What car replaced the Scion?
In 2016, Toyota announced that it would be discontinuing its Scion brand and replacing it with the Toyota Corolla. The Scion brand, which was launched in 2003 to target younger buyers, had struggled to gain traction in the market, and Toyota decided to fold its models into the more established Toyota lineup.
The Rise and Fall of Scion
Scion was launched in 2003 as a separate brand within the Toyota family, with the goal of attracting younger buyers with its unique, quirky designs and customizable options. The brand was initially successful, with models like the xB and tC gaining a cult following among younger consumers. However, over time, Scion's sales began to decline, and the brand struggled to maintain its relevance in an increasingly competitive market.
In 2016, Toyota announced that it would be discontinuing the Scion brand and replacing it with the Toyota Corolla. The decision was made in part due to the declining sales of Scion models, as well as the increasing overlap between Scion and Toyota's own lineup of vehicles.
The Toyota Corolla Replaces Scion
With the discontinuation of Scion, Toyota decided to replace the brand's models with the Toyota Corolla. The Corolla, which has been in production since the late 1960s, is one of Toyota's most popular and well-known models, and the company felt that it would be a better fit for the younger buyers that Scion had been targeting.
The Corolla has been redesigned and updated over the years to keep up with changing consumer preferences, and the model that replaced the Scion lineup features a more modern, youthful design that is intended to appeal to the same demographic that Scion had been targeting.
In addition to the Corolla, Toyota also introduced a new subcompact model called the Yaris to fill the gap left by the discontinued Scion iA. The Yaris is a smaller, more affordable option that is intended to appeal to the same younger buyers that Scion had been targeting.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Scion brand and its replacement by the Toyota Corolla and Yaris models represents a significant shift in Toyota's strategy for targeting younger buyers. While the Scion brand had initially been successful in attracting a younger demographic, its declining sales and the increasing overlap with Toyota's own lineup ultimately led to the decision to fold the brand into the more established Toyota brand.
The Corolla and Yaris models that have replaced Scion are designed to appeal to the same younger buyers that Scion had been targeting, with more modern, youthful designs and a focus on customization and personalization. As Toyota continues to evolve its lineup to meet the changing needs of consumers, it will be interesting to see how the Corolla and Yaris perform in the market and whether they are able to capture the same level of enthusiasm and loyalty that Scion had once enjoyed.
Is Toyota bringing back the Scion?
No, the Scion brand is not coming back as an automobile marque, but Toyota has revived the Scion name for a new off-road side-by-side concept vehicle called the Scion 01. The original Scion brand was discontinued in 2016, and its models were absorbed into the Toyota marque. The new Scion concept uses a hybrid powertrain and was created as a testbed for future mobility ideas, not as a successor to the old brand.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Scion 01 concept vehicle: 40sPlanet Car NewsYouTube · Nov 4, 2025
- No, the Scion brand is not returning. Toyota officially discontinued the Scion brand in 2016, and its models were integrated into the Toyota lineup.
- The name is being used for a concept vehicle. The Scion name has been revived for a new, one-off concept vehicle called the Scion 01, which is a powerful, hybrid-powered off-road side-by-side.
- It is not a car. This is not a car or a car brand, but a powersports vehicle designed to test new concepts and technology.
- It's a way to experiment. Toyota created the Scion 01 to serve as a "laboratory" to develop and test new ideas, leveraging its expertise in hybrid powertrains and off-road vehicles.
What is the Scion called now?
So this is a 2.4 L hybrid system like you'll find in a lot of their roadgoing cars. And trucks. And trucks yeah and they're saying around 300 horsepower which in a sidebyside would be tons.
What did Toyota replace the Scion with?
The Scion iM is was for it's versatility, affordability and style. Meet the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM. Same great car, new badge. The Toyota Corolla iM will be replacing the 2016 Scion iM, but will be the same car inside and out.
Why did Toyota discontinue Scion?
Toyota discontinued the Scion brand in 2016 primarily due to slumping sales, a failure to connect with its target youth market, and the increasing success of the Toyota brand itself. The brand struggled to maintain a distinct identity, and its core mission of appealing to young buyers became less relevant as that demographic's preferences shifted and the main Toyota brand became more appealing to younger customers.
Key reasons for the discontinuation
- Declining sales: After peaking in 2006, Scion sales fell sharply, accounting for only a small percentage of Toyota's total U.S. sales by 2015.
- Loss of identity: The brand's initial "quirky" and "cool" identity became less appealing over time, and the target market evolved. Some models even attracted older buyers.
- Brand overlap: The Toyota brand grew in popularity and offered a wide range of vehicles, including small, fuel-efficient cars and the popular SUVs that the target demographic now favored. This made the separate Scion brand redundant.
- Strategic consolidation: Toyota decided to fold popular Scion models like the iA, iM, and FR-S into the main Toyota lineup to consolidate resources and simplify its brand portfolio.
- Economic factors: The 2008 financial crisis impacted the younger demographic, and the subsequent drop in gas prices led to a shift away from the small cars Scion specialized in, towards larger SUVs.
The transition
- Starting in August 2016, Scion models were rebadged as Toyotas and sold through existing Toyota dealerships.
- Scion owners can continue to get their cars serviced at Toyota service departments.
