The Scion tC has been offered with both manual and automatic transmissions across its production life, with gear counts and availability varying by generation. This article outlines the transmission options by model year to help buyers and enthusiasts identify what a given car should have.
Generation overview
Two generations of the Scion tC were produced from 2005 through 2016. Each generation offered different transmission configurations, with changes in the number of gears and the availability of automatic versus manual shifting. The sections below detail the options by generation.
First generation (2005–2010)
The original tC launched with a 2.4-liter engine and two transmission choices. Buyers could choose a traditional manual gearbox or a conventional automatic transmission, depending on trim and market.
Transmission options by model year
- 5-speed manual transmission
- 4-speed automatic transmission
Note: In everyday use, the 5-speed manual was standard on most trims, while the 4-speed automatic was offered on base models or specific markets.
Second generation (2011–2016)
The redesign for 2011 brought updates to the drivetrain along with a new chassis and styling. The second generation offered a higher-gear-count setup with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic, depending on the configuration.
Transmission options by model year
- 6-speed manual transmission
- 6-speed automatic transmission
Most enthusiast-oriented trims favored the 6-speed manual, while the automatic provided convenience for daily driving. Availability varied by trim level and year.
Summary
Across its production run, the Scion tC offered manual and automatic transmissions, evolving from a 5-speed manual/4-speed automatic in the early years to a 6-speed manual/6-speed automatic in later years. When shopping for a used tC, check the specific model year and trim to confirm which transmission is installed.