Hey guys! Let's dive into the tech and features of the 2017 Toyota Prius C. This compact hybrid is packed with cool stuff, and we're going to break it all down for you. We will explore everything from its infotainment system to safety features, so buckle up and get ready to learn why this car might just be your perfect eco-friendly ride!

Overview of the 2017 Toyota Prius C

The 2017 Toyota Prius C is a fantastic subcompact hybrid that combines fuel efficiency with a surprising array of technology features. This car is perfect for navigating city streets while keeping your carbon footprint minimal. Beyond its eco-friendly credentials, the Prius C doesn't skimp on tech, offering a user-friendly interface and several convenience features. The 2017 model year brought some enhancements that made it an even more attractive option for tech-savvy drivers. Whether you're commuting to work or running errands, the Prius C offers a blend of practicality and innovation that's hard to beat. Let's explore the technology that makes this car stand out. The Prius C aimed to offer a more affordable and compact hybrid option compared to the standard Prius, without sacrificing essential features and technology. The 2017 model is part of the Prius C's first generation, which was known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It remains a popular choice in the used car market for its blend of economy and practicality.

One of the key reasons the 2017 Prius C gained popularity is its impressive fuel economy. It achieves an EPA-estimated 48 mpg in the city, 43 mpg on the highway, and 46 mpg combined. This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient non-plug-in hybrids available. The hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 99 horsepower. While it's not a powerhouse, it provides adequate power for city driving and comfortable highway cruising. This fuel efficiency, combined with its compact size, makes the Prius C an excellent choice for urban environments. For city dwellers who often find themselves stuck in traffic, the fuel savings can be substantial over time. The Prius C’s hybrid system seamlessly switches between electric and gasoline power, optimizing fuel consumption based on driving conditions. This helps to maximize efficiency without requiring any extra effort from the driver. In addition to fuel efficiency, the Prius C also offers a smooth and quiet ride, which enhances the overall driving experience. The electric motor provides instant torque, which gives the car a responsive feel, especially at lower speeds. This makes it easy to navigate through busy city streets and tight parking spaces. The regenerative braking system also contributes to the vehicle’s efficiency by capturing energy during deceleration and using it to recharge the hybrid battery. This system not only improves fuel economy but also helps to reduce wear and tear on the brake pads.

The Prius C also stands out for its nimble handling and compact dimensions, making it ideal for navigating crowded urban areas. Its small size makes parking easier, and its tight turning radius allows for effortless maneuvering in tight spaces. This is a significant advantage for drivers who frequently navigate city streets or park in congested areas. The car’s light weight also contributes to its agility and responsiveness. In addition to its practicality, the 2017 Prius C offers a range of features designed to enhance the driving experience. These include a user-friendly infotainment system, comfortable seating, and a surprising amount of cargo space for its size. The interior is well-designed and offers a good level of comfort, even on longer journeys. The seats are supportive, and the cabin is surprisingly spacious for a subcompact car. The rear seats can also be folded down to increase cargo capacity, making it easier to transport larger items. The Prius C also comes standard with several safety features, including anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a suite of airbags. Higher trim levels offer additional safety features such as Toyota Safety Sense, which includes pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. These features enhance safety and provide peace of mind for both the driver and passengers. Overall, the 2017 Toyota Prius C is a well-rounded hybrid that offers a compelling combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and technology. It’s an excellent choice for drivers looking for an eco-friendly car that’s easy to drive and packed with features.

Infotainment System and Connectivity

The infotainment system in the 2017 Toyota Prius C is designed to keep you connected and entertained on the go. It features a 6.1-inch touchscreen display that serves as the central hub for your audio, navigation, and vehicle information. The system is user-friendly, with intuitive menus and responsive touch controls, making it easy to access your favorite features while driving. The infotainment system also includes a range of connectivity options to keep you in touch with the world. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone, make hands-free calls, and access your contacts. USB ports are available for charging your devices and playing music from USB drives. An auxiliary audio input jack is also included for connecting older devices. The system is designed to be both functional and easy to use, ensuring that you can stay connected without being distracted from the road. Whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist or navigating to a new destination, the infotainment system in the 2017 Prius C has you covered. The system's straightforward interface and comprehensive feature set make it a standout in the subcompact hybrid class.

