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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  Smart Design - 2006 Scion XB
  By Ed - March 30 - 2:13 pm

  This is my first new car. I did not like it until I drove it, but then I knew right away that it was the car that I had to have. Unless you plan on drag racing, the engine gets the job done. The interior design is brilliant. The head room is amazing and the leg room in the front and rear is more than most SUVs. The rear seats fold flat to make room for cargo. The sound system is fantastic with the iPod aux hook up. The automatic was sluggish so I went with the manual. I get between 33-37 mpg depending on how much highway driving is done on each tank, much better than EPA estimates. For the price and standard features, this car is a steal.

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  Love the new Design - 2011 Scion XB
  By Wags - March 26 - 6:30 pm

  Just received my XB after ordering it 3 months ago. I love it. I added the lower spring TRD 19" wheels and all the bells and whistles inside. So glad I got the stick adds so much fun to the driving aspect of the vehicle.

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  Good, Safety features inc. - 2008 Scion XB
  By See Ya?? - March 23 - 3:23 pm

  Easy in and out. Power increase that was worth the 3-4 mpg difference. Easy to drve and to fall in love with. Center guages easy to view with out looking down and taking eyes off of road. This maks a different on long trips. Other seem to give me a headache now. Ride is just about right not too soft not too hard.

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  I Hope It Lasts for 10 Plus Years - 2006 Scion XB
  By Brian - March 21 - 10:30 pm

  This is my second new car purchase in over six years. The xB is easy and nice to drive, no thrills, but enjoyable. I do have complaints with the A/C unit though. It does not put out enough cool air in the hot Arizona summers. Also, I can feel the bumps on the road, but I can deal with that given the value price. Would buy the same model again if I had to buy over? Absolutely, there is nothing else on market with equal value in terms of pricing, size, and quality. I average about 27 miles per gallon (but A/C was on all the time). I dont care for the color choices or accessories. It needs a center arm rest.

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  xB Review - 2005 Scion XB
  By Halpal - March 21 - 8:30 pm

  This car is lots of fun to drive, easy on fuel, and extremely roomy. I am over 6 feet tall and have plenty of leg room, and about 5-6 inches of headroom. Even with the seat adjusted rearward all the way, there is still plenty or legroom in the back seat. With the rear seats folded forward, the cargo room is plentiful. We love the car and we get lots of looks and good commenrts on the road.

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  Its different but comfortable - 2010 Scion XB
  By John A. - March 18 - 10:03 pm

  The interior space for driver and the large backseat were the primary draws for considering this vehicle. As a 2006 Scion xB owner I resisted the move to the new model because of the "mpg" factor. We can fit 4 adults and one tall 8-year old in the vehicle. Handling is good, the engine is peppy and is averaging 26 mpg overall (this is a good trade-off for increased comfort, ride and a quieter interior). The odometer system is awkward to use at first and overall the gauges are comfortable if you are used to the xB. After the first month I no longer wonder why I traded my "can" (car-van) in on a newer model. Access for those with hip and knee problems is easy and mostly pain-free.

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  Lots of Goods! - 2005 Scion XB
  By mehugtree - March 18 - 3:36 pm

  The 2005 Scion xB is an awesome car. I just got back from an 1,800 mile trip over four days, and it was very comfortable. It hauled lots of stuff, and on the way back stretched out my 6 foot frame and slept well! It does get lots of looks, which is fine. People are constantly amazed at the roominess. To quote a friends son "Wow! Its huge!" this was after he got out of his Dads Escalade. It is fun to drive and zips around traffic. Its not a racecar, but its fun. The xB is easy to park and fits anywhere. It gets good gas mileage! I love the design - simple and straight forward. It has a great use of space. Did I mention all the room?

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  Love it - 2005 Scion XB
  By cruiser - March 4 - 4:53 pm

  My Scion xB is fun and attention getting. We sleep in it for short campouts. It is so easy to get in and out of (we are in our 70s). It is everything we hoped it would be and has lots of features as standard. Plus is has tons of cargo room.

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  Unique Car - 2008 Scion XB
  By Jose - March 3 - 8:16 am

  I traded in a 2008 Toyota Corolla for a 2008 xB. The only thing I miss is the fuel economy (35 vs. 28 on xB, highway). But the Scion has a lot more room and comes with more standard features, like curtain airbags for rear passengers, which I required for my 3 and 6 y/o boys, VSC and ABS. The stereo sounds great/unique, and I still havent seen another 2008 xB on the road yet! When I get to a place I like to stand out from the rest, not possible with the Corolla which is ubiquitous. In the outside the Scion xB is 10 inches shorter than the Corolla, and inside its bigger, oh so nice. I love this car. The purchase process was very painless too.

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  !!! - 2004 Scion XB
  By xB owner #304885 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my xB in February, and have had nothing less than my greatest car experience with it. I traded in my 2002 Acura RSX and drove 400 miles to get it, but it was well worth it. I love my xB and would recommend it to anyone.. The 108 HP was a little scary for me after driving around my 140 HP Acura.. But the xB is peppy for only 108 HP, dont let anyone tell you that its slow.. I bought the manual transmission...