The Prius is a perennial favorite with Cartelligent clients and we’re often asked for help comparing the various members of the Prius family. In this post, we’ve looked in depth at the compact Prius c, the original Prius hybrid, the larger Prius v hybrid, and the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid.
Toyota Prius c vs. Prius vs. Prius v vs. Prius Prime
We’ve configured a sample vehicle for each car and then examined some of the key differentiating factors of each. Our sample models are based on popular configurations among Cartelligent clients.
- 2018 Toyota Prius c Four: We’ve configured a Prius c Four with a back-up camera, premium audio, navigation, and Toyota Safety Sense. MSRP as configures is $26,524.
- 2017 Toyota Prius Four: Our example Prius comes with Toyota Safety Sense, blind spot monitoring, back-up camera, and heated front seats. MSRP as configured is $30,462.
- 2017 Toyota Prius v Four: Our sample Prius v Four is the S with premium audio, navigation, back-up camera, push button start and heated front seats. MSRP as configured is $30,785.
- 2017 Toyota Prius Prime Premium: We’ve chosen a Prius Prime Premium with Toyota Safety Sense, lane departure alert, back-up camera, and push button start. MSRP as configured of $28,624.
Vehicle Comparison
We’ll look at the features of each vehicle side-by-side.
| Prius c | Prius | Prius v | Prius Prime | |
| Model Type | Prius c Four | Prius Four | Prius v Four | Prius Prime Premium |
| MSRP | $26,524 | $30,462 | $30,785 | $28,624 |
Engine and Fuel Economy
| Prius c | Prius | Prius v | Prius Prime | |
| Horsepower | 99 | 71 | 134 | 95 |
| Combined MPG (gasoline) | 46 | 52 | 41 | 54 |
| Combined MPG (gasoline + electric) | n/a | n/a | n/a | 133 |
Charging and Range
| Prius c | Prius | Prius v | Prius Prime | |
| Range | n/a | n/a | n/a | 25 miles (battery only) |
| Charge time | n/a | n/a | n/a | 5.5 hours |
| California HOV Lane Access | No | No | No | Yes (with sticker) |
The plug-in hybrid Prius Prime offers the best fuel economy (and access to the carpool lane), but requires access to a charging station.
Capacities
| Prius c | Prius | Prius v | Prius Prime | |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo volume (behind seats) | 17.1 ft3 | 27.4 ft3 | 34.3 ft3 | 19.8 ft3 |
| Cargo volume (rear seats folded) | 60/40 | 60/40 | 67.3 ft3 | 60/40 |
The Prius v is the only model with true folding seats and it offers the most cargo space of the four. The remaining models have 60/40 folding seats that do offer additional storage capacity.
Cost to purchase: Toyota Prius c, Prius vs. Prius v vs. Prius Prime
First, we’ll examine the cost of each when purchased. All payments represent pricing based on market conditions at the time of writing.
| Prius c | Prius | Prius v | Prius Prime | |
| MSRP | $26,524 | $30,462 | $30,785 | $28,624 |
| Down payment | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Monthly payment (inc. tax) | $415 | $495 | $500 | $490 |
| Total of payments over five years | $26,985 | $31,705 | $32,000 | $31,410 |
| Federal Rebates (income tax credits) | up to $4,502 | |||
| California State Rebates (with qualifying income) | up to $1,500 |
The Prius c has the lowest monthly payment, while the other three vehicles are almost identical in their cost to buy (as configured here). Purchasers of the Prius Prime can also apply for Federal income tax credits of up to $4,502. California residents may also be eligible to apply for State rebates of up to $1,500 on the Prius Prime (depending on their income level). See Understanding the changes to California plug-in and electric vehicle rebates.
Cost to lease: Toyota Prius c, Prius vs. Prius v vs. Prius Prime
Next, we’ll compare the four vehicles on a three year, 12,000 mile/year lease.
| Prius c | Prius | Prius v | Prius Prime | |
| MSRP | $26,524 | $30,462 | $30,785 | $28,624 |
| Down payment | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Monthly payment (inc. tax) | $330 | $385 | $325 | $350 |
| Lease disposition fee | $350 | $350 | $350 | $350 |
| Total of payments over three years | $14,400 | $16,325 | $14,225 | $15,100 |
| Federal Rebates (income tax credits) | up to $4,502 | |||
| California State Rebates (with qualifying income) | up to $1,500 |
Because of the way Toyota has incentivized the lease, the Prius c and the Prius v are the most economical of the four to lease (before rebates). The Prius Prime becomes more attractive once California and Federal rebates are applied.
Which to buy: Toyota Prius c, Prius vs. Prius v vs. Prius Prime
All four vehicles can be fantastic options depending on your personal circumstances. Your Cartelligent agent can talk you through the pros and cons of each vehicle (as well as any other brands) to help you make an educated decision.
Whether you want a new Prius or any other new car, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.