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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.5L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 22 / 30 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,700 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Base Price | $14,080–$18,381 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.2/10, the 2012 Scion tC earns a Good rating among the coupes we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 7.5/10. It's a capable but unexceptional coupe — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.5/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.1/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. 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 $14,080–$18,381, 12 MPG, seating 4, the Scion tC sits in the budget-friendly tier of the coupe market. Value lands at 7.3/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2012 Scion tC, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
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 2012 Scion tC ranks #91 of 110 coupes in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $14,080 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $47,314 by about 70%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Coupe ranking →
Across the tC model years we've scored, the 2012 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 | $16,720 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $16,060 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 7.4/10 | $15,399 | Read review → |
| 2013 | 7.2/10 | $14,740 | Read review → |
| 2012 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $14,080 |
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.
| Service brakes, hydraulic 20/09/2018 · 18E091000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and 2011-2016 Scion tC… |
|---|---|
| Equipment / Other / Labels 09/04/2013 · 13V123000 | Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other coupes 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.