2014 Scion tC — Carivo review carivo.co
Coupe

2014 Scion tC

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $15,399–$18,555
Fuel Economy 14 MPG
Seating 4 passengers
Category Coupe
Est. Annual Fuel $3,750/yr

Key Specifications — 2014 Scion tC

Engine2.5L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG23 / 30 MPG
Combined MPG26 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$2,600
CO₂ Emissions342 g/mi
Seating Capacity4 passengers
Body StyleCoupe
Base Price$15,399–$18,555

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2014 Scion tC

The 2014 Scion tC is a coupe that earns a Carivo score of 7.4/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 7.7/10. 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.7/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.3/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.3/10 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 6.8/10 — 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 $15,399–$18,555, 14 MPG, seating 4, the Scion tC sits in the budget-friendly tier of the coupe market. At 7.5/10 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: The 2014 Scion tC sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.

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 →

How It Ranks Among Coupes

The 2014 Scion tC ranks #82 of 110 coupes in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $15,399 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $47,314 by about 67%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Coupe ranking →

Which tC Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2012 Scion tC scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2014's 7.4 — and starts roughly $1,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2016 7.5/10$16,720 Read review →
2015 7.5/10$16,060 Read review →
2014 (this review) 7.4/10$15,399
2013 7.2/10$14,740 Read review →
2012 7.2/10$14,080 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2014 Scion tC

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 14 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2014 Scion tC (1 on record)

The following recall campaign has 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…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

More Scion Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Scion models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.