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Tuesday, November 10, 2026Nov 10

Test Drive: Pinpoint a price, then pick a Prius

The 2018 Prius c hybrid shown in Tide Pool Pearl.
The 2018 Prius c hybrid shown in Tide Pool Pearl. The 2018 Prius c hybrid shown in Tide Pool Pearl.

The fact you are reading an article about the Toyota Prius us tells something about you: Either you are trying to save money or trying to save the planet – or, possibly both.

Toyota’s iconic, gas-electric hybrid, the Prius, proved that drivers of a certain bent were willing to give up a little performance – and perhaps pay a little more – for a car that would return stellar gas mileage in the range of 50 mpg.

photo The interior of the 2018 Prius c is simple and functional.

FAST FACTS

* Model: 2018 Prius c Four* Exterior color: Tide Pool Pearl* Interior color: Cool Gray* Engine: Hybrid Synergy Drive, gas-electric* Horsepower: 99* Transmission: CVT* Fuel economy: 48 mpg city, 43 mpg highway* Local Dealer: North Georgia Toyota, Capital Toyota, Toyota of Cleveland* Price (as tested): $26,779

Toyota has gotten so good at making the Prius that it now offers a full range of vehicles with the Prius badge. Today, we look at two bookends of the model line: A sub-compact Prius c with a MSRP of $26,779 (think of it as a baby Prius) or the larger and more powerful Prius Four Touring for $33,703, after options. Either Prius will get you from A to B, but the roughly $7,000 premium for the Prius Four Touring buys more space, more power, interior upgrades and better fuel economy.

Since we have already tapped you as a prudent purchaser, maybe what matters more to you is having that extra $7,000 things like groceries at Whole Foods or new camping gear from Rock Creek.