2019 Toyota Prius C vs. 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Not to be confused by its name, the 2019 Toyota Prius C is a hybrid car that is actually based on the Yaris and not on the Prius model. It is a simple yet efficient car especially for areas where there are impossible city traffic to tackle every single day.

Also an electric-powered car that is gaining popularity among city streets is the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. It is specifically built as a low-range city car but it can take on long-distance travel too. Is going all-electric better than a hybrid? Here's a comparison to find out.

Design & Style

The 2019 Prius C is virtually unchanged and still sports a design that is not typical on a hybrid. It looks pretty much like a normal car with its conventional profile. A new exterior color, Blizzard White, is available and so as the striking two-tone interior color scheme. Although the Prius C is geared towards having a budget-friendly price tag, its cabin features feel premium. The high-end trim even offers heated seats that effectively and quickly heat up.

Although the Bolt EV looks presentable, it is not as much a head-turner as the Prius C. It has a boxy shape that gave it a van-like profile. The cabin has outdated features that do not look expensive. All the plastic surfaces and disorganized array of controls made the interior look cheap.

Technology & Safety

The Prius C has one of the simplest touchscreen interfaces there is. The menu structure is easy to understand and the graphics are clear and crisp. The voice commands and Bluetooth work well. A suite of active safety features also come as standards, such as forward collision mitigation and automatic high beams.

The Bolt EV is built with modern in-car tech but its infotainment is disappointingly slow to respond. There are also a few safety features on the standard model and everything else has to be upgraded.

Performance

With a 1.5-liter engine and an electric motor, the Prius C can have a combined output of 99 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque. It may not be sporty but the performance is solid and very reassuring. It can adequately hold its own during city traffic. The steering is responsive and you can feel its agility with well-balanced handling.

The Bolt EV has an electric motor for a generous 200 hp. Although it delivers plenty of power, the whole performance is dragged down by the hefty battery pack that also doubles as its stabilizer.

The Bottom Line

Going all-electric may be a great idea if you are traveling short distances but the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV simply does not impress. It is so unlike the 2019 Toyota Prius C that delivers ample power yet also offers premium features that are not native among other hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

Ready to Schedule a Toyota Prius C Test Drive Today?

If you want to experience the top features offered by the 2019 Toyota Prius C, come for a test drive with us at Toyota of Stamford. Since our inception, we have been serving the needs of car buyers from Stamford, and other cities in Connecticut. You can drop by our showroom today or call us in advance to book your Toyota Prius C test drive appointment.