The 2017 Toyota Prius c emerges as a compelling option in the hybrid vehicle market, especially for those prioritizing safety and affordability. Building upon its reputation as Toyota’s most accessible hybrid, the 2017 model year brings significant enhancements, most notably the standardization of Toyota Safety Sense-C (TSS-C) across all grades. This move underscores Toyota’s commitment to democratizing advanced safety technologies, making features like Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Assist, and Automatic High Beams accessible to a wider range of drivers. Previously, TSS-C was an optional feature on select trims, but now it’s a standard inclusion, adding substantial value to the 2017 Toyota Prius c.
Beyond safety upgrades, the 2017 Prius c receives a stylistic refresh, injecting a dose of sporty flair into its compact frame. A redesigned front fascia, rear bumper, and side rocker panels contribute to a more dynamic and modern aesthetic. The blacked-out rear spoiler further accentuates its sporty appeal. Complementing these visual updates, all 2017 Toyota Prius c models now come standard with alloy wheels, enhancing both the vehicle’s appearance and its overall value proposition. These changes collectively solidify the 2017 Toyota Prius c as a practical yet stylish choice in the hybrid segment.
Toyota Safety Sense-C: A Standard Commitment to Safety
Toyota’s decision to standardize Toyota Safety Sense-C on the 2017 Prius c reflects a broader industry trend towards prioritizing driver assistance technologies. TSS-C is a suite of features meticulously designed to mitigate risks in critical driving situations. The system focuses on three core areas: preventing or lessening the severity of frontal collisions, aiding drivers in maintaining lane discipline, and improving visibility and safety during nighttime driving.
Toyota’s proactive approach extends beyond the 2017 Prius c. The company has committed to making automatic emergency braking standard on nearly all its models by the end of 2017. This ambitious timeline positions Toyota and Lexus significantly ahead of the voluntary industry target of model-year 2022, established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This commitment highlights Toyota’s dedication to vehicle safety and its proactive stance in adopting and deploying life-saving technologies.
Urban Agility and Suburban Practicality of the 2017 Prius c
While the “c” in Prius c aptly stands for “city,” reflecting its urban-friendly dimensions, the 2017 Toyota Prius c’s appeal extends far beyond congested cityscapes. Its compact 158.7-inch length proves advantageous in various environments, making parking in tight spaces, whether in bustling urban centers or crowded suburban malls, significantly easier. This nimbleness doesn’t compromise interior space, however.
The 2017 Prius c cleverly maximizes its interior volume. Offering a comfortable 35 inches of rear legroom and a generous 17.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, it comfortably accommodates passengers and their belongings. This balance of a small footprint and a spacious interior is a key strength, making the 2017 Toyota Prius c a versatile option for diverse needs, from daily commutes to weekend errands and trips. The intelligent packaging design ensures that passengers enjoy ample cabin space without sacrificing the vehicle’s maneuverability or ease of parking.
The Prius c’s maneuverability is further enhanced by the optimized placement of its hybrid powertrain components. The compact gasoline engine, transaxle, and power control unit are strategically positioned for optimal weight distribution. Locating the hybrid battery and fuel tank beneath the rear seat contributes to a lower center of gravity and improved handling agility. The high torsional rigidity of the body structure allows for a finely tuned suspension, resulting in a smoother ride and more responsive handling. All 2017 Prius c grades are equipped with standard 15-inch alloy wheels, with an option for 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels available on the Prius c Four trim, providing drivers with choices to suit their preferences.
Whether navigating city streets, suburban roads, or open highways, the 2017 Prius c ensures good visibility with its standard single LED projector low- and high-beam headlights and LED tail and brake lights. For drivers wanting to express their personality, exterior color options like Absolutely Red, Blue Streak Metallic, and Tangerine Splash Pearl offer vibrant choices.
Hybrid Technology and Fuel Efficiency of the 2017 Prius c
The 2017 Toyota Prius c embodies Toyota’s renowned hybrid technology, scaled and optimized for its compact platform without compromising performance or efficiency. The hybrid system seamlessly integrates a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, an electric motor within a Continuously Variable Transaxle, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a power control unit (inverter), a DC-DC converter, and a step-up converter. A sophisticated hybrid control computer manages the interplay between the gasoline engine and electric motor, dynamically adjusting power delivery based on driving conditions and the selected drive mode.
The 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine in the 2017 Prius c is engineered with an Atkinson cycle, enhancing fuel efficiency. This engine, rated SULEV (Tier 2 Bin 3), produces 73 horsepower and 82 lb.-ft. of torque. Combined with the electric motor, the total hybrid system output reaches 99 horsepower. This powertrain configuration translates to exceptional fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 48 MPG city, 43 MPG highway, and 46 MPG combined, making the 2017 Toyota Prius c one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.
