MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2020 Toyota Prius C

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Toyota Prius C

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
14Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE TOYOTA PRIUS C

The Toyota Prius C is a subcompact hybrid sedan that occupied the entry-level slot in Toyota's Prius family, targeting budget-conscious commuters and urban drivers who want maximum fuel efficiency in a small, maneuverable package. Sold in the United States through the 2019 and 2020 model years before Toyota discontinued it, the Prius C carved out a niche as one of the most affordable hybrid options on the market.

VERDICT

The 2020 Toyota Prius C earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the Prius C for its exceptional fuel economy and easy urban maneuverability, treating it as a practical, low-cost hybrid choice for city driving. Most critics acknowledge the trade-offs in interior space and driving refinement relative to larger competitors, and tend to view it as a sensible if unexciting commuter rather than a well-rounded all-purpose vehicle.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 11.8%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14723

Index breakdown

Crash protection56/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record15.5/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Toyota Prius C at NHTSA as of 2026-07-03. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

14 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

6reported crash
0reported fire
6reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 5Service Brakes 4Electrical System 2Tires 2Air Bags 1Forward Collision Avoidance 1

Other Prius C years

Rivals in Sedan (2020)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 14723), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Toyota Prius C 2020. Class rank 78 of 105 in Sedan 2020. Methodology · Disclosure