Scion iM

Overview: Is the Scion iM a good hatchback?

The Scion iM is an excellent choice for customers looking for a hatchback that blends good value, ride comfort, and plenty of standard features. The Scion iM offers considerable fuel efficiency and low maintenance cost and is versatile and affordable. It is also comfortable to ride, especially in the front.

However, the Scion iM lacks more premium features than rival hatchbacks, such as leather seats and a moonroof. While it offers a comfortable ride, the Scion iM is less engaging due to its not-so-dynamic acceleration. Its handling and cargo capacity are also quite questionable.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for a used Scion iM for sale.

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Related: The Scion iM Years To Avoid

Key Features

The Scion iM offers:

• A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 137 hp
• It comes with a standard 6-speed manual or optional CVT
• Rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, traction, and stability control as standard
• A seven-inch touchscreen display and six-speaker audio system
• Seating for five people with a 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• LED daytime running lights and power-folding heated side mirrors

Trims

Sharing underpinning with the Toyota Corolla, fondly called the Toyota Scion iM, is available in only one trim.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Scion iM delivers a comfortable ride without being too soft. While it shares underpinnings with the Toyota Corolla hatchback, it offers greater comfort thanks to its supportive front seats. Dual-zone automatic climate control helps make occupants feel more comfortable.

In terms of technology, the Scion iM features power-folding heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone, audio connectivity, a seven-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker stereo with HD radio.

As a hatchback, the Scion iM makes cargo-loading easy. However, it lags behind its rivals in terms of cargo capacity. The interior storage of the Scion iM is remarkable.

How It Drives

The Scion iM features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder delivering 137 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque. There is no Scion iM turbo model, though. Acceleration pales in comparison to most class rivals. Nevertheless, the Scion iM offers a composed and controlled drive. However, the Scion iM’s cornering and steering are suspect, with the hatchback suffering from top-heavy body roll.

Safety

The Scion iM hatchback received mostly Good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its moderate overlap front and side tests. Nonetheless, the Scion iM offered a decent safety package for its class, including features such as antilock brakes, stability control, and traction control.

Reviews

Toyota Scion iM review from consumers at Edmunds gave the 2016 model car a high rating of 4.6/5 stars. Around 81% and 10% of the reviews gave the 2016 Scion iM a five- and four-star rating, respectively. They cited the Scion iM’s reliability, solid driving response, reasonably located controls, and long-distance comfort.

Learn more: Which Years Of Used Scion iAs Are Most Reliable?

Scion iM FAQs

What is the Scion iM based on?

The Scion iM was based on the Toyota Corolla.

Why did Toyota discontinue the Scion iM?

Toyota discontinued the Scion brand in 2016, and rebranded the Scion iM as the Toyota Corolla iM. Thus, many identified the hatchback as the Toyota Scion iM.

What is the sport mode for the Scion iM?

The sport mode was available on Scion iM with CVTs. In sport mode, the CVT holds simulated "gears" longer before shifting, while keeping the engine at higher rpm. It could affect the Scion iM mpg numbers. The sport mode isn’t available with the Scion iM manual.

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