Similar to many modern vehicles, the 2017 Prius c offers selectable drive modes to tailor the driving experience. Normal mode is calibrated for everyday driving scenarios. ECO mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by managing the climate control system and throttle response. EV Mode allows for short-distance, low-speed driving (under one mile below 25 mph) solely on electric power under certain conditions, useful in situations like navigating parking lots quietly and efficiently.
Comprehensive Safety Features of the 2017 Prius c
The inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense-C as standard equipment across all 2017 Toyota Prius c models significantly enhances its safety profile. This system is designed to actively assist drivers in avoiding potential hazards. Beyond TSS-C, the Prius c’s fundamental construction prioritizes occupant protection. Extensive use of lightweight, high-strength steel in the vehicle’s structure contributes to its ability to effectively absorb and disperse impact energy in the event of a collision.
The aerodynamic design of the 2017 Prius c, achieving a low 0.28 coefficient of drag, further exemplifies Toyota’s attention to detail. The lower body styling, wider stance below the beltline, and sculpted rear flares not only contribute to its aesthetic appeal but also enhance aerodynamic efficiency.
The 2017 Prius c is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including nine airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System™. The Star Safety System encompasses Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology, providing a multi-layered approach to vehicle safety.
Toyota Safety Sense-C (TSS-C) Detailed
The Toyota Safety Sense-C system in the 2017 Toyota Prius c integrates three key driver-assist technologies, with automatic emergency braking as a central component.
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Pre-collision System (PCS): Operating between approximately 7 and 85 mph, PCS uses a camera and laser beam to detect vehicles ahead. If a collision risk is detected, the system alerts the driver with audio and visual warnings, prompting evasive action and braking. PCS can augment driver braking force using Brake Assist if needed. If the driver doesn’t react and a frontal collision is deemed highly probable, PCS may automatically apply the brakes, reducing speed by up to approximately 19 mph to mitigate impact or potentially avoid a collision altogether. Automatic braking is operational in the speed range where a significant majority (80%) of rear-end collisions occur (approximately 7-50 mph).
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Lane Departure Alert (LDA): LDA utilizes a camera to monitor visible lane markings (white and yellow) and the vehicle’s position within the lane. If unintentional lane departure is detected, LDA alerts the driver with audible and visual warnings, helping to prevent lane drifting incidents.
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Automatic High Beam (AHB): AHB employs an in-vehicle camera to detect headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of vehicles ahead. It automatically switches between high and low beams as needed, optimizing nighttime visibility and reducing driver workload.
2017 Prius c Trim Levels and Features
The 2017 Prius c offers four distinct trim levels – One, Two, Three, and Four – allowing buyers to select a model that aligns with their budget and desired features. Each trim builds upon the previous one, offering increasing levels of equipment and sophistication.
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Prius c One: The base trim is well-equipped with features including color-keyed power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, air conditioning, remote keyless entry with illuminated entry, power windows, and a 3.5-inch TFT Multi-Information Display. The standard Entune® Audio system includes a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player, four speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod® connectivity, advanced voice recognition, and Bluetooth® for hands-free phone and music streaming. Siri® Eyes Free compatibility is also included for Apple iPhone® users.
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Prius c Two: Stepping up to the Prius c Two adds two-tone fabric-trimmed seats, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, cruise control, a cargo area cover, and an engine immobilizer. Interior accents are upgraded with piano black, chrome, and soft-touch materials, shared with the higher trims.
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Prius c Three: The Prius c Three emphasizes technology, adding the Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate, Push Button Start, remote illuminated entry, Touch Tracer Display, and Entune® Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite. The enhanced audio system includes six speakers, Entune® App Suite, HD radio, HD predictive traffic and Doppler weather overlay, AM/FM cache radio, SiriusXM All Access Radio (with a 3-month trial), and Gracenote® album cover art.
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Prius c Four: The top-of-the-line Prius c Four offers luxury features such as LED fog lights, a power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, an integrated backup camera, SofTex®-trimmed seats, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and heated outside mirrors.
The practicality and technology of the Prius c have even made it the vehicle of choice for Best Buy’s Geek Squad, with over 1,000 Prius c models deployed nationwide as Geekmobiles. The Prius c’s cargo space and fuel efficiency make it ideal for Geek Squad agents providing in-home tech support.
Peace of Mind Warranty for the 2017 Toyota Prius c
Toyota backs the 2017 Prius c with a comprehensive warranty. A 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty covers all components except normal wear and maintenance items. Powertrain components are covered for 60 months/60,000 miles, and corrosion protection extends for 60 months with no mileage limit. Hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module, and inverter with converter, are covered for an extended 8 years/100,000 miles.
Furthermore, the 2017 Prius c comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. This combination of features, safety enhancements, fuel efficiency, and comprehensive warranty makes the 2017 Toyota Prius c a smart and reassuring choice in the hybrid market.
