2011 Scion tC: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2011 Scion tC

The 2011 Scion tC is a full redesign and the first year of the second generation. The headline change is an all-new package with a stronger 2.5-liter engine, six-speed transmissions, a reworked chassis, and added safety equipment.

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About the 2011 Scion tC

2nd generation (2011-2016), first year / full redesign

Scion positioned the 2011 tC as a sporty two-door hatchback coupe with a bold look, a long list of standard features, and everyday usefulness. Instead of acting like a stripped entry coupe, it was sold as a single well-equipped model with a panoramic roof, strong factory audio, and flexible rear seating. Its core appeal was simple: sporty style, Toyota-based dependability, and hatchback practicality in an easy-to-understand package.

Scion positioned the 2011 tC as a sporty, well-equipped coupe with the everyday usefulness of a hatchback and a fold-flat, reclining rear seat. Its standout features include a panoramic glass roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 300-watt Pioneer audio system, and a 180-hp four-cylinder engine.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder replaces the previous engine, raising output from 161 to 180 horsepower. New six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions replace the prior gearboxes.
Styling
The second-generation body is new, with wider, lower proportions and standard 18-inch alloy wheels. The panoramic glass-roof layout carries over.
Safety
Standard safety equipment expands to include stability control, traction control, brake assist, Smart Stop brake override, and a front passenger knee airbag. The tC now has eight airbags in total.
Structural
The chassis is retuned with a MacPherson-strut front suspension, double-wishbone rear suspension, electric power steering, and larger brakes.

2011 Scion tC specs and features by trim

2011 Scion tCBase0 in stock
Engine4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter
TransmissionAutomatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive
DrivetrainFWD
Fuel TypeGas
MPG City23 mpg
MPG Highway31 mpg
Horsepower180 hp
Torque173 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo34.5 cu-ft
Rear Legroom34.6 in
Seats5
Doors2
Alarm System
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Panorama Moon Roof
Rear Spoiler
Bluetooth
Premium Audio
USB Ports

How the 2012 Scion tC compares

The most important change for the 2012 Scion tC is its upgraded standard audio system, which adds Bluetooth calling, Bluetooth audio streaming, and HD Radio. Scion also added the limited-run Release Series 7.0, while the engine, chassis, and core body design carried over.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2011 Scion tC redesigned?

Yes. The 2011 Scion tC is the first year of the second generation, with a new body, engine, transmissions, chassis tuning, and expanded safety equipment.

How is the 2011 Scion tC different from the 2010 model?

The 2011 tC has a larger 2.5-liter engine with 180 horsepower, up from 161 horsepower for 2010. It also gains six-speed transmissions, a wider and lower chassis setup, 18-inch wheels, larger brakes, and more standard safety equipment.

Does the 2011 Scion tC have a manual transmission?

Yes. The 2011 tC has a six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic was also offered. Both gearboxes were new for the redesign.

What safety equipment was added to the 2011 Scion tC?

The redesigned 2011 tC adds standard stability control, traction control, brake assist, Smart Stop brake override, and a front passenger knee airbag. The airbag count rises to eight.

Did the 2011 Scion tC keep its panoramic glass roof?

Yes. The panoramic glass-roof layout carries over even though the rest of the tC was substantially redesigned for 2011.