The 6.1-inch touchscreen display is the heart of the infotainment system, providing a clear and responsive interface for controlling various functions. The display is bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight, and the touch controls are accurate and responsive. The main menu is logically organized, with large icons that make it easy to find what you're looking for. From the touchscreen, you can access audio settings, navigation, phone functions, and vehicle information. The system also supports voice commands, allowing you to control certain functions hands-free. This is a convenient feature that helps to minimize distractions while driving. The voice command system is relatively easy to use, and it can be used to make calls, play music, and navigate to destinations. In addition to the touchscreen, the infotainment system also includes physical buttons and knobs for controlling volume, tuning, and other basic functions. This is a thoughtful design choice that makes it easy to adjust settings without having to take your eyes off the road. The physical controls are well-placed and easy to reach, and they provide tactile feedback that makes them easy to use. Overall, the infotainment system in the 2017 Prius C strikes a good balance between touchscreen functionality and physical controls, making it user-friendly and convenient.

Bluetooth connectivity is a standard feature in the 2017 Prius C, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone to the infotainment system. Once connected, you can stream music wirelessly, make hands-free calls, and access your contacts. This is a valuable feature for drivers who want to stay connected while on the go. Bluetooth audio streaming allows you to listen to your favorite music apps, podcasts, and audiobooks directly through the car’s speakers. The sound quality is generally good, and the system supports Bluetooth audio streaming protocols such as A2DP. Hands-free calling is another key feature of the Bluetooth system. You can make and receive calls without taking your hands off the wheel, which enhances safety. The system also supports voice dialing, allowing you to make calls by simply speaking the contact's name. The contact list is automatically synchronized with your smartphone, making it easy to find and call your contacts. In addition to Bluetooth, the 2017 Prius C also includes USB ports and an auxiliary audio input jack for connecting other devices. The USB ports can be used to charge your devices and play music from USB drives. The auxiliary audio input jack allows you to connect older devices that don't support Bluetooth or USB connectivity. This ensures that you can still enjoy your music, even if you're using an older device. The combination of Bluetooth, USB ports, and an auxiliary audio input jack provides a comprehensive set of connectivity options, making it easy to stay connected in the 2017 Prius C. Whether you're streaming music, making calls, or charging your devices, the infotainment system has you covered.

Safety and Driver-Assist Technologies

The 2017 Toyota Prius C is equipped with a suite of safety and driver-assist technologies designed to protect you and your passengers. These features not only help prevent accidents but also make driving more convenient and less stressful. The standard safety features include anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, traction control, and a comprehensive airbag system. These foundational safety technologies work together to provide a stable and secure driving experience. Additionally, higher trim levels of the 2017 Prius C offer the Toyota Safety Sense C (TSS-C) package, which includes advanced driver-assist systems like pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. These technologies use sensors and cameras to monitor the road around you, providing alerts and assistance to help you avoid collisions. The Prius C’s commitment to safety is evident in its design and the inclusion of these advanced features. The combination of active and passive safety systems makes the 2017 Prius C a safe and reliable choice for drivers and families.

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a critical safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking. This allows you to maintain steering control and avoid skidding, which is especially important in emergency situations. ABS works by automatically modulating the brake pressure to each wheel, ensuring that the wheels continue to rotate even during hard braking. This allows you to steer around obstacles and maintain control of the vehicle. Stability control is another important safety feature that helps to prevent skidding and loss of control. It works by monitoring the vehicle's speed, steering angle, and yaw rate, and automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels to help keep the car on its intended path. Stability control is particularly useful in slippery conditions or when making sudden maneuvers. Traction control works in a similar way to stability control, but it focuses on preventing wheel spin during acceleration. It monitors the speed of the wheels and automatically reduces engine power or applies the brakes to prevent wheel spin. This helps to improve traction and acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces. In addition to these active safety systems, the 2017 Prius C also includes a comprehensive airbag system. This includes front airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags, which provide protection in the event of a collision. The airbags are designed to deploy in a variety of crash scenarios, providing cushioning and reducing the risk of injury. The combination of ABS, stability control, traction control, and a comprehensive airbag system makes the 2017 Prius C a safe and reliable vehicle.

