2016 Toyota Prius c
The 2016 Toyota Prius c is a hybrid hatchback. It has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 99 hp (74 kW), with a CVT and front-wheel drive.
ABOUT THE 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS C
The 2016 Toyota Prius c is a small hybrid hatchback — the compact member of the Prius family, sold in North America from 2012 to 2019 and known in Japan as the Aqua. It combines a 1.5-litre engine with electric motors for a total of about 99 hp, driving the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission.
Who it suits
The Prius c was designed for city driving. It is shorter and lighter than the regular Prius, easy to park, and particularly efficient in stop-start traffic, with official city economy above 50 MPG (under 4.5 L/100km). It seats five, though the rear is best for shorter journeys, and the hatchback makes it practical for its size.
Trade-offs
With modest power, the Prius c is slow to accelerate and can feel strained on motorways or steep hills. Road and engine noise are higher than in larger cars. It was updated for 2015 with revised styling and more equipment.
Buying one
Toyota hybrids are generally very reliable. Check the service history, look for any hybrid-system warning lights, and make sure recalls have been completed. Battery capacity reduces slowly with age, but failures are uncommon.
Rivals
The Prius c competed with small cars such as the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, and with the larger, more efficient Toyota Prius liftback.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 30, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | Toyota | Model | Prius c |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2016 | Version / Trim | Toyota 2016 Prius c |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Super White, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Absolutely Red, Blue Streak Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Japan |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Engine | 1.5L 4-cyl | Engine Size | 1,500 cc |
| Power | 99 hp / 74 kW | Torque | 105 Nm / 77 lb-ft |
| Range / Economy | 53 mpg city / 46 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,380 kg (3,042 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2016 HATCHBACKS
Compared with other 2016 hatchbacks in our database, its 99 hp is 45% less than the average 2016 hatchback (180 hp).
| 2016 Toyota Prius c | Average 2016 hatchbacks | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 99 hp | 180 hp (15 cars) | -45% |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 243 Nm (15 cars) | -57% |
| Kerb weight | 1,380 kg | 1,358 kg (16 cars) | +2% |
| Engine size | 1,500 cc | 1,814 cc (14 cars) | -17% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2016 hatchbacks with similar power to the 2016 Toyota Prius c.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota Prius c | 99 hp | — | 1,380 kg |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf | 115 hp | 7.5 s | 1,310 kg |