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2016 Scion iA review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Scion iA highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Great value
  • Refined interior
  • Fuel-efficient

Cons

  • Small rear seat
  • Tight for taller passengers
  • Single year of production

Mileage (EPA estimate)

31 city, 41 highway, 35 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

The 2016 Scion iA is a fuel-efficient subcompact sedan with a long list of standard features

The Scion brand was created by parent company Toyota to bring in a younger clientele, and the iA compact sedan was to be instrumental in this goal. All-new for the 2016 model year, the iA offers affordability and fuel efficiency, but unlike many of its rivals, the little Scion isn’t a bare-bones economy car. High-quality materials throughout the cabin give the iA a premium vibe, as does the seven-inch touchscreen display. Unfortunately, the iA had a short life since the Scion brand was discontinued after the 2016 model year, but it continued on as the Toyota Yaris.

Available as a single trim, the Scion iA was equipped with a long list of standard features. Highlights included keyless ignition and entry, Bluetooth® connectivity, and a low-speed forward collision warning system with automatic braking. While the iA is well outfitted, the rear seat is tight, and there’s little room for hauling cargo. The Honda Fit hatchback offers better storage space, while the Ford Fiesta is a good alternative for those looking for a more fun-to-drive choice.

All Scion iA years

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Scion iA

What We Like 

  • Interior: Most cars of this class feature barebones interiors, but the iA features a surprisingly upscale cabin. Premium materials are found throughout the cabin, and the infotainment system displayed on a seven-inch touchscreen display adds to the overall high-end appeal. The front seats don’t offer many adjustments, but most drivers will find them comfortable and supportive. The rear seats are more appropriate for smaller passengers, which is typical of this size vehicle. 

  • Fuel-efficient: It may not have much power, but the Scion iA makes up for this lack of oomph with impressive fuel economy figures. According to the EPA, the 2016 Scion iA is rated at 36 mpg combined (32 mpg city/41 mpg highway).

    The manual transmission is slightly less efficient but returns a respectable 34 mpg combined (31 mpg city/40 mpg highway).
     

  • Driver aids: The Scion iA features a low-speed forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking—a relatively uncommon feature in a vehicle of this class.  

What Needs Improvement 

  • Performance: The Scion iA does many things well, but high performance is not in its wheelhouse. With a 1.5-liter engine putting out just 106 horsepower, the iA takes some effort to get up to highway speed, especially when equipped with the automatic transmission. That said, the ride is smooth and comfortable, with reasonably good handling.  

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.3 out of 5

7 customer reviews

Scion iA features and specs

Base 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • CD Audio
  • Navigation System
  • Smart Key

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.5L

Horsepower

106

Torque (ft-lbs)

103

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

11.6

Wheelbase

101.2"

Overall length

171.7"

Width

66.7"

Height

58.5"

Leg room

F 41.9"/R 34.4"

Head room

F 38.2"/R 36.8"

Front tires

P185/60VR16

Rear tires

P185/60VR16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Manual 6

2016 Scion iA FAQ


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