Lexus RC vs Scion tC

What the Numbers Mean for You

• Up-front cost: the Scion tC starts about $17,349 lower ($16,720 vs $34,069).
• Fuel: at 15,000 miles/year, the Scion tC saves roughly $219/year ($3,281 vs $3,500) — about $1,095 over five years.
• Recalls: 2015 RC: 1 NHTSA campaigns · 2016 tC: 3. Fewer for the Lexus RC — recall repairs are free, but they cost you time.
• Biggest gap — performance: the Lexus RC leads by 1.3 points (8.9 vs 7.6). In practice that means a noticeably more capable and engaging drive.

Quick verdict: the Lexus RC leads on both long-haul dependability and the driving experience — the main reason to pick the tC instead is price or personal preference on styling and brand.

Fuel estimates assume 15,000 miles/year at $3.50/gal. Recall counts from NHTSA at page build time. Scores are Carivo's editorial assessment informed by NHTSA, EPA, and manufacturer data — how we score →