Overview & Reviews

Attracting the coveted 18-to-34-year-old age group is job one for Scion, the youth-oriented division of Toyota, and its xB wagon is the fashion centerpiece of the brand. Although the Scion xB has the body of a miniature delivery truck, even in its second generation this box still casts a distinctive silhouette.

We liked the first-generation xB for its distinctiveness; after all, it was little more than a rebadged version of a Japanese-market Toyota. Scion had the American market specifically in mind when it made the second-generation model bigger and more powerful, though some of the original's character was lost in the process. But overall, a new or used xB is a fine pick for a small and stylish wagon.

Current Scion xB
The Scion xB is offered in two trim levels: base and limited-production Release Series 10.0 (or RS 10.0). Standard features include air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a six-speaker Pioneer sound system (with a CD player, HD radio, an iPod/USB audio interface and an RCA output). The RS 10.0 adds unique exterior and interior trim, a rearview camera and wireless charging of applicable smartphones. Options are limited to transmission choice and dealer-installed items such as upgraded audio systems, a navigation system and different wheel designs.

Every xB sports a 2.4-liter inline-4 that produces 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. Fuel economy is disappointing, however, as it is similar to that of many compact SUVs.

Inside, the xB's boxy lines translate to a surprisingly roomy interior that allows you to transport three to four friends with no complaints from the backseat. It's so roomy that some cities even employ xBs as taxi cabs. When the time comes to haul stuff rather than people, the 60/40-split rear seats fold flat, revealing an impressive 70 cubic feet of space. That's actually bigger than many compact SUVs.

In road tests of the current xB, we found it feels fairly stable at highway speeds, although its slab-sided styling makes it vulnerable to crosswinds. The xB is responsive and confident at lower speeds, though over rough surfaces the ride can get a bit bumpy. We've never liked the centrally mounted primary gauges, but the climate controls couldn't be any easier to use and the standard touchscreen interface is fairly user-friendly – especially if you belong to Scion's younger, target demographic.

Used Scion xB Models
The present Scion xB was introduced for 2008, featuring larger dimensions and more power than the first generation. In its first two years, the steering wheel featured only a tilt adjustment, meaning taller drivers had an uncomfortable reach when driving. The later addition of a telescoping adjustment helped somewhat. Besides minor styling tweaks for 2013, the main difference points were the frequent changes, updates and additions to radio faceplates. The ones produced for 2010-'13 could be fairly complicated, but provided iPod control at a time when many other cars in its price range did not. Throughout the years there were also so-called "Release Series" models that featured special paint and interior trim.

The first-generation Scion xB was sold from 2004-'07. Initially it was sold only in California, and Scion gradually rolled it out to other big markets like Florida, New York and Texas. Nationwide sales began for the 2005 model year.

Standard equipment was better than average for a low-priced economy car, as every xB came with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, air-conditioning, an MP3-compatible CD player and power windows, mirrors and locks. Fifteen-inch steel wheels with your choice of plastic wheel covers were also standard, but you could get alloy wheels as a low-cost accessory. Side and head curtain airbags were optional.

The power source in every first-generation Scion xB was a 1.5-liter, inline-4-cylinder engine. In 2004 and '05, it was rated for 108 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. For the 2006 model year, new SAE certification procedures dropped the ratings to 103 hp and 101 lb-ft, although actual performance was unchanged. We recommend sticking with the five-speed manual transmission if you can, as it gives this xB respectable point-and-shoot capability in freeway traffic. With the four-speed automatic, acceleration can be sluggish.

For the 2006 model year, the xB's stereo head unit was redesigned to incorporate an MP3 player jack. Additionally, dedicated iPod owners had the option of purchasing a specialized unit that allowed for player control and recharging through the xB's stereo controls. Other accessories included a subwoofer, satellite radio, sport pedals and shift knob, and for the truly bored, backlit footwells and cupholders (in a variety of colors). A limited-edition Release Series 3.0 package for 2006 even provided a rear entertainment system with dual 7-inch LCD screens mounted in the front headrests.

User Reviews:

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  Proud Owner - 2005 Scion XB
  By gatopapi - January 23 - 8:30 pm

  I bought my XB in late 2005 and got some time to drive it before the roads got wet. Every time I get out on the road I get looked at from every corner. If they like my car or hate it with everything they got they still look and thats all I need. I love it from the ride to gas miles. At first I had to let some air out of the tires to easy up the ride on bumps but other than that I have not one complaint.

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2008 Scion XB
  By Buzz - January 23 - 12:33 am

  After driving 8000 miles in a variety of scenarios, city and freeway, I have never experienced less than 28.0 mpg. High of 31.0. Fun to drive, quiet, good acceleration, great sound system. Very roomy considering outside dimensions. A/C performs well, even in AZ. Complaint, 1st gear-5speed, is geared too low. Single price, adjusted for delivery, is a welcome feature.

