2015 Scion FR-S Review





Get More For Your Trade-In
Edmunds' Expert Review
- Light and well-balanced chassis
- excellent steering
- fun to drive
- impressive fuel economy
- comfortable front seats.
- Tiny backseat and small trunk
- relatively modest acceleration.
What’s new
The 2015 Scion FR-S gets a retuned suspension, automatic headlights as standard, and a few cosmetic changes such as new exhaust tips and updated interior trim. There's also a new Release Series 1.0 trim level this year.
Edmunds says
The 2015 Scion FR-S has sleek styling, rear-wheel drive and sharp handling, all of which make it one of the most appealing and attainable performance cars sold today.
Vehicle overview
When Scion introduced the FR-S two years ago, this coupe immediately became a hit with driving enthusiasts. Here was a back-to-basics sports car with rear-wheel drive, a light curb weight, excellent balance and an affordable price. Two years later, it still offers just as much excitement and value.
The way the 2015 Scion FR-S (along with its twin, the Subaru BRZ) drives is, no doubt, its biggest party trick. This year, Scion has updated the suspension to give you a more stable and responsive feel while cornering, but we didn't think there was any need for improvement to begin with. The FR-S is still extremely entertaining to drive. It nimbly zips around turns, yet it's not intimidating to drive hard like a lot of high-horsepower, rear-drive coupes can be. The FR-S gets pretty respectable gas mileage, too -- 28 mpg combined with the automatic transmission.
You do have to accept some drawbacks with the 2015 FR-S, though. While its 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine is capable, it lacks the low-end oomph provided by competitors with larger engines. The FR-S can also feel a bit insubstantial in the way it responds to road impacts, and seems noisy during long highway drives. It's not the most practical thing, either. The trunk is relatively small and the rear seats are pretty much useless, even for small children. Basically, it's better to think of the FR-S as a functional two-seater.
Since the 2015 Scion FR-S has two-doors, a 2+2 seating layout and sporty driving dynamics for a relatively low price, it only has a few direct rivals. If you desire stronger acceleration, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Nissan 370Z are viable options, though they aren't quite as nimble as the FR-S and can be considerably more expensive. Or, if practicality weighs more heavily into your decision, you can still have a lot of fun in front-wheel-drive hatchbacks like the Ford Focus ST, Mini Cooper S and Volkswagen GTI. Whatever you compare it to, though, the 2015 Scion FR-S stands out as a stylish and elemental small sports car that gives you a great driving experience. It's definitely worth a look.
Performance & mpg
Powering the rear-wheel-drive 2015 Scion FR-S is a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine generating 200 hp and 151 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters and rev-matched downshifts is an available option.
In Edmunds testing, a manual-equipped FR-S sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds -- quick, although not as fast as more powerful but heavier sport coupes. We haven't tested an FR-S with the automatic, but a nearly identical Subaru BRZ equipped with the automatic transmission yielded a slower, 7.9-second 0-60 time.
The six-speed manual FR-S returns a respectable EPA estimate of 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway), while the automatic achieves a truly impressive 28 mpg combined (25/34).
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2015 Scion FR-S include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the Scion FR-S came to a stop from 60 mph in 117 feet. That's a respectable distance, though still longer than average for a car with summer tires.
In government crash tests, the FR-S received five out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side impact safety. In crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the FR-S received the highest possible rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests. It received the second-highest score of "Acceptable" in the IIHS small-overlap frontal-offset test and its seat/head restraint design was rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
With its small and moderately powered engine, the 2015 Scion FR-S is not a car built for sizzling straight-line performance. Its 2.0-liter engine revs willingly and lets out a nice little snarl at high rpm, but we're still talking about outright acceleration that's no better than that of a modern V6 family sedan. In Scion's defense, though, moderation is part of the car's design, anyway. It's light and nimble, so you look for excuses to take it for a spin and drive it a little farther or harder than you need to because it's so entertaining. The FR-S defines what sports car driving is all about.
From a practical standpoint, the FR-S fares adequately for long-distance highway travel. It's not loud, exactly, but it certainly isn't serene at higher cruising speeds, either. Most drivers will be pleased with the compliant ride quality, but because of the car's lightweight nature, it can feel somewhat insubstantial compared to bigger and heavier sport coupes.
Interior
The cabin of an FR-S isn't exactly luxurious. Scion has made few concessions to style and it's an environment that emphasizes driving, punctuated only by a blend of Toyota and Subaru switchgear and materials. The FR-S's cockpit looks a little bare compared with other compact sports cars in its price range (like the feature-laden Ford Focus ST), yet it also feels like a genuine back-to-basics driver's car. There is a standard touchscreen-based audio system, but we recommend opting for the upgraded BeSpoke system as it includes navigation and smartphone app integration.
The FR-S's front seats offer firm support for hard driving, but remain comfortable over long-distance travel as well. Drivers of just about any size can find a suitable driving position, and the low-profile hood allows an expansive view of the road ahead.
In the backseat, legroom is next to nil, heads bob perilously close to the rear glass and the center tunnel impedes hiproom. Trunk space is also small at 6.9 cubic feet, although folding down that mostly useless backseat expands cargo-carrying abilities considerably.
