GREEN | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
2012 Scion tC: 23/31 mpg
EPA
The trade-off is excellent mileage
Car and Driver
Lexus officials tell us the CT 200h is disadvantaged by its higher curb weight (nearly 100 extra pounds), less slippery bodywork, less aggressive regenerative braking characteristics and wider, grippier tires
Edmunds' Inside Line
You'd expect a compact coupe with a Toyota badge to earn good gas-mileage numbers, and you'd be right, with the Scion tC. In the wider scope, though, some mid-size sedans have it beat.
The EPA gives the tC a rating of 23/31 mpg, no matter whether you opt for the six-speed manual or the six-speed automatic. The numbers represent a few miles per gallon better efficiency than the first-generation tC. However, Toyota's own Camry will best the tC on the highway cycle, and so will more spacious hatchbacks like the Kia Soul.
In past versions of the tC we've seen quite low figures in real-world driving as well—likely the result of rather low gearing that keeps revs up for a sporty feel.Conclusion
The tC's gas mileage looks good on first glance, but some mid-size sedans will do better.
