Scion iA If you’re in the market for a small, reliable, and surprisingly stylish sedan, you might want to take a second look at the Scion iA. While it was only produced for a short time, this little car left a lasting impression on budget-conscious buyers and automotive enthusiasts alike. Let’s dive into the story, features, and reasons why the Scion iA still matters—even years after its initial release.
A Quick History: The Birth and Short Life of the Scion iA
The Scion iA made its debut in 2015 as part of Toyota’s effort to appeal to younger drivers under the Scion brand. At the time, Scion was known for quirky and compact vehicles designed with customization in mind. But the iA was a bit different—it wasn’t originally a Toyota design at all.
Interestingly, the Scion iA was essentially a rebadged Mazda2 sedan, a vehicle known for its sharp handling and efficient engineering. Toyota teamed up with Mazda to bring this model to the U.S. market. This partnership meant that although the iA carried a Scion badge, under the hood it had all the DNA of a Mazda—sleek, smooth, and reliable.
Sadly, the Scion brand was discontinued in 2016, just a year after the iA launched. However, the car didn’t disappear. It was rebranded as the Toyota Yaris iA in 2017, and later simply folded into the Toyota Yaris lineup. This quick transition often causes confusion, but rest assured—if you’re looking at a Scion iA, you’re basically looking at a Mazda-built Toyota.
Design and Features: Small But Packed With Value
The Scion iA may be a subcompact, but don’t let its size fool you. This little sedan was impressively loaded for its price range. From the outside, it had a sporty yet practical look, with a bold front grille and sleek body lines that made it look more expensive than it really was.
Inside, the iA offered a surprisingly upscale interior. The materials used felt better than what you’d expect in a car under $17,000. Soft-touch plastics, a nicely integrated infotainment screen, and an intuitive control layout made the cabin feel refined. Even the steering wheel had a nice leather wrap—something you usually only find in higher-end models.
One of the biggest surprises was the standard equipment. The Scion iA came with a 7-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, push-button start, rearview camera, and even low-speed forward collision warning with automatic braking. That’s a rare package for a subcompact sedan in this price range. It really shows how Toyota and Mazda wanted to overdeliver.
Performance and Fuel Economy: A Fun and Efficient Drive
Under the hood, the Scion iA came with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 106 horsepower. That might sound modest on paper, but it was more than enough for daily commuting and city driving. In fact, because the iA is so lightweight, it feels zippy and agile in urban environments.
What really stands out is the car’s handling. Since it was built on the Mazda2 platform, the iA inherited Mazda’s signature sharp steering and responsive suspension. That means the car is actually fun to drive. Taking corners feels precise, and the ride is balanced enough to handle both pothole-filled streets and smooth highways with ease.
Fuel economy was another big win. The iA delivered around 33 mpg in the city and up to 42 mpg on the highway, depending on the transmission. With gas prices being unpredictable, having a car this efficient is a huge plus. It’s perfect for students, commuters, or anyone who just wants to save money at the pump without driving a boring car.
Ownership Experience: Reliability, Maintenance, and Resale
One of the best things about the Scion iA is its reliability. Thanks to its Mazda engineering and Toyota backing, it’s a vehicle built to last. Many owners report smooth performance well past 100,000 miles with minimal issues. Routine maintenance like oil changes, brake pads, and tire rotations are affordable and easy to manage.
Because of its short production run, the iA is somewhat rare, which actually works in its favor when it comes to resale value. While most subcompacts tend to depreciate quickly, the Scion iA has held its value better than expected—especially since it’s essentially a Mazda2 with Toyota support. If you’re buying one used, you’ll likely find a great deal on a car that still has a lot of life left in it.
Insurance costs are also relatively low for the iA, making it a smart choice for younger drivers or anyone looking to keep total car expenses down. All in all, it offers one of the lowest cost-of-ownership experiences in its segment.
Why the Scion iA Still Makes Sense in 2025
Even though the Scion iA hasn’t been in production since 2016, it still makes a lot of sense today. In a world where new cars are becoming increasingly expensive and overloaded with tech that not everyone wants, the iA stands out as a simple, well-built, and enjoyable car that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
It’s a fantastic choice for first-time buyers, students, or anyone who needs a second car. Plus, it has the benefit of being backed by Toyota’s service network while having the sporty feel of a Mazda. That’s a rare combo.
Also, since the iA flies under the radar, you can often find low-mileage models in excellent condition for a very fair price. It’s one of those cars that doesn’t scream for attention but earns your respect over time.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Overlook the Scion iA
The Scion iA may not have had a long run, but it certainly left its mark. With its Mazda roots, Toyota backing, impressive fea
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