
For the first time, the 2013 Toyota Prius has direct competition--and it's a worthy competitor.
The Ford C-Max Hybrid delivers an EPA-rated 47 mpg combined, it's a dedicated hybrid too (no gasoline-only version), and its quieter, more powerful, and far more luxurious inside than the Prius.
The subcompact Honda Insight shares a shape with the Prius and is $5,000 cheaper, but it's much smaller inside and only delivers 42 mpg.
The Lexus CT 200h is also a hybrid hatchback, though it's a compact and several thousand dollars pricier.
But it adds back the fun-to-drive factor, not to mention a larger dollop of luxury, and still delivers 40 mpg.
Two other competitors sit in Toyota's own showroom, both new for 2012: the new Prius V wagon, at 42 mpg, which is larger inside and will appeal to families; and the more conventional Camry Hybrid four-door sedan, at 41 mpg.
Finally, for drivers who do most of their miles on the highway, the clean-diesel VW Jetta TDI (offered as a four-door sedan and a Sportwagen) is far more rewarding to drive.
Its highway mileage approaches the Prius figure, though its city mileage isn't even close.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2013 Toyota Prius is a spacious, practical mid-size hatchback that will hold five people and their gear, while remaining the highest-mileage car sold without a plug. |
The 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid is the first head-to-head challenger for the Toyota Prius since that car grabbed the green mantle a decade ago--and in many ways, the Ford's a better daily driver. |
The 2013 Honda Insight falls behind other hybrids in gas mileage, and has less space than other subcompacts. |
The 2013 Toyota Prius V is by far the roomiest Prius in the lineup, and its 42-mpg combined mileage is hard to beat. It's far from the fastest or most powerful family wagon, and it faces a new competitor, the Ford C-Max Hybrid--but it's still a capacious, comfortable, and highly fuel-efficient family wagon. |
The Jetta draws drivers looking for a taut driving feel and delivers superior interior space; we'd pass on the low-cost base models, and aim for the standout TDI and GLI editions. |
MSRP From | ||||
$23,215 | $25,200 | $18,600 | $26,650 | $15,545 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
51 MPG City / 49 MPG Hwy | 42 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 41 MPG City / 44 MPG Hwy | 44 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 48 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas/Electric I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Midsize Cars | Large Car | Compact Cars | Midsize Station Wagon | Compact Cars |
Style Name | ||||
5-Door HB Two (SE) | 5-Door HB SEL | 5-Door CVT | 5-Door Wagon Two (GS) | 4-Door Manual Base |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | 4 |
Body Style | ||||
Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Wagon | 4 Door Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Continuously Variable Ratio | Continuously Variable Ratio | Continuously Variable Transmission | Continuously Variable Ratio | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2013 Toyota Prius vs. 2013 Ford C-Max | 2013 Toyota Prius vs. 2013 Honda Insight | 2013 Toyota Prius vs. 2013 Toyota Prius V | 2013 Toyota Prius vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta |