What’s the Difference Between the 2015 Prius, Prius c, and Prius v

Oct 12, 2015

Toyota Prius

The Prius model line has expanded in recent years, and Toyota is now offering a range of Prius options that deliver the nameplate’s undeniable efficiency. But, as the line has expanded, we’ve often hearing from Toyota Knoxville customers: What’s the difference? How are the standard Prius, Prius c, and Prius v different?

Differences between the three 2015 Prius models range from the subtle (like the Prius standard’s unique circular air vents) to the more noticeable (all three differ in size and shape). Even so, the entire line-up share strict energy efficiency standards. All three Prius models score well above average in terms of MPG, and they all are equipped with cutting-edge energy-saving technology that limits their footprint. To help our customers out, we wanted to explain some of the finer differences between the Prius, Prius c and Prius v. Here are a few things you can expect:

	Engine	Horsepower	Fuel Economy	Standard Features
Prius	1.5-liter 4-cylinder	99 HP combined	53/46/50 MPG	Bluetooth, touchscreen display, auto climate control
Prius c	1.8-liter 4-cylinder	134 HP combined	51/48/50 MPG	15-inch alloy wheels, touchscreen display, Bluetooth, auto climate control
Prius v	1.8-liter 4-cylinder	134 HP combined	44/40/42 MPG	Auto parallel parking, touchscreen, Bluetooth, auto climate control

Exterior Differences: 2015 Prius, Prius c and Prius v

It’s clear looking at the three Prius models that they differ in size and shape. Each one features a unique exterior design and profile.

The most compact is the Prius c, which features a design that looks more like a compact hatchback than the standard Prius. The Prius c features a straight rear glass hatch, as well as the exclusive of glass after the rear C-pillar. Overall, the Prius c is the one model that’s moved away from the standard Prius design.

In 2015, the standard Prius features the same arched, sloping body that was first introduced in 2004. This is, hands down, the most distinctive Prius model available in 2015, and it features 15-inch alloy wheels (with 17-inch alloys available), a useful vibrant color palette, and available solar roof option.

Finally, the Prius v is an expanded version of the standard model. It features a similar Prius body, but the roofline is less arched, and it stops at a flat back hatch, compared to the standard which slopes toward the rear. You can think of this as a hybrid mid-sized hatchback, as it’s built to offer additional cargo space in the rear.

Interior Styling and Technology

Overall, all three models feature a similar interior style, and there are just minor changes throughout the line-up. One of the biggest differences is the interior space: The Prius c is the most compact, while the Prius v has added cargo space. The Prius v delivers 34.9 cubic feet of cargo, compared to the standard model’s 21.6 cubic feet.

Additionally, they also feature similar standard technology, including Bluetooth connectivity and a touchscreen display. The display is larger in the Prius and Prius v, and in all models, it can be equipped with Toyota’s signature Entune app suite.

In terms of safety technology, the Prius c is the most pared down model. It doesn’t feature collision alert, lane departure warning or adaptive cruise control, which are all optional in the Prius and Prius v. The Prius c is also the only version that cannot be equipped with the solar roof, which helps improve the efficiency of the vehicle’s cooling system. Finally, one of the best technology features in the line-up is the Prius v’s parallel parking assistance feature, which is available only in the Prius v.

As you can see, each model offers something a little different for buyers. If you’re interested in test driving any of the 2015 Prius models, visit Toyota of Knoxville today. We carry the entire Prius line, and our sales team can help you decipher the differences between the three.