2014 Scion iQ Review
Price: $11,998
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Compact agility
- great fuel economy
- supremely easy to park
- lots of style inside and out
- clever interior packaging.
Cons
- Still comfortable only for two
- sluggish performance
- similarly priced rivals are larger and feel less vulnerable.
What’s new
The 2014 Scion iQ gets a new audio display and the limited-edition Scion 10 Series trim level.
Edmunds says
The 2014 Scion iQ is a minimalist metropolitan runabout that gets great fuel economy and can be parked practically anywhere. There are larger, more practical cars that cost about the same, though.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
3 listings
- 83,729 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 36 City / 37 Hwy MPG
- Key Hyundai of Salem (416 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
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Located in Salem, NH
"Priced below KBB Fair Purchase Price!1-Owner ABS brakes Electronic Stability Control Illuminated entry Low tire pressure warning Remote keyless entry...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
37 Combined MPG (36 City/37 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTNJJXB09EJ027721
Stock: K8093A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-03-2026- 56,736 miles
- 36 City / 37 Hwy MPG
- CarMax Phoenix - Gilbert (1,941 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Gilbert, AZ
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency. Certain cars may have unrepaired safety recalls, so check nhtsa.gov/...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
37 Combined MPG (36 City/37 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTNJJXB0XEJ027971
Stock: 27798262
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
Imagine you're going to a show late on a Saturday night, somewhere downtown. You've circled the block a dozen times looking for a suitable parking spot. There are a few places, but, after closer investigation, you find that they're just too small. Maybe if your SUV wasn't so big you'd be walking up to the box office by now.
For times such as this, cars like the 2014 Scion iQ are priceless.
Of all the cars on American roads, only the Smart Fortwo has a smaller footprint than the 2014 Scion iQ. But the iQ is a better car in almost every other measurable way. The Scion iQ has more interior space than the Fortwo, plus it has a rear seat. As such, it's possible to get four adults (hence the "3+1" passenger designation) inside the Scion. Two full-size adults can sit one behind the other on the passenger side, and you can still fit someone of meager proportions behind the driver. Of course, we're talking about short jaunts through the city, as the iQ really isn't intended for long-distance travel.
The more conventional powertrain on the iQ sets it apart from its rival as well. It's absolutely not fast, but it's significantly quicker than the Smart, and its larger four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) are better suited for accelerating in urban traffic than the Fortwo's tiny three-cylinder engine and automated manual gearbox. More important, when you're in the iQ, you feel as if you're driving a real car. Once you exit the city however, wind gusts will toss you around on the highway, making the iQ feel more vulnerable than larger subcompacts like the Chevy Sonic, Fiat 500 and Kia Rio.
It's worthwhile to note, too, that the 2014 Scion iQ is low on cargo space. Most larger subcompacts will carry more things, so it's a matter of assessing your priorities: Do you need to pack a lot of gear into your hatchback, or are you willing to give up some utility to increase your chances of finding parking in the city? If parking is your No. 1 worry, the iQ is one of your best options for 2014.
Performance & mpg
The front-wheel-drive 2014 Scion iQ comes with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 94 horsepower and 89 pound-feet of torque. A CVT is standard.
In Edmunds testing, the iQ accelerated from zero to 60 in 11.6 seconds, which is a second slower than the average subcompact car with an automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 37 mpg combined (36 mpg city/37 mpg highway). While the highway number isn't the flashy 40 mpg you'll see from some larger vehicles, the combined number is excellent.
Safety
The 2014 Scion iQ comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes (front disc and rear drums), front side airbags, front side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and three more airbags not commonly found in other cars -- front seat-cushion airbags and a rear window airbag that deploys around the rear-seat headrests.
In Edmunds brake testing, the iQ stopped from 60 mph in 131 feet, which is about 10 feet longer than average for a subcompact car.
In government crash testing, the iQ received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for frontal-impact protection and three stars for side-impact protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the iQ earned a top score of "Good" for its performance in frontal-offset and roof-strength tests.
Driving
The 2014 Scion iQ is small, but driving one doesn't give you the impression that corners were cut to make it. Utility was the main focus of the iQ, and city driving allows for quite a bit of that. Its quick steering and short wheelbase make impulsive U-turns easy, and diving into tiny parking spots is effortless.
