2012 Scion tC Review by Cars.com Staff

2012 Scion tC

Change

2012 Scion tC

Starting MSRP $18,575–$20,905


Expert Reviews

By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National August 17, 2011

Vehicle Overview

Scion's sporty five-seat coupe received a complete redesign for the 2011 model year and sees few changes for 2012. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the tC competes with coupe versions of compacts like the Honda Civic, Mini Cooper and Volkswagen Golf.


New for 2012

Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming is newly standard and joins new base and premium stereos. Additionally, the right-side taillamp now incorporates a backup light.


Exterior

The tC's headlights recall the Kia Forte, but a large lower grille helps distinguish the tC as a Scion and visually grounds the car. Though the tC is a two-door hatchback, the shape of the rear side windows accentuates the dropoff in the roofline, hinting at a coupe profile. Exterior features include:

  • Standard 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Blacked-out A-pillars
  • Chrome exhaust tip


Interior

A front moonroof and a glass skylight over the backseat are standard. Between these and the fastback roofline, the cabin gets plenty of light, but shoppers will wish the rear window had a wiper. Interior features include:

  • Standard USB port and MP3 jack for connecting portable music players
  • Standard air conditioning
  • Standard power windows, locks and side mirrors
  • Standard tilt/telescoping leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls
  • Standard cruise control

     

Under the Hood

Mechanical features include:

  • 180-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Uses regular gas
  • Standard six-speed manual transmission
  • Optional six-speed automatic transmission
  • Front-wheel drive


Safety

Standard safety features include:

  • Side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Front knee airbags
  • Antilock brakes
  • Electronic stability system and traction control
  • Active front head restraints

 

Additional Reviews

Cars.com Expert Reviews

Kelsey MaysCars.com NationalOctober 15, 2011
Cars.com StaffCars.com NationalAugust 17, 2011

People Who Viewed This Car Also Viewed

Choose up to three models to compare to the 2012 Scion tC.

Compare Side-by-Side
2013 Scion FR-S

2013 Scion FR-S

Starting MSRP
$24,500 - $24,500

2012 Nissan 370Z

2012 Nissan 370Z

Starting MSRP
$32,280 - $43,200

2012 Chevrolet Camaro

2012 Chevrolet Camaro

Starting MSRP
$23,280 - $54,095

Change Location

Closest Dealers Listing this Car in ZIP 07095

*Invoice prices are made available by Cars.com and are not dealer advertising. All prices are subject to regional variations. Prices last updated 9/23/10. Click here for more information.