Overview & Reviews

If you're looking for a city-friendly, space-efficient approach to motoring, then the Scion iQ is a superstar among the super small. Taking up only as much space as absolutely necessary for a four-seat vehicle, the iQ measures barely 10 feet long and earns an impressive, EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined. An ideal runabout, this phone booth on wheels can fit into parking spots that virtually every other car would have to pass up. It can also execute a U-turn in a space that would require a three-point effort from even a Honda Fit. Indeed, the latter is more than 3 feet longer than the iQ, which gives one an idea of just how tiny this Scion is.

Within its diminutive footprint, the Scion iQ provides an impressive amount of space. Coupled with a decent ride and plenty of standard features, the iQ makes it plain that minimal size needn't equate to minimal refinement. In short (literally and figuratively) the Scion iQ provides everything an urban dweller needs in terms of comfort and features, yet no more than they'll need in size and speed. Of course, the most direct rival to the iQ is the Smart Fortwo. But although the Scion costs a bit more, it soundly beats the Smart, as it offers more passenger and cargo capacity, smoother performance, a better ride and even slightly higher fuel economy.

Current Scion iQ
The Scion iQ is a subcompact hatchback available in two trim levels: base and 10 Series.

Standard equipment highlights include full power accessories, air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, a 50/50-split-folding rear seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a touchscreen interface and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio and an iPod/USB interface. The limited-production 10 Series celebrates Scion's 10th anniversary and features 16-inch alloy wheels, floor mats, special badges and shift knob, and an illuminated center console. In typical Scion fashion, there are no factory options. Instead, there are dealer-installed accessories that include various wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, illuminated door sills and a premium sound system with satellite radio and a navigation system.

As mentioned earlier, the iQ boasts amazing space efficiency. Thanks to clever packaging, the front passenger seat moves up enough to allow a full-size passenger to ride behind. As such, the iQ essentially has an odd but usable 3+1 seating arrangement. Although there's just 3.5 cubic feet of cargo space with those rear seats up, folding them down opens up 16.7 cubes -- about the same as a full-size sedan's trunk.

Though it looks like a grown-up Smart Fortwo, the Scion iQ actually performs like a downsized Toyota Corolla. It's calm and composed at freeway speeds, tracks through turns with confident stability and churns through city errands with minimal discomfort. Although it has expectedly slow acceleration, the iQ's combination of a 94-horsepower engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gives it relatively smooth, unstressed performance around town. The highway can be a bit of an adventure, though, as besides its modest power, strong crosswinds have a tendency to blow this light little box about the road.

Used Scion iQ Models
The Scion iQ was an all-new model in the United States for 2012. The following year brought two more speakers (for a total of six) to the audio system. Other than lacking the availability of the 10 Series trim level, these iQs are identical to the current version.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 20.00

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  Scion did it again... - 2012 Scion IQ
  By mistergib - July 24 - 9:00 am

  Im 65, and have been a Toyota fan like forever, I appreciate quality and dependability. I knew I would like the Scion iQ, I just didnt realize how much! Its has a very solid feel with nice quiet ride, ample power with a great cvt tranny... and the gas mileage is way up there at 37 mpg combined! I traded in a loaded 2010 Kia Soul Sport that actually never gave me any problems, but its a/t shifted funky from day one, the interior material scratched if you breathed wrong, and I was constantly hunting down rattles....so, I was never quite happy with it. It had only 10,600 miles on it when I traded it in. My first Kia and probably my last. Bottom line, buy a Scion iQ....A+A+A+

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  Great concept but poor execution - 2012 Scion IQ
  By sam214 - March 29 - 8:34 am

  For a small car it doesnt have the zip or the exceptional fuel economy expected. It does not have rear disc brake or any fancy features to justify its "premium" compact branding. The engine makes terrible noise and sounds like it has valves problems and only quiet down when warmed up, thus giving doubt to its long term reliability. The steering wheel makes scraping sounds, and brake pedal makes loud and annoying clicking sounds. Toyota technology and quality is missing in this car.

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  Bewarned of MPG ratings - 2013 Scion IQ
  By yyrd - October 28 - 12:58 am

  I buught this IQ with the idea it got great MPG. Sadly i averaged about 27mph. I looked on Google and found others with the same complaint. 27MPG and a tiny car? It kinda makes the whole concept silly. I returned the car with 100 miles and was very angry. I got a Prius C instead. The back seats touch the front seats, having NO place to put your feet/legs. You cannot fold the backseats with out removing the headrests and leaving them home. I dont understand why it even has backseats. Maybe so they can Claim it can carry 4? There is no luggage room, again you need to fold backseats to have storage room. I suggest removing them out of the car completely as they have zero function.

