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Why was Toyota iQ discontinued?

The Toyota iQ, a compact city car produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota, was discontinued in 2014 after a relatively short production run. The iQ was known for its innovative design and small footprint, but ultimately failed to gain significant traction in the market, leading to its discontinuation.


Reasons for the Discontinuation of the Toyota iQ


There were several key factors that contributed to the discontinuation of the Toyota iQ:



  • Limited Market Appeal: The iQ was designed as a niche vehicle, targeting urban dwellers who needed a compact and maneuverable car for city driving. However, this limited market appeal made it difficult for the iQ to gain widespread popularity, especially in regions where larger vehicles were more in demand.

  • Lack of Profitability: The iQ was a relatively expensive vehicle to produce, due to its specialized design and engineering. This, combined with its limited sales, made it difficult for Toyota to turn a profit on the model, leading to the decision to discontinue it.

  • Changing Consumer Preferences: Over the course of the iQ's production run, consumer preferences in the automotive market shifted towards larger, more practical vehicles, such as SUVs and crossovers. This trend made it increasingly difficult for the iQ to compete, as it was perceived as too small and impractical for many buyers.

  • Competition from Other Automakers: The compact city car segment in which the iQ competed became increasingly crowded, with other automakers introducing their own models that offered similar features and functionality at a lower price point.


Ultimately, the combination of these factors led Toyota to conclude that the iQ was no longer a viable product in the market, leading to its discontinuation in 2014.


The Legacy of the Toyota iQ


Despite its relatively short production run, the Toyota iQ left a lasting impact on the automotive industry. Its innovative design and engineering, which prioritized compact size and maneuverability, paved the way for the development of other small, city-focused vehicles. Additionally, the iQ's focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility foreshadowed the growing emphasis on eco-friendly transportation solutions in the years that followed.


While the iQ may not have achieved the level of commercial success that Toyota had hoped for, its legacy as a pioneering compact city car continues to be recognized and celebrated by automotive enthusiasts and industry experts alike.

Can a Toyota last 30 years?


When it comes to longevity, Toyota vehicles stand out in the automotive world, typically lasting between 20 to 30 years or reaching an impressive 200,000 to 300,000 miles. The average lifespan of a Toyota largely depends on regular maintenance, such as timely oil changes and part replacements.



What is high mileage for Scion iQ?


Typically, a Scion iQ with excellent care and maintenance will survive around 200,000 miles, with the high mileage point at 150,000 miles and the good mileage point at 125,000 miles.



Is Toyota IQ bigger than smart?


Although the Smart Car 450 is smaller than the Toyota IQ, the Smart Car 451 being manufactured during the same timeframe as the IQ is deemed the direct rival. The Smart Car 450 is however certainly not a rival to the Toyota IQ, the IQ is a far larger and superior car from an engineering perspective.



Why did Toyota shut down Scion?


On February 3, 2016, Toyota announced that the Scion brand would be phased out in August after the 2016 model year, stating that the company no longer required a specific marque to target younger demographics.



What is the life expectancy of a Scion iQ?


According to theautopian.com, the typical lifespan of the Scion iQ is around 200,000 miles.



Is IQ worth anything?


According to Weiten, "IQ tests are valid measures of the kind of intelligence necessary to do well in academic work. But if the purpose is to assess intelligence in a broader sense, the validity of IQ tests is questionable." Some scientists have disputed the value of IQ as a measure of intelligence altogether.



When did they stop making the Scion iQ?


The car was introduced in 2012 and discontinued with its Toyota counterpart in 2015. The production Scion iQ debuted at the 2010 New York Auto Show and was marketed for model years 2012 to 2015.



How long does a Toyota IQ last?


What is Toyota Iq lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Toyota Iq is148,000 miles, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Factors such as ULEZ compliance and BHP are major when looking into a vehicle's lifespan/life expectancy.



Is Scion iQ rare?


The iQ promised to better a Smart Fortwo by offering seating for four, a 37 mpg combined rating, a ridiculously tight turning circle, and 11 airbags. However, just 15,701 of them were sold after Smart delivered Scion a sales-floor beating akin to an angry Mike Tyson on a plane.



Why did they stop making the Toyota IQ?


Due to relatively small sales, Toyota discontinued the IQ in 2014, with no direct replacement ever following, though the Japanese firm does sell the Aygo in the city car segment.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.