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2016 Scion FR-S review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Scion FR-S highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Fun to drive
  • Well-balanced chassis
  • Comfortable front seats

Cons

  • Small trunk
  • Cramped rear seat
  • Average acceleration

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 30 highway, 25 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

The 2016 Scion FR-S is a small sport coupe with agile handling and spritely performance

The Scion FR-S is an ideal choice for those looking for a fun-to-drive experience in a stylish package. While it isn't terribly quick, the FR-S makes up for its lack of oomph with its excellent handling. The FR-S was introduced in 2013 and built in partnership with Subaru (the Subaru BRZ is the twin to the FR-S). For 2016, Scion upgraded the FR-S with a rearview camera and a new seven-inch touchscreen display. The 2016 model year was the last for the FR-S as a Scion—the brand was discontinued the following year, and the FR-S was absorbed into parent company Toyota’s lineup as the Toyota 86.

The FR-S is a two-door coupe with 2+2 seating and rear-wheel drive—all proper attributes of a classic sports car. Available with a manual gearbox or automatic transmission, the FR-S delivers good fuel efficiency with either transmission. There aren't many direct competitors to the FR-S, but similar performance is available from the front-wheel-drive Ford Focus ST or Volkswagen GTI.

All Scion FR-S years

What is new for the 2016 Scion FR-S?

  • The FR-S is available in a new trim called the Release 2.0.
  • The Release 1.0 trim has been discontinued for 2016.
  • FR-S trims have been upgraded with Leather Seats, Leatherette Seats, Front Seat Heaters, Leather & Suede Seats, Rear View Camera, and Rear Spoiler as standard equipment this year.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Scion FR-S

What We Like 

  • Driving: With its balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, and precise steering, the Scion FR-S is an absolute joy to drive with excellent handling. It's not exactly slow, but compared to other sports cars, the FR-S is not very quick off the line. However, the 2.0-liter engine revs quickly and delivers a pleasing snarl under strong acceleration. The ride is compliant without being overly stiff and remains relatively quiet at highway speeds, making it a nice choice for a daily driver. 

  • Interior: The FR-S' cabin is short on luxury, looking a bit bare compared to the interiors of some higher-end sports cars. But it fits the bill as a proper sport coupe with a clean, simple design. The front seats are comfortable with good support and they work well for long road trips or fun drives up a twisty mountain road. The updated touchscreen display is a nice addition. 

  • Fuel efficiency: The small engine in the FR-S does have advantages, primarily in fuel efficiency. According to the EPA, the 2016 Scion FR-S is rated at 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the automatic transmission. Numbers drop to 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the manual gearbox.

     

What Needs Improvement 

  • Utility: Most people don't buy a two-door sport coupe with utility in mind, but the tiny trunk space with just 6.9 cubic feet of storage is barely usable. The rear seat is also extremely tight, with almost no legroom or headroom. Still, this space can be used for storage, making up for the lack of trunk space. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

6 customer reviews

Scion FR-S features and specs

Release 2.0 2WD 2D Coupe

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Leather Seats
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Pioneer Sound System
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Navigation System

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

200

Torque (ft-lbs)

151

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

101.2"

Overall length

166.7"

Width

69.9"

Height

50.6"

Leg room

F 41.9"/R 29.9"

Head room

F 37.1"/R 35"

Front tires

P215/45WR17

Rear tires

P215/45WR17

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Scion FR-S FAQ


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