Is the Scion Frs good on gas?
The Scion FR-S isn’t a fuel-economy car, but it’s reasonably efficient for a small, rear‑drive sports coupe. With a manual transmission you’ll typically see about 25 mpg combined (roughly 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway). The automatic version tends to deliver around 28 mpg combined (about 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway). Real-world results vary by year, transmission, and driving style.
What the numbers mean for your drive
The FR-S uses a light, 2.0-liter engine tuned for performance and handling rather than maximum economy. The brand was retired in 2016 and the FR-S was gradually folded into Toyota’s 86 lineup in the U.S., so most mileage figures come from the FR-S era and its Toyota 86 counterpart. Here are typical EPA estimates across the model years when it was sold as Scion FR-S:
- Manual transmission: 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
- Automatic transmission: 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined
In practice, highway driving and steady speeds yield the best efficiency, while spirited driving or cold-weather operation reduces mpg. Actual mileage depends on load, terrain, and maintenance.
Tips to maximize mpg
To help you squeeze more miles from a tank with the FR-S, keep these practical considerations in mind:
- Maintain proper tire pressure and align wheels to reduce rolling resistance and improve handling.
- Drive smoothly: gradual acceleration, steady cruising speed, and anticipation of stops save fuel.
- Limit short trips and idling; combine errands when possible to keep the engine at its optimal operating temperature.
- Follow the owner’s manual for maintenance: timely oil changes, clean air filters, and using the recommended fuel grade support efficiency.
- Remove unnecessary weight and minimize drag (remove roof racks or other accessories when not needed).
While these tips can improve mileage, remember that the FR-S is designed for performance and handling—so fuel economy will naturally be a secondary consideration.
Summary
In short, the FR-S offers respectable fuel economy for a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car. Manual versions typically land in the mid-20s mpg combined, while automatics push toward the high-20s to around 30 mpg on highway-heavy trips. Real-world mileage varies with driving style and conditions. The Scion brand has been retired, with the FR-S effectively continuing as the Toyota 86, sharing the same drivetrain and similar efficiency figures.
