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2016 Scion iA Review
Pros
If your budget tops out at $18,000 and nothing but a small sedan will do, the 2016 Scion iA deserves a test drive. The iA also represents a comparatively strong value proposition, offering laudable fuel economy, a generous roster of standard equipment, and more trunk space than some compact sedans.
Cons
Since its inception, the Scion brand has appealed to those who seek the reliability and quality of a Toyota but in a sportier, more youthful package. As a rebadged Mazda2, the 2016 iA lacks Scion’s chief selling point. If you’re looking for a truly sporty subcompact, consider a Ford Fiesta or Chevy Sonic.
What's New?
Based almost entirely on the second-generation Mazda2, the Scion iA is an all-new model for 2016.
As hatchback sales continue to lay stagnant in the U.S. marketplace, Toyota’s youth-focused division figured it was high time to build a car that many young car buyers have been asking for: an affordable-yet-stylish small sedan. The 2016 Scion iA is just that, and includes many of the features young car buyers expect as standard fare. Even so, the iA doesn’t live up to its promise as a fun-to-drive urban runabout. Sure, it looks the part, but Scion’s subcompact can’t equal the Ford Fiesta Titanium when it comes to driving dynamics or interior refinement. Nevertheless, the iA still excels against rivals like the Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Chevy Sonic in the more pragmatic areas of fuel economy and features-for-dollar.
2016 Scion iA Pricing
2016 Scion iA pricing starts at $7,887 for the iA Sedan 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $17,595 when new. The range-topping 2016 iA Sedan 4D starts at $7,887 today, originally priced from $17,595.
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$17,595 | $7,887 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2016 Scion iA models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.
Driving the Scion iA
Overlooking the frustrating lack of a standard center armrest, the 2016 Scion iA was built with ergonomics in mind. Adjusting the climate is a straightforward affair, the steering wheel offers more adjustability than most drivers will ever need, and the Mazda-sourced remote-controlled infotainment system features one of the least-distracting interfaces on the mainstream market. Despite its zoom-zoom genetics, however, the iA delivers a very un-Mazda-like driving experience. The steering feels vague and disconnected, the body sways more than a dashboard hula girl, and acceleration is so sluggish that passing and merging require the planning and precision of a drone strike. On a brighter note, cabin noise levels are on par with most of the segment, and ride quality is surprisingly comfortable and compliant on imperfect pavement.
Interior Comfort
Except for the budget-grade headliner, the Scion iA’s cabin looks and feels more sophisticated than its entry-level status would suggest. Although the average American might find them a bit restrictive, the front seats are supportive. Rear legroom is plentiful for this class, and the trunk is roomier than that of a Toyota Corolla. Complaints? Sun visors don’t slide to block the sun and the push-button ignition system lacks a passive-entry function. This results in a worst-of-both-worlds situation, where you remove the key fob from your pocket or bag only to put it right back in once the doors are unlocked.
Exterior Styling
The iA’s cleanly styled exterior is highlighted by a bold front fascia treatment set off with Toyota’s now-signature piano-black accenting, prominent character lines, and standard 16-inch alloy wheels. We also found nighttime visibility to be quite good for a car fitted with traditional multi-reflector headlights in lieu of more modern projector-beam units.
Favorite Features
TOUCH OR REMOTE CONTROLLED INFOTAINMENT
Pulled directly from Mazda’s electronic inventory, the Scion iA’s infotainment system comprises a 7-inch touch-screen display, two USB ports, mobile app connectivity, and a dial-based controller that, after only a few days of use, enables you to operate the interface without taking your eyes off the road.
LOW-SPEED PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM
At speeds under 18 mph, a laser sensor mounted behind the windshield scans the road ahead to alert the driver to potential hazards. If the system determines a collision is imminent, the car will brake automatically.
Standard Features
Every Scion iA comes standard with cruise control, a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, LED turn-signal indicators, alloy wheels, Bluetooth, and a 6-speaker audio system linked to a 7-inch display and two USB ports. On the safety side of the ledger you’ll find six airbags, the aforementioned low-speed pre-collision system, and a rearview camera.
Factory Options
Not unlike every Scion, the 2016 iA adheres to a mono-spec packaging structure. This means that beyond the transmission and exterior color, your options are limited to dealer-installed options like a center armrest ($295), front doorsill appliqués ($170), and a plug-and-play navigation upgrade ($495).
