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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 24 / 33 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 320 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $18,760–$25,204 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2014 Scion FR-S is a sports that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 7.9/10, while Technology at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.8/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.1/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.9/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. Technology scores 6.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $18,760–$25,204, 17 MPG, seating 4, the Scion FR-S sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sports market. At 7.7/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 12 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2014 Scion FR-S will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sports should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2014 Scion FR-S ranks #204 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 36% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $18,760 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 59%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Across the FR-S model years we've scored, the 2014 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $20,368 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $19,564 | Read review → |
| 2014 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $18,760 | |
| 2013 | 7.3/10 | $17,956 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Equipment 30/12/2014 · 14V828000 | Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or… |
|---|---|
| Power train / Automatic transmission / Park/neutral start interlock switch 10/02/2016 · 16V075000 | Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles manufactured March 13, 2012, to January 14, 2016 and equipped an automatic transmission and ignition key. Vehicles with a push-to-start button are not… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other sportss at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Scion models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
