2012 Toyota Prius C Hybrid Review

Cutting edge. User friendly. Undeniably eco sensitive. The 2012 Toyota Prius C Hybrid is all of these things. In its third generation, Toyota’s iconic hybrid has elegantly demonstrated that there can be harmony between man, nature and machine. 2012 Generation Prius C Hybrid has also shown that there can be consensus among many different types of drivers. Those who demand fuel efficiency, and those who like to take the fast lane. Those intrigued by highly advanced technology, and those who insist on proven reliability. Those interested in reducing their carbon footprint, and those who are hesitant to sacrifice practicality in order to do it. With all that Prius has to offer, it may well be the one form of transportation that we can all agree upon.

The iconic silhouette of 2012 Toyota Prius C hybrid represents more than simply a sleek profile. We invested countless hours in aerodynamic testing to achieve a slick 0.25 drag coefficient. Of course, this wind-slipping shape helps Prius deliver an EPA-estimated 50 combined mpg rating,1 but perhaps even more remarkable is how the streamlined shape still allows for a roomy and comfortable interior. And really, it’s only right that relaxation should follow all that hard work. One reason Prius feels so spacious is its roofline. Looking at the roofline in profile, you’ll notice there’s a peak in the center. That peak is called a central apex, and it’s strategically placed to optimize head room.


The front and rear bumpers are designed to help lower the wind resistance of Prius. Less wind resistance equals more fuel efficiency. The result: Prius has an EPA-estimated 50 combined mpg rating. LED (light-emitting diode) Daytime Running Lights (DRL) located below the headlamps help make the car highly visible to other vehicles. Plus, the LED design offers reduced power consumption.


Over the years, 2012 Toyota Prius C hybrid has become synonymous with innovative technology. And among its forward-looking technologies is an available Head-Up Display (HUD). HUD projects onto the windshield data such as vehicle speed, Hybrid System Indicator and navigation information. This way, you can stay informed while keeping your eyes safely ahead. As the name would suggest, the Multi-Information Display in Prius provides the driver with valuable info on a variety of vehicle functions and systems, including fuel consumption history, average fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, trip distance, energy monitor, Hybrid System Indicator and ECO Savings Record.

This available system includes a 6.1-in. touch-screen with integrated backup camera display, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability (includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package), HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity and control, vehicle information with customizable settings, and hands-free phone capability, phone book access, advanced voice recognition and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology. Entune is Toyota’s new available feature that connects you to your Prius like never before. Entune includes Bing and Pandora, and real-time info including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks. Apps available spring 2012 at no charge include iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com and OpenTable. Access to Entune services is complimentary for three years. See toyota.com/entune for details.


2012 Prius C Hybrid has different modes for different types of driving. Eco mode helps maximize fuel economy. EV mode drives solely on battery power for up to one-half mile under certain conditions. And Power mode increases throttle response for additional get-up-and-go. Touching the steering wheel-mounted controls will bring up the Touch Tracer Display. This feature lets you adjust cabin temperature, audio mode and volume, and it puts trip data at your fingertips. And the best part is you can do it all without taking your eyes far from the road.


If you are under the impression that driving a hybrid vehicle is somehow less gratifying than driving a traditional vehicle, think again. Hybrid Synergy Drive seamlessly integrates an electric motor and a gasoline engine to offer not only high mileage and low emissions, but also a smooth and remarkably quiet driving experience. In short, it has advanced the art of moving forward. Prius provides ample information to help drivers get the most out of the car’s remarkable efficiency. The Hybrid System Indicator shows you how efficiently you are driving. You can also continually monitor your fuel consumption with multiple displays that include an instantaneous readout of your mpg. Plus, an ECO Savings Record allows drivers to measure their savings against a customizable preset comparison vehicle. The preset data includes fuel cost per gallon and a miles-per-gallon average.

Available Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) automatically adjusts vehicle speed to allow for a preset following distance between your Prius and the vehicle traveling directly in front of you. Additionally, the available Pre-Collision System (PCS) employs the vehicle’s radar system to determine if a frontal collision is imminent. If so, the system automatically applies the brakes and retracts the front seatbelts to help prepare for such a scenario. It’s like the automotive equivalent of personal space. Among the many innovations offered by Prius, you’ll find technologies to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and help keep you safe. Available features include a Pre-Collision System (PCS), engineered to alert you to potential hazards in front of you; a backup camera,1 to help address those behind; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA), to help you avoid problems on either side. Call it all-around peace of mind.


Available LKA can help keep Toyota Prius C Hybrid in its own lane if the lane lines are clearly visible. If an inadvertent lane departure is detected, the system issues an audible tone and warning screen. And when Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is engaged, LKA can also help to keep Prius centered in its lane on an ongoing basis by providing a corrective steering force when necessary. When 2012 Prius C hybrid  is traveling below 15 mph and running solely on electric power, it emits a series of tones to help alert pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence. So that the tones won’t be lost against an urban backdrop, they are high- and low-pitched, rising and falling with changes in vehicle speed. When Prius is traveling below 15 mph and running solely on electric power, it emits a series of tones to help alert pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence. So that the tones won’t be lost against an urban backdrop, they are high- and low-pitched, rising and falling with changes in vehicle speed.


The 2012 Toyota Prius C Hybrid comes standard with the Star Safety System, a suite of advanced safety features designed to help keep you out of harm’s way. On Prius, the system includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brakef orce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). The 2012 Prius C Hybrid was named a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). To earn this coveted designation, a vehicle must have “good” ratings in all four Institute tests: high-speed front and side crash tests at low speeds, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts.

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