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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 | 321 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $20,368–$23,608 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2016 Scion FR-S at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.1/10, 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. We score reliability at 7.9/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.1/10. The Scion FR-S delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. 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 $20,368–$23,608, 19 MPG, seating 4, the Scion FR-S sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sports market. The 7.6/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 Scion FR-S is a solid, well-rounded sports that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 2016 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 $20,368 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 56%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2013 Scion FR-S scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2016's 7.5 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $20,368 | |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $19,564 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 7.5/10 | $18,760 | Read review → |
| 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 / Other / Labels 09/06/2016 · 16V420000 | Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the… |
|---|---|
| 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… |
| Tires 22/04/2016 · 16V236000 | Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Scion models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.