“My TC is the most fun I have had in a long time driving a car. I bought my TC the end of April and after driving my car my husband bought a new TC the end of June. Now my son and his wife are looking to get one. I guess this car fits my family! We love our TC!”
2016 Scion tC: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest 2016 Scion tC update was a new standard 7-inch touchscreen system, joined by standard Smart Key with push-button start. It was a light equipment update rather than a redesign, and 2016 became the tC’s final model year.
About the 2016 Scion tC
2nd generation (2011-2016), facelifted for 2014; 2016 is the final year before the tC was discontinued.
Scion positioned the tC as a sporty coupe with more standard equipment and everyday usefulness than many rivals. It mixed bold styling, a panoramic glass roof, touchscreen audio, and a roomy hatchback-style cargo area with Toyota-based mechanical simplicity. For most shoppers, the tC’s appeal was not pure track performance; it was getting a fun-looking, practical two-door car with a strong feature list and usable rear seat at the center of the lineup.
The base tC paired a 179-hp four-cylinder engine with useful touches such as a panoramic glass roof and a fold-flat rear seat. The Release Series 10.0 served as the sendoff version, with a Kei Miura-designed body kit, TRD lowering springs and exhaust, unique seat trim, and a numbered badge.
What changed, by category
Tech
A 7-inch touchscreen audio system became standard, with voice recognition, Bluetooth, HD Radio, USB connectivity, Aha integration, and eight speakers. Smart Key with push-button start also became standard.
Styling
All tCs gained a rear windshield wiper, silver interior door handles, a center console cover, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. The special edition was renamed from Release Series 9.0 to Release Series 10.0 and received a Kei Miura-designed body kit, unique seat details, and a numbered interior badge.
Powertrain
The Release Series 10.0 received a TRD dual exhaust; the standard 179-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine otherwise carried over.
Structural
The Release Series 10.0 received TRD lowering springs, which gave the special edition a lower stance.
2016 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 | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Paddle Shift & Dynamic Rev Management |
| 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 | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 Scion tC?
The main changes were a standard 7-inch touchscreen system and Smart Key with push-button start. Scion also made a rear windshield wiper standard, updated several cabin trim pieces, and renamed the special edition Release Series 10.0.
Was 2016 the final year for the Scion tC?
Yes. The 2016 model was the final Scion tC, and production ended in August 2016.
What is special about the 2016 tC Release Series 10.0?
The Release Series 10.0 was the tC’s final-year special edition. It featured a Kei Miura-designed body kit, TRD lowering springs, a TRD dual exhaust, unique stitched seat trim, and a numbered interior badge.
Did the 2016 Scion tC get a new engine?
No. The 2016 tC kept its 179-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Release Series 10.0 added a TRD dual exhaust, but the year’s main updates were technology, convenience features, and special-edition equipment.
Is the 2016 Scion tC substantially different from the 2015 model?
No. The 2016 tC is a light update rather than a redesign. Its main advantages over the 2015 model are the standard 7-inch touchscreen, push-button start, rear wiper, cabin trim changes, and the final-year Release Series 10.0 treatment.
2016 Scion tC Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Scion tC.
4.3
2016 Scion tC
(50 reviews)
“This vehicle is efficient, fun to drive, I have never had any mechanical problems with it. My tC is speedy, and smart looking. And it's cheap!!”
“Scion tC's are a wonderful, affordable car for someone who wants a “sporty” look and feel without the price tag. They're easily repaired and overall low maintenance. The stock sound systems are much better than most. The only downside is the lack of body repairs, when needed, as the Scion brand has been discontinued in 2016.”