“The Scion tC is an absolute joy to drive, though some of the electrical is buggy. The Moonroof either will not open in the heat or will get stuck open. Driving down the freeway with a moonroof open is not the business. The headlights were loose and had to be replaced within a month.”
2015 Scion tC: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2015 Scion tC is the addition of steering-wheel paddle shifters on automatic-transmission cars. It is otherwise a light-update year, with the limited Release Series 9.0 joining an largely unchanged regular tC.
About the 2015 Scion tC
2nd generation (2011-2016), second model year after the 2014 refresh.
Scion positioned the tC as a sporty hatchback coupe that mixed bold styling with everyday usefulness. It paired a 179-hp four-cylinder engine and aggressive design with features many rivals charged extra for, including a large glass roof, touchscreen audio, and a flexible rear seat/cargo area. For most shoppers, the tC’s appeal was simple: a roomy, well-equipped coupe with strong value, tuner-friendly attitude, and enough practicality to work as a daily driver.
The regular tC remains a sporty hatchback coupe aimed at everyday use, with a 179-hp four-cylinder engine, fold-flat rear seat, 6.1-inch touchscreen, and panoramic glass roof. Release Series 9.0 adds a factory-custom look with a body kit, lowered stance, center-mounted exhaust, tall rear spoiler, and push-button start. Both versions retain the tC’s roomy-for-a-coupe cabin and practical rear hatch.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Automatic-transmission tCs add steering-wheel paddle shifters. The 179-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions otherwise carry over.
Styling
The limited Release Series 9.0 joins with a Cartel Customs body kit, TRD lowering springs, a center-mounted exhaust, and a tall rear spoiler. The previous 10 Series and Monogram Series leave the lineup, while the regular tC’s design is unchanged.
Tech
The 6.1-inch touchscreen becomes standard equipment across the lineup.
2015 Scion tC specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Dyn Rev Mgmt | Auto, 6-Spd Dyn Rev Mgmt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 179 hp | 179 hp |
| Torque | 172 lb-ft | 172 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 34.5 cu-ft | 34.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6 in | 34.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2015 Scion tC?
The biggest change is that automatic-transmission 2015 tCs gain steering-wheel paddle shifters. These let the driver select gears without taking a hand off the steering wheel.
Was the 2015 Scion tC redesigned?
No, the 2015 Scion tC was not redesigned. It remains part of the second generation and follows the more substantial refresh introduced for 2014.
What is special about the 2015 Scion tC Release Series 9.0?
The Release Series 9.0 is a new limited special edition with a Cartel Customs body kit, lowered suspension, center-mounted exhaust, tall rear spoiler, and push-button start. It uses the regular tC’s 179-hp engine rather than adding more power.
How does the 2015 Scion tC differ from the 2014 model?
The 2015 tC adds paddle shifters to automatic cars, makes the 6.1-inch touchscreen standard, and replaces the previous special editions with Release Series 9.0. The engine, regular body design, cabin layout, and major chassis hardware carry over.
Did the 2015 Scion tC get a new engine?
No, the 2015 Scion tC keeps the 179-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions also continue, with paddle shifters added to automatic cars.
2015 Scion tC Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Scion tC.
4.3
2015 Scion tC
(69 reviews)
“I loved the new Scion tC from the moment I sat in the driver's seat. Once I took it for a test drive, I knew I was not leaving the lot without it.”
“If Scion produced a higher performance TC such as a TC-S with turbo/supercharger, I would have purchased the TC-S edition in an instant.”