Against 441 other 4-cyl cars rated 2014–2016, the tC trails their 27.4 mpg average by 1.4 mpg, about $76 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2005, the 2.5L 4-cyl (2011–2016), does 25.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.4L 4-cyl (2005–2010), 23.7: $114 a year apart.
Every Scion tC engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 22.5 / 30 | 2011–2016 | $1,506 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 20.7 / 28.3 | 2005–2010 | $1,620 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Corolla gets 34 mpg, the Ford Focus 32.5 mpg and the Nissan Versa 34 mpg, next to 26 mpg for the 2016 tC. The tC costs the most of them to run: $348 a year more than the Toyota Corolla.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2016) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2014–2016 | +$76 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,542 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2016 Scion tC gives up 7 mpg in town: 30 on the highway against 23 in the city, $390 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2016) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 30 mpg | $1,280 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (30%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the tC changed over the years
The tC peaked in 2016 at 26 mpg (23 city, 30 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 23 — 3 mpg apart, or $193 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2015 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2014 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2013 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2012 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2011 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2010 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2009 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2008 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2007 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2006 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2005 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 12 EPA ratings of the Scion tC — 2 engines across 2005–2016. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,542. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2016 Scion tC get?
26 mpg combined, 23 city and 30 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2005 the tC has averaged 24.6 mpg.
Is the 2016 tC more efficient than the 2015?
About the same: 26 against 26 mpg combined.
Which tC year has the best gas mileage?
The 2016, at 26 mpg combined (23 city, 30 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the tC get better gas mileage than the Toyota Corolla?
No: 26 mpg for the 2016 tC against 34 for the 2017 Toyota Corolla, about $348 a year more to run.
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