from drum to disc

The Prius braking system is complex, due to regenerative braking. I would not consider changing it.

Rear drums offer much simpler parking brakes and the rears do little to stop a car in normal use. As much as 75% of braking in a normal car is the front brakes.

Front Brakes vs Rear Brakes: What's the Difference?

 

All years/all trims of the c have drums in the rear, so there isn't really a direct swap.

I would not be surprised to learn that certain Yaris or Corolla brakes would fit to enable such a change, but then you run into the complexity issue as Jimbo noted above.

For what it's worth, the brakes feel great. The usual problem with drums is fade on long downhill runs; I just don't have enough mountains around here for this to matter.

When shopping for a hybrid, try to get the youngest car you can find. Miles hurt less than years with these things.

Good luck!

 

more complicated than expensive. for you parts. for a mech, a long time at $150./hour

i had twp prius with drums, and two with discs. no difference imo.

 

[QUOTEppendi="Dominic&Leslie, post: 3133116, member: 122841"]This has drum brakes in the back, and I'm curious, is it expensive to replace these with disc brakes[/QUOTE]
Expensive and totally unnecessary. Test drive it; think you’ll find the brakes just fine. Drum brakes are long lasting and work just fine. Disassembly to replace the shoes (if ever needed) is a bit of a handful; I prefer to leave it to pros. Typical maintenance I do is just remove the drum, check shoe thickness, loosen the shoes from backing plate and apply fresh lube to the contact points, button everything back up.

 

Expense is not the critical factor.
It is not a practical thing to do because of the electronic ABS and traction controls.
And it is not necessary either because the drums have MORE than enough capacity to lock the rear wheels.......especially in a panic situation where there is weight transfer toward the front.
Messing with it could be a HUGE mistake.

Generally, the car manufacturers know what is best.