The Toyota Safety Sense C (TSS-C) package, available on higher trim levels of the 2017 Prius C, adds an extra layer of safety and convenience. This package includes three key driver-assist systems: a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. The pre-collision system uses a camera and radar to detect vehicles in front of you and can help to mitigate or avoid a collision. If the system detects a potential collision, it will provide an audible and visual warning. If you don't respond, the system can automatically apply the brakes to reduce the severity of the impact or prevent a collision altogether. This is a valuable feature that can help to prevent accidents, especially in busy urban environments. Lane departure alert uses a camera to monitor the vehicle's position within its lane. If the system detects that the vehicle is drifting out of its lane without signaling, it will provide an audible and visual warning. This can help to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue or distraction. Automatic high beams are a convenient feature that automatically switches between high and low beams based on the presence of other vehicles. This ensures that you have optimal visibility without blinding other drivers. The system uses a camera to detect the headlights of oncoming vehicles and the taillights of vehicles ahead, and automatically adjusts the high beams accordingly. The TSS-C package significantly enhances the safety and convenience of the 2017 Prius C, making it an even more attractive option for safety-conscious drivers. These advanced driver-assist systems provide an extra layer of protection and can help to prevent accidents, making the Prius C a safe and reliable choice for everyday driving.

Unique Technology Features

Beyond the standard and advanced safety features, the 2017 Toyota Prius C boasts some unique technology features that set it apart from other subcompact cars. One of the most notable is the Smart Key System with Push Button Start. This feature allows you to unlock and start the car without ever taking the key fob out of your pocket or bag. It's a small convenience that makes a big difference in your daily routine. Another standout feature is the Energy Monitor, which provides real-time feedback on the hybrid system's performance. The Energy Monitor displays how the gasoline engine and electric motor are working together, as well as the battery's charge level. This helps you to drive more efficiently and maximize fuel economy. The Prius C also includes an EV Mode, which allows you to drive solely on electric power for short distances at low speeds. This is perfect for navigating parking lots or driving in stop-and-go traffic, further reducing fuel consumption and emissions. These unique technology features enhance the driving experience and contribute to the Prius C’s appeal as a technologically advanced and eco-friendly vehicle. The combination of convenience, efficiency, and innovation makes the 2017 Prius C a standout in its class.

The Smart Key System with Push Button Start is a convenience feature that simplifies your daily driving routine. With the key fob in your pocket or bag, you can simply touch the door handle to unlock the car and press the start button to start the engine. This eliminates the need to fumble for your keys, which is especially convenient when your hands are full. The system uses sensors to detect the presence of the key fob, so you don't have to worry about accidentally locking the keys inside the car. The push button start is also a welcome feature, as it provides a modern and convenient way to start the engine. The Smart Key System is a small detail that adds a touch of luxury and convenience to the 2017 Prius C. It's one of those features that you quickly come to appreciate, as it makes everyday tasks just a little bit easier. The system is reliable and easy to use, and it enhances the overall driving experience. In addition to its convenience, the Smart Key System also adds a layer of security. The system uses encrypted signals to prevent unauthorized access, and the engine immobilizer prevents the car from being started without the correct key fob. This helps to protect the vehicle from theft and provides peace of mind for the owner. The combination of convenience and security makes the Smart Key System a valuable feature in the 2017 Prius C.

The Energy Monitor is a unique feature that provides real-time feedback on the hybrid system's performance. The monitor displays how the gasoline engine and electric motor are working together, as well as the battery's charge level. This information helps you to understand how the hybrid system is functioning and how you can drive more efficiently. The Energy Monitor is displayed on the infotainment screen, and it provides a visual representation of the energy flow within the vehicle. You can see when the electric motor is powering the car, when the gasoline engine is running, and when the battery is being charged. This helps you to adjust your driving style to maximize fuel economy. The monitor also displays the battery's charge level, so you can see how much electric range is available. This is especially useful when driving in EV Mode, as it allows you to monitor the battery's charge and plan your route accordingly. The Energy Monitor is a valuable tool for understanding the hybrid system and optimizing fuel efficiency. It provides real-time feedback that helps you to drive more economically and reduce your carbon footprint. The monitor is easy to read and understand, and it provides valuable information that can help you to get the most out of the hybrid system. The Energy Monitor is a standout feature that sets the Prius C apart from other vehicles in its class.

Conclusion

The 2017 Toyota Prius C is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a fuel-efficient, technologically advanced, and reliable subcompact car. Its array of tech features, from the user-friendly infotainment system to the comprehensive suite of safety technologies, makes it a standout in its class. Whether you're navigating city streets or embarking on a road trip, the Prius C offers a blend of practicality, innovation, and eco-friendliness. The unique features like the Smart Key System and Energy Monitor add an extra layer of convenience and insight into the hybrid system’s performance. If you're in the market for a hybrid that doesn't compromise on technology, the 2017 Toyota Prius C is definitely worth considering. So, what do you think, guys? Is the 2017 Prius C the perfect tech-savvy, eco-friendly ride for you? We hope this breakdown has given you a clear picture of what this car has to offer!