2018 Toyota Prius c — Full Specifications
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The 2018 Toyota Prius c is a hatchback powered by a 1.5L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. It returns around 55 mpg (UK) / 46 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Toyota Prius c workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related listing: see also the 2018 Toyota Prius page for the base Prius listing, which may cover additional engines and body styles.
Compared with the 2017 Toyota Prius c: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 55 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Hybrid |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 87 cu ft (2,464 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 17 cu ft (481 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 55 combined / 58 urban / 52 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 46 combined / 48 city / 43 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 120 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 10 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,450 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2018 Toyota Prius c, all with the 1.5L 4-cyl engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 55 | 46 (48/43) | 120 | $1,450 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 87 cubic feet (about 2,464 litres) and luggage volume at 17 cubic feet (about 481 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2018 Toyota Prius c
Running Costs: 2018 Toyota Prius c
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Toyota Prius c at 55 mpg combined, expect roughly 661 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,450 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2018 Toyota Prius c Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Toyota Prius c (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Hybrid propulsion system (1), Electrical system (1), Equipment (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Hybrid propulsion system — campaign 19V491000, reported 26 June 2019. Risk: A loss of drive increases the risk of crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 18V579000, reported 5 September 2018. Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
- Equipment — campaign 18V176000, reported 15 March 2018. Risk: 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.
Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Toyota Prius c. The most-reported areas are Unspecified (9), Visibility/wiper (6), Exterior lighting (5). Complaints include 6 reported crashes, 5 reported injuries. That is well below the median of 182 complaints across the 8 Toyota Prius c model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 Toyota Prius c
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Visibility (6 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
- Lighting (5 owner complaints) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
- Throttle & cruise control (5 owner complaints) — Check throttle response and cruise control are smooth, and ask about any software or throttle recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Toyota models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2018 Toyota Prius c's 55 mpg is 21 mpg above that make average. Its 120 g/km CO₂ figure is 96 g/km lower than the 216 g/km Toyota average.
Of the 8 Toyota Prius c model years we cover, the 2018 ranks 6th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (55 mpg UK combined, against a high of 60 mpg). See every Toyota Prius c year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2018 Toyota Prius c
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Toyota Prius c have?
It's fitted with a 1.5L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Toyota Prius c?
The most efficient configuration returns around 55 mpg (UK) combined, or 46 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2018 Toyota Prius c cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,450 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2018 Toyota Prius c have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2018 Toyota Prius c have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Toyota Prius c (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Hybrid propulsion system (1), Electrical system (1), Equipment (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2018 Toyota Prius c?
Among the 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Unspecified (9 complaints), Visibility/wiper (6 complaints), Exterior lighting (5 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2018 Toyota Prius c have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 87 cubic feet (about 2,464 litres) and luggage volume at 17 cubic feet (about 481 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.