Less impressive are the iQ's straight-line abilities. On the upside, the car fulfills its main mission of getting you around the city, as its four-cylinder engine provides sufficient power to motivate this small, lightweight car. However, the CVT can get annoying at times: Its responses are often sluggish in low-speed traffic. Flooring the gas pedal wakes it up enough to allow you to merge onto the freeway with relative ease, but then you have to listen to the tedious drone from the hard-working engine. If you're using the Scion for short city trips, you probably won't be bothered much, but long-distance commuters should look elsewhere.
Fuel economy is quite good, of course, and the iQ has a decent ride quality on the highway despite its small size. Crosswinds affect it, though, and you feel a little more vulnerable in the iQ than you would in larger subcompact cars such as the Chevy Sonic or Fiat 500.
Interior
As you would expect, the Scion iQ is at its best with just two occupants. Nevertheless, the car has been engineered to maximize interior space. Clever packaging under the hood allowed Scion's engineers to move the passenger side of the dash farther forward. This, in turn, allows the front passenger seat to be placed sufficiently forward to fit a full-size passenger in the rear seat behind. Meanwhile, the remainder of the rear seat behind the driver can accommodate a child if need be. Either rear seat is best used only in a pinch, but having them certainly is better than nothing.
If you're interested in hauling stuff instead of people, the 50/50-split rear seat folds flat to enlarge the cargo area from a meager 3.5 cubic feet to 16.7 cubic feet. Other interior storage includes space for four 25-ounce containers in the doors, plus two rear cupholders and one in the center console. There is no glovebox, however.
Like all Scions, the iQ benefits from a quality Pioneer audio system with a clever interface and abundant media connections. The optional BeSpoke is also pretty cool given how much added functionality it has with app integration such as Pandora and social media. In contrast, the rest of the cabin features simple, low-tech controls such as the three-knob climate system. Overall materials quality is of the rock-hard plastic variety, which isn't entirely surprising at this price point.
2014 Scion iQ models
The 2014 Scion iQ is a two-door, four-passenger subcompact available in base and limited-edition Scion 10 Series trim levels. Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels; a choice of two different plastic wheel covers; full power accessories; keyless entry; air-conditioning; a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel; Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; and a six-speaker Pioneer sound system with a 6-inch touchscreen display, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The Scion 10 Series is a limited-edition production run celebrating Scion's 10th anniversary. The iQ 10 Series comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, illuminated panels on the center console, illuminated badges, a solar-powered illuminated shift knob and floor mats.
The factory options end there, but a number of dealer-installed items are available. Besides such typical add-ons as a rear spoiler and various cargo-area items, dealers can install alloy wheels, foglamps, interior ambient lighting, satellite radio and an upgraded BeSpoke audio interface system with navigation and smartphone app integration.

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Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
Owners consistently appreciate the 2014 Scion iQ for its nimble maneuverability, making it an ideal choice for city dwellers facing tight parking situations. Its compact size, combined with a surprisingly roomy interior for the driver and front passenger, routinely exceeds expectations in urban settings. The car’s reliability and low maintenance costs align with Toyota’s reputation, making it a stress-free option for those seeking dependable transportation. Additionally, the iQ’s ability to zip through traffic and fit into compact parking spots brings a level of convenience that many find indispensable for daily commutes.
Common Issues
Drivers often express frustration with the 2014 Scion iQ's fuel efficiency, noting it frequently falls short of expectations for a car of its size and class. The engine noise, especially during starts and acceleration, is a common complaint, with some describing it as unsettling or indicative of mechanical issues. Additionally, the iQ's ride quality on rougher roads can feel choppy due to its short wheelbase, making drives less comfortable. Some owners also highlight the limited power and sluggish response of the CVT transmission, especially in low-speed traffic scenarios, which can detract from the overall driving experience.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2014 Scion iQ remains a reliable and practical choice for urban drivers who prioritize agility and ease of parking. Many owners find themselves continually impressed with its ability to navigate dense city traffic while still providing enough space for essential errands. Its straightforward and functional interior layout ensures that usability doesn't suffer, even in such a compact vehicle. Despite some noted deficiencies in fuel efficiency and engine performance, the iQ consistently delivers the convenience and dependability expected from the Toyota brand, making it a favored companion for daily commutes and quick trips around town.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$93/mo for iQ Base
iQ Base
vs
$149/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2014 Scion iQ has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
There are no recalls for the 2014 Scion iQWarranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 2 years / unlimited miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 2 years / 25,000 miles
Scion iQ Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(79%)
4(13%)
3(8%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Impulse buy. I'm very happy with it.
