2013 Scion TC

header-image
Rating7.8

Ranked #3 in 

Hatchback
Write Review
$18,725 - $22,865
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Gutsy performance from the base engine

Tiresome engine and transmission noise

Offers a all-new Release Series 8.0 trim level

Audiophile friendly features

Uses some cheap interior materials

Offers reclining rear seats

Specs & Features

$19,725

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 2013 Scion tC makes for an excellent contender in the compact hatchback. With 2 trims on offer, the Scion tC has a base MSRP of $18,725, with prices going all the way up to MSRP $22,865, competing directly with the Honda Civic Hatchback, the Volkswagen Beetle, and the Hyundai Veloster. Only a 2.5L Inline-4 engine is offered, however there's a choice between a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission. Together, they produce 180 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. Accelerating from 0-60 in 7.3 seconds, the tC maintains a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG. Scion offers the tC in 7 stunning colors, with the Magnetic Gray Metallic being a particular favorite of ours.

Buying Advice

Considering its rarity, we'd recommend the RS 8.0 trim level if you're intending to purchase the 2013 Scion tC. The base trim is fairly well equipped but the RS 8.0 adds different 18-inch wheels, a lowered suspension, an aerodynamic body kit, sport center-exit exhaust, paddle shifters for automatic transmission, and special interior finish.

Trims

    Base
    $18,725 onwards
    • Adjustable Front-Seat Shoulder Belt Anchors
    • Bluetooth streaming audio
    • Seven-speed automatic transmission
    Release Series 8.0
    $21,815 onwards
    • 18-inch black aluminum Wheels
    • Premium cloth Seat trim

Compare to similar cars

Price

$18,725- $22,865

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.8

Horsepower

180 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

173 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$15,425- $19,790

Gasoline

7.14

117 hp @ 6600 rpm

106 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,995- $32,095

Gasoline

7.64

200 hp @ 5100 rpm

207 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

5

Read Review

$18,095- $29,725

Gasoline

8.07

170 hp @ 5700 rpm

177 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm

5

Read Review

2013 Scion TC vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2013 Scion TC

    Ranked #3

    7.9 sec16.0 sec-
    6.4 sec14.8 sec-
    7.7 sec15.8 sec-
    8.3 sec16.5 sec115 mph

    2013 Scion TC vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2013 Scion TC

      Ranked #2

      23 mpg31 mpg26 mpg14.5 gal.333.5/449.5 mi.
      27 mpg33 mpg29 mpg10.6 gal.286.2/349.8 mi.
      23 mpg33 mpg26 mpg14.5 gal.333.5/478.5 mi.
      21 mpg31 mpg25 mpg14.5 gal.-

      2013 Scion TC vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2013 Scion TC

        Ranked #1

        174 in.70.7 in.55.7 in.6.3 in.106.3 in.

        2013 Volkswagen Golf R

        Ranked #2

        165.8 in.70 in.57.8 in.5 in.101.5 in.
        165.8 in.70 in.57.8 in.5 in.101.5 in.
        165.4 in.70.3 in.58.3 in.5.4 in.101.5 in.
        161.6 in.66.7 in.60 in.5 in.98.4 in.

        2013 Scion TC vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2013 Scion TC

          Ranked #4

          14.7 cu.ft.90 cu.ft.-
          20.6 cu.ft.90.8 cu.ft.57.3 cu.ft.
          15 cu.ft.93 cu.ft.57 cu.ft.
          15.3 cu.ft.93.5 cu.ft.56 cu.ft.

          2013 Scion TC vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            2013 Scion TC

            Ranked #1

            -14.7 cu.ft.-
            57 cu.ft.15 cu.ft.57 cu.ft.
            56 cu.ft.15.3 cu.ft.56 cu.ft.
            57.3 cu.ft.20.6 cu.ft.57.3 cu.ft.

            2013 Scion TC vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2013 Scion TC

              Ranked #1

              -3070 lbs.
              994 lbs.3034 lbs.
              -2496 lbs.
              1089 lbs.2968 lbs.

              Top Scion Cars

              2013 Scion IQ

              Horsepower : 94 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 37 mpg

              0-60 : 10 sec

              #1

              2013 Scion FR-S

              Horsepower : 200 hp @ 7000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 25 mpg

              0-60 : 5.98 sec

              #2

              2013 Scion TC

              Horsepower : 180 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 26 mpg

              0-60 : 7.9 sec

              #3

              2013 Scion XB

              Horsepower : 158 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 24 mpg

              0-60 : 8.4 sec

              #4

              2013 Scion XD

              Horsepower : 128 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 29 mpg

              0-60 : 8.72 sec

              #5