Toyota Prius c
46 MPG The 2020 Toyota Prius c is EPA-rated at 46 MPG combined (48 city / 43 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 326 gallons, $1043 a year in fuel, or $0.070 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2012–2020 run it averages 48.2 MPG, falling by 4 MPG over 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.054 | $543 | $815 | $1087 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.065 | $652 | $978 | $1304 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.070 | $696 | $1043 | $1391 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.076 | $761 | $1141 | $1522 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.087 | $870 | $1304 | $1739 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.098 | $978 | $1467 | $1957 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.109 | $1087 | $1630 | $2174 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 46 MPG | 48 | 43 | $1350 | 193 | 1 |
| 2019 | 46 MPG | 48 | 43 | $1350 | 193 | 1 |
| 2018 | 46 MPG | 48 | 43 | $1350 | 193 | 1 |
| 2017 | 46 MPG | 48 | 43 | $1350 | 193 | 1 |
| 2016 | 50 MPG | 53 | 46 | $1250 | 178 | 1 |
| 2015 | 50 MPG | 53 | 46 | $1250 | 178 | 1 |
| 2014 | 50 MPG | 53 | 46 | $1250 | 178 | 1 |
| 2013 | 50 MPG | 53 | 46 | $1250 | 179 | 1 |
| 2012 | 50 MPG | 53 | 46 | $1250 | 178 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Toyota Prius c ranks 9 on current figures, against a class average of 26.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Toyota Corolla Hybrid (50), Toyota Mirai XLE (74), Porsche Taycan Turbo S (79), Porsche Taycan GTS (86), Porsche Taycan Turbo (86).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 193 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 2.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Toyota Prius c get?
The 2020 Toyota Prius c is rated at 46 MPG combined by the EPA — 48 city and 43 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 48.2 MPG, ranging from 46 to 50 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Toyota Prius c cost in fuel per year?
At 46 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 326 gallons — roughly $1043 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.070 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2020 model is $1350.
Has the Toyota Prius c become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 50 MPG in 2012 to 46 in 2020. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Toyota Prius c efficient for its class?
It ranks 9 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.5 MPG. That is 19.5 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.