1.5L V4 + Hybrid Electric Motor
- Transmission : CVT Transmission
- Price: $28,890
Pros
- Exceptional Fuel Economy
- Versatile 5-door compact hatchback
- Good steering and handling
- Good set of standard features including Entune software and Toyota Safety-C package
Cons
- Bigger and better quality car can be had for non-hybrid cars
- Numb and boring driving experience
- Low quality interior