DecodedCars2013 Scion iQ
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.3L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 37 combined · 36 city / 37 hwy
- EV range
- 38 mi · 4 h on 240 V
- Length
- 120.1 in
- Curb weight
- 2,116 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 37 MPG combined — 55% better than the average 2013 minicompact car (23.9 MPG).
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Scion iQ is a minicompact car offered with a 1.3L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 120 inches long and 66 inches wide on a 79-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,116 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 37 MPG combined (36 city / 37 highway), 55% better than the 2013 minicompact car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $650 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 38 miles and takes about 4 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2013
- New all-electric version
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 iQ →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Hatchback | 120.1 in | 66.1 in | 59.1 in | 78.7 in | 58.3 / 57.5 in | 2,116 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iQ EV EV | Electric motor | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 mi · 28 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| iQ | 1.3L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 / 37 / 37 | +55% | $1,800 | 238 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Scion iQ.
Similar 2013 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Scion iQ (this car) | 37 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Fiat 500e | 87 mi | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Nov 8, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V528000 · 11,153 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Scion IQ vehicles manufactured July 31, 2011, through October 12, 2012. The cable for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) may become damaged when sliding the passenger seat forward or backward.
- Risk
- If the cable for the OCS becomes damaged, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover on the OCS weight sensor cable. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Not every 2013 Scion iQ is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Scion iQ buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 86,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 38 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Scion iQ. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other iQ years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Scion. How we calculate this →