Upgrade the Audio 2010 Scion tC

The Scion tC is one of the most popular cars for today’s youth. With an affordable price, a hip lifestyle, and a reliable track record, it is obvious why this car is the best selling vehicle for Generation Y. One of the best things about the Scion tC is the price. The low cost of the car leaves plenty of extra cash for aftermarket upgrades. In this blog, we discuss some of the more popular audio upgrades that can be installed in the 2010 Scion tC.

Upgrade the Stereo

The 2010 Scion tC comes with a factory Pioneer Double Din Radio. When compared to other factory stereos, this is a great OEM radio. However, it does leave much to be desired for those that are looking for high-end audio or audiophile sound. To replace your factory stereo with an aftermarket one, use one of the following dash kits and wiring harnesses.

Manufacturer Dash Kit Wiring Harness
Metra Electronics Metra 99-8209 Metra 70-1761
Scosche Scosche SCN2059B Scosche TA02B

Both of the dash kit listed above will allow for the installation of a single or double DIN stereo. With room to fit up to a double DIN headunit, Scion owners are free to choose just about any Car Stereo they like.

Upgrade your Speakers

While those stock Scion speakers might sound good, installing some aftermarket speakers will make your Scion tC sound great! The following speaker information from the Metra Online Vehicle Fitment Guide can be used to find the right pair of speakers for your Scion.

Location Size Depth
Front Speakers 6-1/2″ 4″
Front Tweeters 1″ 1″
Rear Speakers 6-1/2″ 4-1/4″
Subwoofer 6-1/2″ 3″

Speakers that fit the Scion tC:

Retain your Steering Wheel Controls

Upgrading the audio system does not mean losing any features. That means that the steering wheel controls will need to be retained and connected to the new stereo. Axxess has made it easy with an automatically programming interface. Use the Axxess ASWC to keep the convenience of these steering wheel controls and enable them to work with your new stereo.

Add an iPod to the Factory Stereo

For those that really like the stock Pioneer stereo that comes in the Scion tC, there is still a way to add an iPod to the OEM system. The Scosche AXIPTA is a iPod integration harness that will allow an iPod to be connected to the factory stereo and the user can control the ipod from the stock stereo. The T-harness installation makes installing the module fast and easy.

Note: The Metra VFG was used to determine the vehicle speaker sizes in this blog. Due to different trims on cars, i recommend calling a Sonic Electronix rep to confirm that the speakers sizes and DIN sizes are compatible with your trim.