Engine & Transmission
The lone engine offered is a Mazda-sourced 1.5-liter, direct-injected 4-cylinder that makes 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. It drives the front wheels through a standard 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission that’ll set you back an extra $1,100 or so. Fuel economy is predictably impressive, scoring EPA combined figures in the mid-to-high 30-mpg range regardless of which transmission you choose.
1.5-liter inline-4
106 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
103 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 31/41 mpg (manual), 33/42 mpg (automatic)
2016 Scion iA
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2016 Scion iA Style
2016 Scion iA Depreciation
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2016 Scion Ia Annual Depreciation
Year | Vehicle Depreciation* | Resale Value | Trade-In Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | + $902 | $11,037 | $10,090 | ||
2023 | $785 | $10,252 | $9,362 | ||
2024 | $2,424 | $7,828 | $6,648 | ||
Now | $1,358 | $6,470 | $5,154 |
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2-Year Forecasted Depreciation
*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.
2016 Scion Ia Depreciation
Annual Depreciation is an estimation of what your vehicle's value might be over time based on an average of similar vehicles. Estimations are calculated by comparing Kelley Blue Book Private Party Values of vehicles similar to yours over time, as well as forecasts from Manheim Auction data comparing current and projected auction values against current Kelley Blue Book Private Party and Trade-In Values. This is not a guarantee of actual depreciation. Local weather conditions, market factors and driver performance will also impact your vehicle's actual depreciation.
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Specifications
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
Curb Weight | 2416 lbs. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
EPA Passenger | 85.9 cu.ft. | ||
Fuel Capacity | 11.6 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 38.2 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 41.9 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 5.5 inches | ||
Overall Length | 171.7 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 53.1 inches | ||
Towing Capacity, Maximum | 1500 lbs. | ||
Turning Diameter | 32.2 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 101.2 inches |
Exterior
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Number of Doors | 4 doors |
Fuel Economy
City | 33 mpg | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Highway | 42 mpg | ||
Combined | 37 mpg |
Mechanical
Drivetrain | FWD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
6 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Regular |
Performance
Horsepower | 106 @ 6000 RPM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Torque | 103 @ 4000 rpm | ||
Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.5 Liter |
Warranty
Basic | 3 years / 36000 miles | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
Entertainment
- iPod Connector
- Bluetooth Streaming Audio
Interior
- Power Windows
- Rear Window Defroster
- Steering Wheel Controls
- Tilt Steering Wheel
- Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel
Seating
- Folding Rear Seat
- Cloth Seats
Technology
- Bluetooth Wireless Technology
- Cruise Control
- Hands Free Phone
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Push-Button Engine Start
- Touch Screen Monitor
- USB Port
2016 Scion iA Safety
2016 Scion iA Safety Technology
- Child Door Locks
- Child Seat Anchors
- Driver Airbag
- Passenger Airbag
- Front Head Curtain Airbag
- Front Side Airbag
- Rear Head Curtain Airbag
- Rear View Camera
Crash Test Rating
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Used 2016 Scion iA | Used 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 | Used 2017 Hyundai Accent | Used 2017 Ford Fiesta | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,887 | $5,995 | $6,428 | $6,688 | |
| KBB.com Rating | 3.5 | 3.1 | 4.4 | 4.4 | |
| Consumer Rating | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 3.9 | |
| Fuel Economy | City 33/Hwy 42/Comb 37 MPG | City 35/Hwy 42/Comb 37 MPG | City 26/Hwy 36/Comb 30 MPG | City 27/Hwy 35/Comb 30 MPG | |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | |
| Safety Rating | N/A | N/A | 4.0 | 4.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years or 36000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | |
| Horsepower | 106 @ 6000 RPM | 78 @ 6000 RPM | 137 @ 6300 RPM | 120 @ 5000 RPM | |
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.5 Liter | 3-Cyl, 1.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
2016 Scion iA Rankings
FAQs
What is the MPG for a 2016 Scion iA?
The 2016 Scion iA is rated to return city/highway fuel economy of 33/42 mpg.
How much should a 2016 Scion iA cost?
Used 2016 Scion iA prices currently range from $7,887 for the Sedan 4D to $7,887 for the Sedan 4D when purchasing from a dealership, depending on a range of factors like equipment, mileage, and condition.
What's the cheapest Scion iA?
The cheapest 2016 Scion iA is the Sedan 4D, with a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price of $7,887.
Is the 2016 Scion iA reliable?
The 2016 Scion iA is part of the 1st-generation iA, which our owners give an above-average reliability rating of 4.1 out of 5.