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  Poor gas milage - 2012 Scion IQ
  By rgutzler - January 31 - 6:12 am

  I have about 2000 miles on my Scion IQ. The car has yet to get over 29 mpg. My last tank ran 27.5 mpg and the low fuel light started flashing at 175 miles on the tank of gas. My IQ is running almost 25% less milage than the stated 36/37 on the window sticker. I am 65 years old and drive slow with no Jackrabbit starts. When I contacted my dealer, Billion Motors, in Sioux Falls, S.D. the service manager was defensive and indifferent. I purchased the car because I expected good milage and now feel like a fool for having a small car that gets substandard milage.

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  I love my lil iQ - 2012 Scion IQ
  By amadcow2 - November 11 - 3:04 pm

  I was attracted to the iQ for the gas mileage at the onset, but quickly grew to admire the little car. The final decision to buy my iQ was made when my wife asked my children; What car do you see your dad driving? The answer made my choice clear; The iQ So Im now driving a nice purple iQ with the following at time of purchase: Lowering Springs, Anti Sway Bar, Fog lights, Spoiler I put in the following aftermarket: Pioneer AVIC Z140BH, Injen Cold Air Intake I love my little iQ. Its peppy and handles very very well. Im mostly happy with the gas mileage, knowing that it will get better as I break in the engine.

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  Scion IQ - 2014 Scion IQ
  By toyota3000 - July 26 - 4:12 pm

  Good little car, great mileage, Toyota reliability, easy to park.

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  Smarter than Smart. - 2012 Scion IQ
  By deansmith - August 21 - 5:20 am

  I traded in a 2008 Smart car on this 2012 IQ. A very smart move. This car is faster, more comfortable, more storage space, and seemingly better built. That last statement is based on hearing a "solid" sound when closing the doors. I also paid $18,800, because of the premium stereo, Sirius XM, fog lights, premium paint, fancy wheels, etc. This is NOT a stripped down econo-box...it rides, drives, and feels just like a "real" car.

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  My favorite car Ive owned, so far - 2012 Scion IQ
  By jhw21 - July 1 - 5:12 am

  I really enjoy and appreciate having a car that suits my needs. I no longer not feel I am driving around in 5 or 6 x as much car as is necessary. I love the way the iQ handles, I love the gas mileage, and I love the statement that it makes, which I see as something like, "Lets get real, people. the survival of our planet is more important than looking like a bigshot."

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  Best in every category - 2013 Scion IQ
  By solodriver - May 8 - 7:28 am

  I drive alone 99.9% of the time. I want the best value, the best MPG, the best zippy performance (I dont need a race car- I just want to zip around town, hitting corners fast and going up steep grades at 80+MPH when the mood strikes me), I want my phone, including all it does (Pandora Radio, podcasts, online streaming news radio, navigation system, etc.) to work seamlessly, I want a comfortable interior, I want to use regular gasoline, to be surrounded by airbags, and I dont want a car that looks fun and not like everyone elses car. The Scion iQ is the only one that offers ALL of this. The Fiat couldnt take the hills, gets 7MPG less and requires premium fuel and costs more...

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  Micro Car Macro Ride! - 2013 Scion IQ
  By QA - May 31 - 11:35 am

  The car critics are too judgmental and people who expect an SUV in an 120 inch long car are not being fair or realistic. This car drives great and I have had lots of BMWs Mercedes and Porches and Japanese cars. the CVT transmission works perfectly and is smooth and quiet. Acceleration is more than adequate for freeway and passing. In town the car is in its element. It accelerates fast if necessary but half throttle is all that is needed. Stopping is smooth and sure with the front discs brakes. The radio is is only soft spot but that is a minor thing. this car is designed to get you around an urban environment and enable you to park where the smallest spot exists. It succeeds in fabulous style. Inside the car looks and feels like a big car. Loosen the backseat head rests and the seat backs fold down giving tons of cargo space. You can put a 6 footer in the front passenger and another in the right back seat without touching knees but the left back seat leg room is shorter. Big deal since you didnt buy it to carry four people ... but you can easily. The mileage is going to be lower than the 36/37 but it is always lower than the government ratings. Mileage runs in the low 30s depending on how much air is in the tires. Again there is no surprise there. You can get really high mileage but it depends on how you want to drive the car. The car looks great and people remark about it all the time. The stock wheels are some sporty alloys and the car looks fantastic. I am really pleased so far.