At first glance, the Scion tC comes off as an inviting package for young, first-time new-car buyers. It looks sleek and sporty, and it comes with a generous list of standard features, including a touchscreen audio system and a dual-pane sunroof.
But the appeal goes only skin deep. When we got beyond the surface appeal, we found the tC to be a loud, cheap-feeling, uncomfortable car that doesn't really deliver anything notable beyond its convenient hatchback versatility. Add it all up, and the tC scores low.
While Scion updated the tC for 2014, the changes were mostly limited to some styling tweaks, changed suspension and steering calibrations, and a new six-speed automatic transmission. Further updates for 2016 included an upgraded audio system and a much-desired rear window wiper.
With all of that said, the tC's sporty look writes a check the car's performance capabilities just can't cash. Handling is mundane at best and the ride is stiff and jittery. And it's not like Toyota, Scion's parent company, doesn't know how to build a small, fun-to-drive coupe; witness the super-sporty Scion FR-S.
Acceleration is pretty quick for the class, but most midsized four-cylinder family sedans would beat the tC in a race. And, while fuel economy of 27 mpg overall isn't bad, plenty of those larger sedans are also more efficient.
The transmission is poorly calibrated, forcing the engine to sometimes scream along after you're done accelerating. It also has a rev-matching feature that roars the engine on downshifts. Again, it may seem sporty at first, but it gets as tiresome as a kid endlessly shouting, "Vroom, vroom, VROOM!"
Moreover, while its loud exhaust boom tries to imbue a sporty character, it ends up creating a constant drone that gets old rather quickly.
Further, despite the updates, Scion’s tC seems behind the times. A sea of hard and drab plastic, the interior finish looks low-rent. Exacerbating this, features such as a backup camera and seat heaters are unavailable. Most competing small sedans offer more refinement and high-end options.
On the other hand, the rear seats and cargo area are surprisingly accommodating, the Scion readily swallows a bike or other bulky items. But getting in and out of the low-slung car is an ungracious affair; the front seats are low and the limited outward view is like peering through the slits of an armored half-track.
Best version\/options to get
This version of the tC stretches Scion's reputation as a value brand. True, you get a dual-panel sunroof and an automatic transmission for a low-ish price. But beyond that, you really only get a long list of "stuff", rather than a genuinely nice car. By the way, satellite radio, a rear wiper and heated side mirrors are missing from that list of stuff.
There aren't many major options beyond a navigation system. Scion offers plenty of accessories, but most of them are cosmetic fluff.
Notable changes
The 2016 models got a new standard audio system with a seven-inch touchscreen display, and a rear windshield wiper.