4 out of 5 starsLike A Rock, 08/12/2016
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
UPDATE 12 FEB 2018 -- I sold my iQ. I miss it. I bought a pre-owned Toyota Yaris for more backseat and cargo room. Yaris is great but not as refined. The iQ was solid, mostly quiet. Cost of ownership and tires for a Yaris is less. // OLD iQ REVIEW: I bought a pre-owned base model, silver color. The base model still comes nicely equipped with stability and traction control, pw. pdl, great … ac, great stereo and speakers, 1 usb, 1 aux, and 1 power port. My base model has hubcaps but I like the way they look over the alloy wheels I've seen on other IQ's. There are pros and cons about this car so I will start with the pros: It is one of the safest cars on the road, has 11 airbags, and drives and handles great. Steering is quick and precise, and it can turn around in a very small space making easy driving in traffic or lots. I don't have any trouble getting to speed on highway on-ramps, or passing vehicles when I need to. The engine is a 1.3L which is plenty big. I'm not going to knock other cars in this class because I have not driven them, but one car that's in the same class, but only has two seats, is sporting an engine almost half the size of the IQ, basically motorcycle size, and I don't think that's viable option for a long term vehicle. The 1.3L engine size has been commonly used around the World and has no issues. I actually belong to a Ford Festiva club in my area and those were made with 1.3L engines back in the 80s and 90s that were less refined than the Toyota IQ engine, and anyone that knows about Festivas they are one of the best basic utility cars ever made and many are still on the road today running like champs (including mine); some with 300k plus on the odo. The Scion IQ doesn't fall short in performance in my opinion. You won't be winning any races up the freeway ramp against bigger engine sports cars but it performs very well and will get you to proper speed...and don't worry nobody is going to blow your doors off it can make those other drivers sweat while they try to pass you. On the highway it doesn't want to cruise 55mph...it wants to go 85mph smooth and quiet so watch your speed it has plenty of juice. The automatic CVT transmission performs great, revs low, is easy to use, and has a power option for climbing steep roads. In town it also drives great and gets a lot of attention. They are not that common and people tend to gather around them when parked. The interior is designed cool, and controls are easy to use. The computer readout on the left side of the dash can give the driver all sorts of data including average mileage, a couple of trip odometers, eco on, clock, etc. Gas mileage for me has been better than the advertised 37 hwy and 37 city. I reset my trip odometer at every fill up and calculate my mileage mostly for fun, and in many cases I get a little over 40mpg which is a mix of city and city freeway. The CVT mentioned earlier is what makes this car perform so well. The one time I got less than 37mpg was a road trip to San Diego in which I drove a steady 75-80mph, steep hills, ac on, and averaged about 33mpg...still not bad. Cargo room is okay considering the size and length of this car. I mostly drive alone in it and just keep the backseats folded down to pick up packages, groceries, etc. The backseats are divided so you can fold one down if you have cargo and a back seat passenger. The car is really made for 3 adults, and one small child or cargo. The front dash on the interior is offset to allow the front passenger to sit forward a little more if needed so an adult can ride in back. I have seen video reviews of 4 adults in the car, and actually you could get a total of 5 in the car, but it's really a 3+1 car to be comfortable. Still, it's one of the smallest and best made (Toyota ) 4 seat cars in the World. ---- Cons: I really have no complaints, but here are a few cons to consider. Cargo room is limited if you haul large items other than mail packages and groceries. It doesn't have a spare tire, but it does have the commonly used electric air pump that plugs in the dash and the slime to pump into the tire. I have not used this on my car but did help a lady in a new model Hyundai who had a flat and it worked fine and got air back in her tire so she could seek out a tire repair or purchase. I honestly prefer to have a spare tire though. The tires are wide and perform very well, but it's an odd size P175/60R16 that only a couple manufacturers make (Goodyear is the recommended tire). The cost is about $153 each at the time I wrote this. Lastly, idiot drivers on the road that only use mirrors to change lanes might not see you. On one occasion I’ve had someone change lanes into my lane at night right next to me. They just don’t see you in their mirror because of the length. --- Overall, I love this car and I’m glad I bought it. The Toyota quality also gives me confidence in it. So far I’ve had one routine maintenance service at the Toyota dealer and it was fast and cheap.
