“I absolutely love my FR-S, it is the most fun I've had in any vehicle so far and there's so much aftermarket customization.”
2016 Scion FR-S: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Scion FR-S is that every model gains a standard rearview camera and a new 7-inch touchscreen audio system. It is otherwise a light late-cycle update, with brighter cabin trim and the renamed Release Series 2.0 special edition.
About the 2016 Scion FR-S
1st gen (2013-2016 Scion FR-S / 2017-2020 Toyota 86), late-cycle update year and final Scion-badged model year before the 2017 Toyota 86 rename and styling/power update.
Scion positioned the FR-S as a pure driver’s coupe: low, light, rear-wheel drive, and built around balance more than big horsepower. The core appeal was the boxer engine’s low center of gravity, quick responses, and a driver-focused cabin with simple controls. Compared with heavier sport coupes or front-drive hot hatches, the FR-S stood out for its playful handling and direct feel, while still offering a small back seat and folding seatbacks for basic day-to-day usefulness.
The 2016 FR-S remains a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with a 200-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a limited-slip differential for better traction when accelerating out of a turn. The base model keeps the focus on driving, while the Release Series 2.0 adds a richer cabin, heated Alcantara-and-leather seats, push-button start, forged 17-inch wheels, and unique body pieces rather than extra power.
What changed, by category
Safety
A rearview camera becomes standard on every FR-S.
Tech
Every FR-S gets a new 7-inch touchscreen audio system with voice recognition, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and USB connectivity.
Styling
The cabin gains brighter silver trim accents. The prior Release Series 1.0 continues under the Release Series 2.0 name, emphasizing an upscale interior and distinctive factory body pieces.
2016 Scion FR-S specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Dyn Rev Mgmt | Auto, 6-Spd Dyn Rev Mgmt |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 6.9 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29.9 in | 29.9 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| HID Headlights | ||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Scion FR-S?
The biggest change is the addition of a standard rearview camera and a new 7-inch touchscreen audio system on every 2016 FR-S. The touchscreen also has voice recognition, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and USB connectivity.
Does every 2016 Scion FR-S have a rearview camera?
Yes. A rearview camera is standard across the entire 2016 Scion FR-S lineup.
Is the 2016 Scion FR-S more powerful than the 2015 model?
No. The core mechanical setup carries over, including the 200-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive.
What is the 2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0?
The Release Series 2.0 is the renamed continuation of the prior Release Series 1.0 special edition. It focuses on a more upscale cabin and distinctive styling, with heated Alcantara-and-leather seats, push-button start, forged 17-inch wheels, and unique front-lip and trunk spoilers rather than added power.
Was 2016 the final year of the Scion FR-S?
Yes. The 2016 model is the final Scion-badged FR-S before the coupe continued as the Toyota 86 for 2017.
2016 Scion FR-S Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Scion FR-S.
4.4
2016 Scion FR-S
(64 reviews)
“Small, Sporty, fun! Good to daily drive on the freeway and keep the daily engaging.”
“It is an agile, quick vehicle that performs well in traffic as well as the open road.”