2012 Scion TC

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Rating7.8

Ranked #4 in 

Compact Hatchback
Write Review
$18,575 - $21,905
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

The peppy inline-4 engine delivers linear acceleration

Dismal headroom for tall folks

Upgraded infotainment system with some add ons

A comfortable ride with composed handling

One of the lowest EPA ratings in its segment

New Release Series 7.0 trim

Top-notch crash test ratings

Excessive engine noise at higher RPMs

Well-equipped cabin with modern tech

Specs & Features

$19,575

price

180 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

173 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.5L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2012 Scion tC hatchback makes for an excellent contender in the compact hatchback class. With 2 trims on offer, the Scion TC has a base MSRP of $18,575, with prices going all the way up to MSRP $20,905, competing directly with the Ford Focus Hatchback, theMazda 3 Hatchback, and the Subaru Impreza Hatchback. Only a 2.5L inline 4 engine is offered, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic transmission is optional. Together, they produce 180 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. Accelerating from 0-60 in 7.4 seconds, the tC maintains a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG. Scion offers the tC in 7 stunning colors, with the sizzling crimson mica being a particular favorite of ours.

Buying Advice

In our opinion, the $2,000 more expensive is the all-new Release Series 7.0 trim which adds a few exterior upgrades such as a “High Voltage” yellow shade with a lowered body kit, black 18-inch wheels, and a yellow accented black upholstery for the seats. Underneath, both the trims are just the same in most aspects. Hence, the base trim is pretty much adequate enough for all types of buyers unless you fancy a better-looking exterior.

Trims

    Base
    $18,575 onwards
    • Cornering Front Fog Lamps
    • MMI Navigation Plus w/ Voice Activation Navigation System
    • Remote locking and unlocking
    • Valcona leather Seat trim
    Release Series 7.0
    $20,905 onwards
    • 18-inch black aluminum Wheels
    • Premium cloth Seat trim

Compare to similar cars

Price

$18,575- $21,905

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.79

Horsepower

180 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

173 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$19,499- $32,599

Gasoline

7.27

162 hp @ 6000 rpm

162 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

4

Read Review

$23,995- $31,695

Gasoline

7.81

200 hp @ 5100 rpm

207 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

5

Read Review

$17,995- $29,545

Gasoline

8.57

170 hp @ 5700 rpm

177 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm

5

Read Review

2012 Scion TC vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    SourceCompare
    2012 Scion TC

    Ranked #3

    7.9 sec16.0 sec
    7.4 sec14.7 sec
    7.7 sec15.8 sec
    8.7 sec16.6 sec

    2012 Scion TC vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2012 Scion TC

      Ranked #1

      23 mpg31 mpg26 mpg14.5 gal.333.5/449.5 mi.
      24 mpg33 mpg26 mpg14.5 gal.333.5/478.5 mi.
      21 mpg31 mpg25 mpg14.5 gal.304.5/449.5 mi.
      20 mpg28 mpg23 mpg17.7 gal.354/495.6 mi.

      2012 Scion TC vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2012 Scion TC

        Ranked #2

        174 in.70.7 in.55.7 in.6.3 in.106.3 in.
        180.4 in.72.2 in.53.2 in.5.7 in.101.4 in.
        165.8 in.70 in.57.8 in.5 in.101.5 in.

        2012 Volkswagen Golf R

        Ranked #3

        165.8 in.70 in.57.5 in.5 in.101.5 in.
        165.4 in.70.3 in.58.3 in.5.4 in.101.5 in.

        2012 Scion TC vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2012 Scion TC

          Ranked #2

          14.7 cu.ft.88.4 cu.ft.34.5 cu.ft.
          15 cu.ft.93 cu.ft.46 cu.ft.
          15.3 cu.ft.93.5 cu.ft.46 cu.ft.
          15.7 cu.ft.81.6 cu.ft.29.6 cu.ft.

          2012 Scion TC vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            2012 Scion TC

            Ranked #1

            34.5 cu.ft.14.7 cu.ft.34.5 cu.ft.-
            46 cu.ft.15 cu.ft.46 cu.ft.-
            29.6 cu.ft.15.7 cu.ft.29.6 cu.ft.50 ft.
            46 cu.ft.15.3 cu.ft.46 cu.ft.-

            2012 Scion TC vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2012 Scion TC

              Ranked #1

              -3060 lbs.
              -3272 lbs.
              1078 lbs.2968 lbs.
              1076 lbs.3034 lbs.

              Top Scion Cars

              2012 Scion IQ

              Horsepower : 94 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 37 mpg

              0-60 : 10 sec

              #1

              2012 Scion TC

              Horsepower : 180 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 26 mpg

              0-60 : 7.9 sec

              #2

              2012 Scion XB

              Horsepower : 158 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 24 mpg

              0-60 : 8.4 sec

              #3

              2012 Scion XD

              Horsepower : 128 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 29 mpg

              0-60 : 8.72 sec

              #4