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  I love my Toyota...and Scion. - 2004 Scion XB
  By MotegiScion - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I am considered generation Y and a loyal Toyota customer. In my 24 years, I have owned three Toyota Celicas. I was looking for a new car, for my daily commute into Washington, DC. I needed a 4-door (to handle my morning and evening commuters), but it also needed to be small enough to maneuver through DCs crowded roads. The high gas mileage, reliable performance, attractive styling, and low cost were everything that I hoped for in my next car... and it stayed in the Toyota family. I am MORE than satisfied with the purchase of my first NEW car.

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  Love my "mini UPS truck" - 2010 Scion XB
  By tony181 - January 11 - 2:49 pm

  My 2010 XB has been almost exactly the vehicle that meets my needs. My wifes car is a 2009 Camry SE. Have owned for 2.5 years (19,000 miles). Comfortable, roomy vehicle for around the town driving (I am 62"). Had a problem with comfortable driving position-adding lumbar solved that problem. Fun to drive & handles great-I added sway bar. Lots of power. Cargo capacity tremendous for size vehicle. Wish interior was a bit nicer-no padding on door armrests among other such items.

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  awesome joy ride - 2009 Scion XB
  By hotmama - January 10 - 1:36 pm

  I owned this car for almost 9 months now, and so far I do really enjoy the comfort of my car, sometimes id Rather seat in the back if my sister can drive for me nor my friends because the seats are so comfy specially the back seat. And its gas saver and the a/c is really really cold and I have plenty of room in the back, I need it for my sons stroller. And I really recommend this car you will never regret it.

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  Almost wish for a longer commute! - 2009 Scion XB
  By Susan_in_AK - January 10 - 12:30 am

  We looked long and hard for a suitable vehicle that my elderly mother can get it and out of, but can comfortably haul my son & 2 neighbors to school, all growing boys. We were driving past the Scion dealership and decided to check them out - we knew within the hour this vehicle was for us! Comfy, great handling, easy to get in & out of and so spacious! Handles fine in snow when its not too deep. Happy with our purchase. Gas mileage is not as high as we hoped, but truth to tell the smooth ride & handling seems to encourage you to zip along. Absolutely love it!

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  I Love My xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By ILoveMyxB - January 6 - 5:10 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I would recommend it to anyone. It may be a little loud on the highway, but you just have to turn up the radio. I love my xB.

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  Perfect for every Day and Trips!! - 2012 Scion XB
  By jaguar27 - January 5 - 5:21 am

  I traded my Black 2007 on a white 2012 I liked the last one so much!! Granted, I only had 24k miles on it but never once did I have any kind of problem. The 2012 is a huge improvement, the instrument Cluster is much better, they have made much better use of the available realestate by showing the outside temperature and time without having to toggle through the display. Also, the sliding Armrest is way better than the skinny drop-down one. Its a perfect cummuter, although city mileage isnt great, I get a 22.4 average constantly, but thats with a 1.8 mile commute with 5 traffic lights. The standard is awesome with HD Radio, Bluetooth and iPod connection etc. Great sound.

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  I love this car - 2012 Scion XB
  By T.C. Howard - January 5 - 4:04 am

  This is the first new car Ive ever purchased for myself. It was purchased to offset my other car, a 2006 Dodge Magnum with the Hemi, which doesnt get good gas mileage in city driving, but is acceptable on the highway. At the time of purchase for the Scion, August 2012, I was still working a 9 to 5 job that I am now retired from, and my drive to, and from work averaged about 7 or 8 miles round trip, city driving, and I was getting around 13 mpg in the Magnum. I am also a musician, and need a vehicle capable of hauling my equipment, which was one reason I bought the Magnum after the van I had died. I liked the concept of a squared off car, and had looked at a couple of XBs that people at work had bought. I looked at other small SUVs that got good gas mileage, and considered the Kia Soul, but it was smaller, and the brand didnt have the reputation for dependability as did a Toyota, which the Scion is. The price was higher for the Scion, but I figured it would pay for itself with it reputation for longevity, and the extra cargo space. The car is the base model, but I love the way it handles, and can only imagine how it would handle if I add some improvements like better tires, and suspension parts. Im a big person, and weigh over 300 pounds, but can easily get in and out of the car, and the seats are fairly comfortable for me, even on long trips. This is my "daily" driver, and I love this car. I wish it had a six or seven speed automatic transmission, and all wheel drive option. I love, and enjoy driving my Magnum, but I have to consciously choose to drive it, which happens about once every two weeks. My choice for driving is my Scion. My warranty is out, since it has been over three years, although I only have 27, 000 miles on it. I understand that the XB will not be made for 2016 which is a shame, as I would consider trading mine in if an upgraded transmission, and all wheel drive were offered. They apparently will offer nothing but cars/sedans in the upcoming year. So, Ill make my XB last.

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  It is what it is - 2004 Scion XB
  By BlueTurtle - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is as much fun to drive as a high performance vehicle. No, it is not going to go 0 to 60 in 5 seconds, but who cares. There is nothing like it. It is a nice change of pace from my WRX and is just as cool. In fact, it receives more looks of awe than my WRX ever does.