Model overview

The Toyota Prius c (c holds for "city"), called the Toyota Aqua in Japan, is a complete hybrid gasoline-electric subcompact hatchback produced and sold by Toyota Motor Corporation. The Prius c is the third sibling of the Prius line and connects the points of a Yaris-sized vehicle with a hybrid powertrain. The Prius c is rated lower than the standard Prius and has a better fuel economy within the city. The Prius c was rated by the EPA as the 2012 most fuel-efficient compact vehicle (plug-in electric automobiles omitted).

The first generation of the Aqua was revealed in 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show. The production Prius c was launched in the U.S. in 2012 at the North American International Auto Show. 

The Prius C was abandoned in the United States for the 2019 model year. Sales remained in other portions of the globe. With the debut of the Yaris Hybrid, the Prius c was also stopped in Australia in spring 2020.

The 2019 Prius C is available in two trim levels: L and LE. Both come equipped with a hybrid drivetrain that joins an electric motor with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 99 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque. Together, the hybrid powertrain pushes the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission. With its hybrid powertrain, the Prius C receives an EPA-estimated 46 mpg mixed.

Toyota Prius C known problems

Some of the common problems or complaints owners have about the Toyota Prius C are:

• A/C compressor broke
• Visibility at night is inconvenient
• Strong smell from the fan
• Rodent issues linked to the soy wire coating

Toyota Prius C PDF owner manual

Posted by, John Mana

A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.