65/100
2018Compact CarsRegular

2018 Toyota Prius c

EPA ID: 39037
48
City MPG
46
Combined MPG
46MPG· Excellent
43
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2018 Toyota Prius c achieves an EPA-estimated 46 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 48 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios), this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2018 Prius c produces approximately 193 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Prius c performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $1,300, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would spend $4,250 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine1.5L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions193 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemEquipped
GHG Score10/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$1,300
5-Year Cost DeltaSpend $4,250

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
45.6
Impact vs EPA
+$10
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$467/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$14,000
50.0%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$5,707
20.4%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
28.2%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.4%
Total 5-Year Cost$28,007

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #19V491000·2019-08-23
critical
Component: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A loss of drive increases the risk of crash.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign #18V579000·2018-10-30
critical
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU), could contact the cover at this connection and wear, causing an electrical short circuit.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine wire harness assembly and replace it if damage is found. A protective sleeve or protective tape will be included to prevent any future damage. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0T.

Campaign #18V176000·2018-04-11
critical
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Toyota Prius c configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$1,300
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Spend $4,250

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City48 MPG
Highway43 MPG
Combined46 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

38.6 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 48 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 3.2 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.