2026 Scion tC
The 2026 Scion tC is a small hatchback coupe produced by Toyota under the Scion brand. The Scion tC was Scion’s most affordable model during its heyday, with some analysts saying that its sales were being lost to the similarly priced Scion FR-S. The Scion tC became a popular car for tuners due to its affordable price and the wide range of aftermarket modifications available. Like other Toyota vehicles, the Scion tC was generally considered reliable and inexpensive to maintain.
 2026 Scion tC Coupe |
 2026 Scion tC Premium |
The Scion tC was discontinued due to Toyota discontinuing the entire Scion brand, a decision that came after years of declining sales, as the younger buyers the brand was intended to appeal to began to favor Toyota’s mainline brand. The Scion tC coupe was one of the models that was completely retired, unlike the Scion iA and iM, which were replaced in Toyota’s lineup as the Toyota Yaris iA and Toyota Corolla iM.
2026 Scion tC : Interior
Inside, the Scion tC‘s interior was designed with a focus on practicality and a modern aesthetic geared toward a younger audience. In both generations, the cabin featured solid, high-quality materials that were soft to the touch, a key selling point in its price segment. The design emphasized a driver-centric experience, with a large steering wheel and clear, easy-to-understand gauge clusters. Standard features were excellent for an entry-level coupe, often including a glass sunroof, automatic climate control, and a premium audio system, allowing buyers to get a well-equipped vehicle without having to pay for expensive packages.
2026 Scion tC Interior
The Scion tC’s interior was highly praised for its practicality, particularly due to its hatchback design. This configuration provided impressive cargo space that was comparable to that of a small SUV when the rear seats were folded, a significant advantage over traditional coupe rivals. The rear seats themselves were also notable for providing good passenger space, unlike many of the more cramped competitors. Additionally, the interior was designed to be a canvas for customization, supporting a wide range of dealer-installed accessories and aftermarket modifications to suit individual tastes.
2026 Scion tC : Engine
The Scion tC was powered by two different reliable, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines throughout its life, both sourced from parent company Toyota. The first generation featured a 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE inline-four, producing 160 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. Known for its long life and smooth delivery, this engine was available with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. The second generation received an improved 2AR-FE 2.5-liter inline-four engine, increasing power output to 180 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. This was coupled with new six-speed and automatic transmissions, providing improved performance and fuel economy over the previous generation.
Toyota Scion tC 2026
The engine’s front-wheel drive layout and design prioritized smooth, accessible power and fuel efficiency over high performance, fitting its role as a fun yet reliable and affordable daily driver. This made the tC a popular choice for tuners and aftermarket modifications, with some opting to install dealer-available TRD superchargers or other upgrades to increase horsepower. However, its core engine remained simple and reliable, providing a solid and maintenance-free experience for most owners.
2026 Scion tC : Safety
The Scion tC was widely praised for its standard safety features and excellent crash test performance for its time. 2026 Scion tC models came standard with eight airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, as well as knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. They also included Toyota’s STAR Safety System, which includes Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Smart Stop Technology. These later models received high crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. However, the 2026 Scion tC lacked modern driver assistance technologies such as blind spot monitoring or a rearview camera.