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2014 Scion tC

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Overview

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2014 Scion tC Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.1

The sporty 2014 Scion tC coupe isn't the quickest 2-door on the market, and it is eclipsed in the fun-to-drive department by Scion's new FR-S rear-drive sport coupe. But, the tC continues to hold appeal to buyers looking for an affordable and fun coupe loaded with high-tech audio and add-on features all for a price in reach of anyone who can secure a car loan. Toss in an enviable reliability and resale history, a usable rear seat and improvements to the car's performance abilities and the tC seems destined to thrive.

You'll Like This Car If...

The Scion tC for 2014 offers a balanced blend of driving enjoyment, good fuel economy and cutting-edge audio connectivity as to make it an easy choice for most first-time buyers. Numerous accessories and aftermarket parts allow nearly infinite customization options, and the big rear hatch provides excellent cargo hauling potential.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Performance expectations don't always live up to the promise offered by the tC's good looks. If you're looking for a seat of your pants thrill ride, the 2014 Scion tC would be better substituted with Scion's FR-S sports coupe. An abundance of black inside the tC's cabin is another detractor.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.1
Driving Dynamics

6.0
Comfort & Convenience

6.4
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.2
Value

6.0
Safety

9.8

How It Ranks

#6

out of 6

MPG

#1

out of 6

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.4 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2014

The 2014 Scion tC receives a new front end, LED accent lights and a freshened interior. A new standard audio system incorporates a 6.1-inch touch screen, while a new 6-speed automatic transmission is programmed for quicker shifts and features rev-matching technology. A limited-production 10 Series edition is also offered.

Driving the tC

Driving Impressions The tC driving experience has always been the biggest source of debate in regards to the car's designation as a sports coupe. Improvements to the 2014 Scion tC move the...

needle a bit more to the Yes column, but not definitively. A 6-speed automatic transmission lifted from the Scion FR-S now features downshift rev-matching technology and is a vast improvement over last year's automatic. But, we still prefer the 6-speed manual gearbox both for its light clutch pedal and precise, quick shifts. Road manners and chassis feel are improved for 2014, with stiffer calibrations for the springs, shocks and stabilizer bars, as well as a retuned electric power steering setup. Low-rpm engine response is quite good but revving out the 2.5-liter four generates only average thrust. Compared to other coupes in its class, it's not nearly as powerful or capable, though for city driving it's probably good enough for most buyers.

Favorite Features

BESPOKE PREMIUM AUDIO
Offered as an enhancement to the standard touch-screen radio, the BeSpoke audio system includes full navigation as well as the Aha smartphone app service that allows access to 30,000 free radio stations including Scion's own station featuring 17 separate music channels.

BUILD YOUR OWN
Personalization is a consistent Scion theme, and between the factory and the aftermarket, it's easy to make your tC really your tC. There are many forums, groups and clubs dedicated to Scion customization.

2014 Scion tC Details

Interior

For 2014, the Scion tC receives a modest interior upgrade with better seat materials and more contrasting trim on the dash. Color, however, is still absent from the overly black and gray interior palate. The tC's driver's seat is adjustable enough for all shapes and sizes, and rear-seat passengers will be surprised by the amount of room they actually have. Dials and instrument clusters have a round theme that is pleasant and manages to be Spartan without looking like anything is missing. A 60/40-split folding back seat allows trips to actual supermarkets, not just convenience stores.

Exterior

The 2014 Scion tC's biggest change can be seen up front, where a new wide-mouth lower grille is topped by a longer hood and new headlights with LED accent lighting. New 18-inch wheels feature a dark gray finish with contrasting machined-spoke surfaces. Where other, smaller coupes in its class can look excessively what-you-see-is-what-you-get, the tC coupe looks aggressively playful. The limited edition Scion 10 Series features Silver Ignition paint, silver seat belts and a solar-powered illuminated shift knob.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2014 Scion tC carries great youth-appeal cred with standard equipment that includes 18-inch wheels and the impressive Pioneer sound system. That sound system includes a new 6.1-inch LCD touch screen and HD Radio capability, and you can connect your phone to it as long as you're running Bluetooth 2.0 or higher. There are two microphones in the ceiling-light array to help facilitate use of the hands-free phone option. Toyota's Star Safety System is also standard and features eight airbags and traction and stability control along with active front headrests.

Optional Equipment

Factory options for the 2014 Scion tC are narrowed to a few items, chief among them the BeSpoke audio/navigation upgrade, rear spoiler and sportier TRD springs and anti-roll bars. A new 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and downshift rev matching is also available. Aftermarket options for the 2014 Scion tC are as extensive as they are for all other Scion models.

Under the Hood

All 2014 Scion tC trim levels carry a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 179 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. Both manual and automatic transmissions are 6-speed units. The automatic's new rev-matching technology allows smoother downshifts and changes gears twice as quick as the old automatic in the 2013 car. The manual transmission's clutch could be accused of being soft but the bolt-action precision of its shifter largely offsets that concern.

