Toyota Yaris vs Toyota Prius C

With today's rising gas prices, many people are in the market for a smart, economical car that will save money on fuel. A Toyota Yaris vs. Toyota Prius C comparison can help you decide which economical subcompact car is right for your needs and those of your family. To be fair, both cars feature essentially the same body style, with differences in engines, trim and transmissions being the primary issues to consider when deciding between the two cars.

Both the Toyota Yaris and the Toyota Prius C are small hatchback cars, providing ample room for four people. Both cars offer headroom to accommodate passengers up to 6' 6" tall, so even larger people can fit inside and drive comfortably. Both also offer you a choice between two-tone or three-tone interiors, allowing you to customize the look of your car to suit your personal sense of style. Buyer's guides and websites that provide car rankings rate both vehicles similarly, so the initial purchase price and cost of ownership over time are the two biggest factors to consider.

Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris features a 1.5-liter, 106 HP, four-cylinder engine, and you can choose between a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual transmission. The Yaris's starting price for the three-door L-model is $14,370, while a top-of-the-line Yaris SE model will set you back around $16,480. Every model includes nine airbags and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, with other optional features that cost a bit more but might be good choices depending on your needs. The area where the Yaris really shines is fuel economy, with 30 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway being standard. The Toyota Yaris is available in a variety of colors, including:

• Super white

• Classic metallic silver

• Magnetic gray metallic

• Black sand pearl

• Absolutely red

• Lagoon blue mica

• Wave line pearl

• Blazing blue pearl

Toyota Prius C

The Toyota "baby" Prius C is a hybrid subcompact car with a 1.5-liter, inline four-cylinder engine that has 73 horsepower. When supplemented by the electric engine, horsepower jumps to 99. The car offers amazing fuel economy, with miles per gallon for city driving rated at 46 and highway driving rated at 53.

The starting cost for the Prius C is $19,080, making it more expensive to purchase than the Yaris, but the extra fuel economy can save you more in the long run if you commute to work or school daily. The Prius C features Toyota's patented Star Safety System, which includes extra stability and traction control, antilock braking and Smart Stop Technology. The car also includes nine airbags for even more safety. The Toyota Prius C is available in the following colors:

• Classic metallic silver

• Black sand pearl

• Absolutely red

• Moonglow

• Magnetic gray metallic

• Habanero

• Summer rain metallic

• Blue streak metallic

• Super white

Get local Toyota Yaris vs Toyota Prius C price quotes now!

Choosing a subcompact hatchback with a price that works for you can be a complex decision, but Buyerlink can help you find local dealers who'll answer your questions and set up test drives for each vehicle. By browsing reviews, checking out a car-buying guide and analyzing the costs related to ownership, you can make an educated decision about your purchase. This makes a Toyota Yaris vs. Toyota Prius C comparison a very important part of your vehicle research.