Toyota Prius c Model Years and History

The big Prius news for 2019 is that Toyota has added optional all-wheel drive to the hybrid's spec sheet. The automatic, on-demand AWD-e system has no center differential and does not need a rear driveshaft; the system instead uses an electric magnet-less rear motor capable of powering the rear wheels up to 43 mph. Toyota says the Prius AWD-e will still return 52 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway. Additionally, all Prius models receive mild exterior styling changes, and trim names have changed, from the previous numerical designations, to L Eco, LE, XLE and Limited. Only the LE and XLE trims will offer the AWD-e option.

Toyota has essentially left the standard Prius alone for 2018. It continues to be a great pick for anyone who needs a mid-sized car, but wants fantastic fuel mileage. The Prius C gets a few mild updates and cars now include Toyota's Safety Sense C, and a backup camera as standard equipment.

The Toyota Prius was totally redesigned for 2016. It carries over this year largely unchanged, though a new plug-in hybrid variant, the Prius Prime, replaces the previous model. The Prime differs in looks from the standard Prius, and it pairs the excellent 1.8L four found across the Prius range with a new 8.8 kWh battery pack. Toyota claims a total gas/electric range of 600 miles, with a battery-only range of up to 22 miles. A full charge takes less than six hours. The Prime will debut later in the model year.

The Prius has been totally redesigned for 2016. The new exterior is bold and modern, while numerous improvements have also been made under the skin. The new drivetrain is now even more efficient, with special low friction components, a redesigned air intake and improvements to airflow inside the combustion chamber. The new drivetrain even manages to be lighter than the outgoing one further helping to improve fuel economy, Toyota expects about a 10 percent improvement over the 2015 model. The interior has also been redesigned with plenty of new technology, helping to maintain that cutting edge feel that the Prius is so well known for.

For 2015, the Toyota Prius receives few changes. Among them, a rear camera is now standard, while a new Persona Series trim adds special appearance items.

Following big changes in 2012, the Prius carries over into 2014. The Persona Series Special Edition has been dropped. Prices are expected to remain unchanged from 2013 levels for the new model year.

Following big changes last year, which included the introduction of several new Prius models, changes for 2013 are minimal. New this year is the Persona Series Special Edition for the Prius Three, which features 17-inch wheels, a special Black Cherry Pearl paint job and unique badges. Additionally, most models receive a modest price increase.

The 2012 Toyota Prius C is an all-new hybrid model. With a different body style than the existing Prius liftback, a smaller size and an even higher EPA city rating (53 mpg) than the standard Prius, Toyota is hoping to attract more budget-minded shoppers-- the Prius C starts at only $19,710.