2013 Scion tC 2.5 6AT (180 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Scion introduced the second generation of the tC model in 2010 at the New York Auto Show and received a well-deserved facelift in 2013 for the 2014 model year.

When Toyota introduced the Scion brand as a youth-oriented carmaker, it thought that a sporty-looking and affordable two-door vehicle would be the right choice, and it was right. In just three years since the introduction of the tC, this small-sized coupe capitalized 40 percent of the automaker’s sales. That’s why Scion hoped that sales would go through the roof when the car was refreshed for the 2014 model year. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, and production barely jumped over 20,000 units per year. As a result, the tC was kept on the assembly lines until 2016, when Toyota shut down the Scion sub-brand altogether.

The refreshed 2014 Scion tC showed a front clip that resembled the one from the successful Toyota Corolla lineup. Its new-edge-design styling for the headlights had rounded lines and sharp edges that were blended into the front bumper. On the lower side, the apron housed an additional hexagonal-shaped grille flanked by a pair of fake vents where customers could order the optional fog lamps. The aggressive look of the front fascia could also be enhanced with a chin spoiler.

From its profile, the 2014 Scion tC didn’t create the impression of a hatchback; it looked more like a regular two-door sedan. Its flat roof line was sloped down at the back and ended with a small wing on the tailgate. However, the shape of the side windows for the rear passengers made the car so unique on the market. These were shaped with an unusual angle of the lower side, like a high-kick. The long doors made ingress and egress easy for the front and rear passengers, while the body-colored door handles and mirrors made the tC look more upscale than it was. In addition, the automaker offered the car with standard 18-inch alloy wheels across the range. Last but not least, Scion offered the compact coupe with an option for LED taillights.

Inside, the front bucket seats could tilt forward to ease access to the rear bench seat. Standard upholstery was cloth. The panorama moonroof with power tilt/slide front glass panel was also standard, a feat that many other automakers failed to provide. Fronting the driver was a binocular-styled instrument panel featuring individual clusters for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked the fuel-level gauge between them. Customers could also add carbon fiber details on the dashboard and the center console that housed the HVAC panel and the available touchscreen infotainment unit featuring a CD player, Sirius radio, and a navigation system. In the back, the split-folding (60/40) bench seat could hardly accommodate two adults due to the low roof.

Under the hood, Toyota installed the same 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine as on the non-facelifted version. This powerhouse was paired as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox while a six-speed automatic was available. Power went to the front wheels, and traction control was standard.