2.5-liter inline-4
179 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
173 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

Pricing Notes

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) on the 2014 Scion tC coupe starts just under $20,000 with the 6-speed manual transmission. The 6-speed automatic adds about $1,000 to the bottom line. The tC Series 10 has an MSRP just a shade over $22,000. Resale values on the Scion tC have held up well for previous models and the 2014 should be no different, though the arrival of the excellent Scion FR-S rear-drive coupe may have some impact by pulling away the more sport-minded drivers. For the best picture of what 2014 Scion tC models are selling for in your area, check out the Fair Purchase Price on KBB.com.

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2014 Scion tC Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.4

Out of 10

Based on 50 Ratings for the 2011 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.2/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

8.7/10
Comfort

8.4/10

Styling

8.6/10

Don't bother with this one

By rrc0112 (GA) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "Sporty looking"

Cons: "bad road, noise, jerky drive, heavy doors"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"This was my first new car and I wish I would have done more research. The Scion TC looks sporty and the interior is pretty nice. Unfortunately this is where the "nice" stops. This car has more road noise than I have EVER had with another car. What is the point of having Bluetooth when you can't hear anything if you are driving faster than 45 mph. I have had a 2 door in the past, but never with such heavy doors. The shifting and ride of this car is lacking. Very "jerky" and more noise than performance. Yes this car is affordable and sporty looking, but next time I will go for a better quality car over the price. If you enjoy driving and like having a nice quite good riding car, this is not the car for you."

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Excellent Sport Coupe

By GeorgeNFLA (FL) on Sunday, March 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Accelleration, handling, reliability, fuel mileage"

Cons: "Rear seat has no cup holders."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My tC is a 2013 model. It has the manual transmission 6-speed. Ride quality is firm, but not abusive. Enough room for 4 adults comfortably. Fuel mileage is 34 hwy, and only regular fuel is required. Accelleration is very strong, about that of a Civic Si. Handling is very secure, with no body lean at all...a true sport coupe. Fit/finish is very good, typical of a Toyota product. The tC comes loaded with everything you could possible want, including dual sun-roofs. Short trips or long trips, this is a comfortable car with supportive seats and plenty of leg room for all. Reliability is top-notch. This car is an excellent value if you are in the market for a sport coupe."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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13 TC

By Dank (ND) on Monday, March 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Sunroof, sound system, steering wheel & hatchback"

Cons: "squeaky suspension"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"my 1st Scion. Wanted a coupe with fwd due to weather. Great value, comfortable car. Steering initially heavy but gotten used to it. 6 speed manual is smooth but a bit vague. Power/torque feel great, dont feel like I can run it on rails, but the dynamics can make for decent fun."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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3rd Times a Charm- Saved My Life

By Simon Cement (TN) on Thursday, February 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY"

Cons: "Wish there was way to open hatchback from inside."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased a 2006 used Scion TC in 2008. I LOVED that car. I had no issues out of it at all. It was Silver 5 speed, handled perfectly. In 2011, we were hit with a hail storm that totaled it sitting in the driveway. I was devasted. I ended up purchasing a 2011 Scion TC, Cement 6 speed. I did notice a sound randomly in the dash two times in the 1 year and a half, but did not last long and Toyota noted it in my file. Unfortunately, I recently was in a collision were someone pulled out in front of me. It was a bigger SUV. From the look of my car, I should not have walked out of the accident. I was wearing my seatbelt thankfully and all my airbags deployed as they should. I walked away with minor bumps and bruises. I am now waiting for the total report so that I can purchase my 2013. Yes, the interior is plastic and could be better... but when it comes down to it. I don't care if my car inside is plastic [it is still nice and works great] as long as the outside does its job. It is a fantastic car. Heat and AC are both fantastic. The five star safety rating is well deserved! Love the room."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Love my tC

By hungover (WI) on Tuesday, February 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Amazing exterior, good power, great sound system"

Cons: "Cheapy plastic used for interior finishings."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have had this car for several months now and I am loving it. I don't understand why all the professional reviews list performance as one of its cons -saying it doesnt match the cars sporty looks. So if the car didn't look so good, it would have a better performance rating? C'mon now! This car has more horse power and is faster 0-60 than ANY other car in the price range. It's not a sports car but it is quick and gets decent gas mileage- I get about 27mpg with pretty aggresive acceleration. The exterior looks amazing in my opinion. The sound system is great- better than any other car I test drove and almost as good as the BOSE system I had in my old Mercedes E350. Even though it looks like a coupe it is a hatchback so you can fold forward the back seats for TONS of cargo room. The interior materials are cheap plastic, I wish Scion would have spent another 500-1000 bucks to have some soft touch materials."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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fun safe nice-looking car

By Ddv0921 (NC) on Monday, January 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,200

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "audio, body style, many awesome standard features!"

Cons: "rear view is slightly limited"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I just bought a 2013 tc in October 2012. I had it for a few months now and I really enjoy it. It is a really good looking car, audio is good enough you won't need any upgrades. I got the bespoke audio and it really makes the car look more sophisticated. It's quick and smooth ride make it fun to drive. Get the tint and spoiler and fog lights for a more aggressive look in my opinion. I often find myself just taking the tC out for a spin after its all clean and shiny."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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