2012 IQ will need $5K in engine work
4 out of 5 starsRandy Johnson, 08/13/2017
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
All 2012 Scion IQ up to 2013 JTNJJXB0#DJ025093 were built with defective pistons. If you are thinking of buying one, unless a seller can prove they have had this work done, be prepared to spend $4.5K to have the pistons replaced. See service bulletin S-SB-0032-13. Toyota made me make a "good will" gesture of $1900 toward this repair. All of these cars should have been recalled. There's … about 11,500 2012 - 2013 IQs involved. Outrageously dishonest of Toyota.
I tried to apply the $1900 "good will" gesture toward purchasing the parts (I am capable of installing them myself) but Toyota would not agree. Even Toyota's mechanic thought they should have recalled the 11,500 cars in question and tried to help me get the repairs paid for by Toyota. Finally, I had Toyota replace the pistons. Toyota did pay the $1900. I paid the remaining $2000+. The car was using a quart of oil every 400 miles just before the repairs were made. Replacing the pistons corrected the problem. However, shortly thereafter the catalytic converter failed (plugged up from the high oil consumption). I bought the catalytic converter and replaced that myself for about $400. It would have been $1000 if I let Toyota do it. All these parts (pistons, catalytic converter, etc) are proprietary. You can only buy them from Toyota. You are at their mercy.
Now, 30,000 miles later, the car is running strong and getting 35 - 37 MPG. I still like the car. Three months after the Toyota repair a Toyota representative called me up and gave me a verbal spanking for not paying the entire amount and waiting for Toyota to reimburse me the $1900. The Service Department had agreed to the way we handled it. I told the woman I would NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA new or used and that I am having a good time spreading the word on their terrible customer policies. I had a sign shop make a professional sign for the back window stating "Beware of 1,000's of Toyotas with Defective Pistons, Google it." I drive 100 miles a day in the Dallas, Metroplex. 1000's of people have seen that sign and dozens have asked me about it. I have all the paperwork and a nice picture of the car with the sign in front of their new headquarters building. You can see the picture on my FaceBook page. I guess after building that lavish new headquarters they can't stand the cost of standing behind their cars. You should Google Toyota defective pistons and see what comes up. It wasn't confined to just the Scion IQs. There are many, many more Toyota models with the problem.
Review update 08-15-18: Car is running fine. Now at 171,000 miles, uses no oil. I still like the car but I will never buy another new or used Toyota because of the way I was treated. Five months after it was fixed a representative called me. They were not happy that the service manager allowed me to only pay the difference between the engine work cost and the $1900 "good will" gesture at the time the work was done. This made it easier for me to not come up with another $1900 and then have to wait to be reimbursed. I was shocked and it just reminded me how much I disliked how I was treated. I spent $75 and had a sign shop make a nice full rear widow sign that said "Beware of Toyotas with Defective Pistons." You can see it on my FaceBook page setting in front of the new Dallas Toyota Headquarters. I drive 100 miles a day through Dallas everyday. I know thousands of people saw that sign and it makes me feel much better. Screw 'um!
Update 2-15-19: After replacing pistons at an out-of-pocket cost of about $2.5K, the car is running fine at 181,000. No other problems. I won't, however, be buying any more Toyotas.
Smarter than Smart.
4.75 out of 5 starsdeansmith, 01/09/2012
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
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.
Best in every category
5 out of 5 starssolodriver, 02/21/2013
2013 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
I drive alone 99.9% of the time. I want the best value, the best MPG, the best zippy performance (I don't 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 don't want a car that looks fun and not like everyone else's car. The Scion iQ is the only one that offers ALL of this. The Fiat couldn't take the hills, gets 7MPG less and requires premium fuel and costs more...
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 Scion iQ, so we've included reviews for other years of the iQ since its last redesign.
2014 iQ Highlights
Base
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $15,665 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 37 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $93/month |
| Seating | 4 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 3.5 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the iQ include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall3 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall3 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat4 / 5Back Seat3 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover14.7%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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