2015 Scion FR-S models
The 2015 Scion FR-S is a four-seat coupe that comes in two trim levels.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and USB/iPod integration. The new Release Series 1.0 adds to that with exclusive yellow exterior paint, xenon headlights, an aerodynamic body kit, a performance exhaust, a lowered ride height, keyless ignition and entry and a special steering wheel and shift knob.
Scion doesn't offer any factory options for the FR-S. Instead, there's an array of dealer-installed accessories such as foglights, performance parts and a premium BeSpoke sound system with navigation, voice command, smartphone app integration and Internet radio.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2015 Scion FR-S.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 stars- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver3 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat4 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover7.1%
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
People who viewed this also viewed
4.882353 average Rating out of 17 reviews. |
Starting at $25,845 |
See Inventory |
4.037037 average Rating out of 54 reviews. |
Starting at $22,550 |
See Inventory |
4.375 average Rating out of 8 reviews. |
Starting at $20,425 |
See Inventory |
Used 2015 Scion FR-S Overview
The Used 2015 Scion FR-S is offered in the following submodels: FR-S Coupe. Available styles include 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6A), 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M), Release Series 1.0 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6A), and Release Series 1.0 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M). Pre-owned Scion FR-S models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 200 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2015 Scion FR-S comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed manual. The Used 2015 Scion FR-S comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 2 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2015 Scion FR-S?
Price comparisons for Used 2015 Scion FR-S trim styles:
- The Used 2015 Scion FR-S Base is priced between $19,990 and$24,998 with odometer readings between 37212 and85660 miles.
- The Used 2015 Scion FR-S Release Series 1.0 is priced between $26,590 and$26,990 with odometer readings between 10762 and36423 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2015 Scion FR-SS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2015 Scion FR-S for sale near. There are currently 9 used and CPO 2015 FR-SS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $19,990 and mileage as low as 10762 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2015 Scion FR-S.
Can't find a used 2015 Scion FR-Ss you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Scion FR-S for sale.
Find a used Scion for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Scion FR-S for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Scion for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2015 Scion FR-S?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Scion lease specials
Check out Scion FR-S lease specials
Related Used 2015 Scion FR-S info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 2012
- Used GMC Yukon XL 2000
- Used Lexus RX 450H 2011
- Used Nissan Versa Note 2017
- Used BMW M6 Gran Coupe 2017 For Sale
- Used Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2020
- Used Mazda RX-8 2008
- Used Jaguar XJ 2000
- Used Toyota Yaris 2001 For Sale
- Used Maserati GranTurismo 2011
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2021 Land Rover Range Rover
- 2021 Audi S4
- 2023 Genesis GV60 News
- 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster
- BMW X6 M 2021
- 2021 500X
- BMW 7 Series 2022
- 2022 Audi S5
- 2022 BMW ALPINA B7
- 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid
Research similar vehicles
- BMW 2 Series 2021
- 2021 LC 500
- 2022 8 Series Gran Coupe
- BMW 8 Series 2021
- 2021 Lamborghini Aventador
- BMW M8 2023
- 2023 M8 Gran Coupe
- 2023 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe
- 2021 Audi RS 5
Recommended
- Infiniti FX 2013 SUV Review
- Hyundai Veracruz 2011 Features Specs
- GMC Canyon 2011 Review
- Used Isuzu Rodeo Sport Jamaica Ny
- Audi RS 6 2022 Consumer Reviews
Other models
- Used Ford Fusion-Energi in Pacifica, CA
- Used Dodge Charger in Tonawanda, NY
- Used Aston-Martin V8-Vantage in Ephrata, PA
- Used Lamborghini Huracan in Mahopac, NY
- Used Lamborghini Urus in Smyrna, TN
- Used Jeep Grand-Cherokee-Srt in Yorktown Heights, NY
- Used Infiniti FX in Westmont, IL
- Used Chrysler Voyager in Wheeling, WV
- Used BMW 3-Series in Urbandale, IA
- Used Ford Fusion-Hybrid in Groton, CT
- Used Acura NSX in Riverdale, MD
- Used Chevrolet Tahoe in Kingsbury, TX
- Used Scion XD in West Roxbury, MA
- Used Saturn Vue in Sterling, VA
- Used Fiat 124-Spider in Mount Vernon, WA
- Used Porsche Cayenne-Coupe in Quakertown, PA
- Used Infiniti QX30 in West Chester, OH
- Used Mini Hardtop-4-Door in Groton, CT
- Used Plymouth Prowler in Jackson Heights, NY
- Used Audi Q8 in White Lake, MI
- Used Toyota Camry-Solara in Teterboro, NJ
- Used Nissan Rogue in Meridian, MS
- Used Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class-Coupe in Fenton, MO
- Used Chevrolet SS in Exton, PA
- Used Chrysler Voyager in Acton, MA
- Used Alfa-Romeo Stelvio in Thomasville, NC
- Used Chevrolet Aveo in Ridgewood, NY
- Used Chevrolet Volt in Mchenry, IL
- Used GMC Envoy-Xl in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
- Used Infiniti JX in Stratford, CT