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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  New XB Scion Outstanding! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Scion 2008 XB - November 2 - 11:36 pm

  I purchased my 2008 Scion XB in Mid July after reviewing and test-driving many other cars. With the completely new design for 2008, its not as boxy as the earlier versions. The "chop- top" look is misleading since the room in the XB is huge. Ive also noticed the incredible fuel mileage. From the Cressida we had at 12-15 miles/gal to the 20-28 miles were getting with the XB, its saving a lot on gas. Albeit fun to drive, its comforting knowing the car is encased in a safe cage and airbags and curtain airbags make the XB an incredible value. Thank you Scion!

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  Love my Baby! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Joanna - November 1 - 11:00 am

  Bought my Xb sight unseen and was not disappointed. Ive driven it to California (from Missouri) and back, upstate New York and back and Florida and back with no problems. Gets great gas mileage. I switched to synthetic oil and I average 30 mpg. Love the ease of entry and exit and the roomy backseat.

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  Made the Jump from XA to XB--Love My Scion! - 2012 Scion XB
  By catheu - October 26 - 11:53 pm

  With my little Scion XA paid off, I figured it was time to go new car shopping. My daughter is tugging me on one side to look at a RAV4, my fiance is tugging me on the other side to look at a Honda CRV, both are tugging me to check out the Nissan Rogue. So, I go to test-drive a Rouge. Nice, but for me, it just seemed a tad too wide--and since I am blind in my right eye, it could be --well, kinda not that good. OK? So I firmly put my foot down and went to look at the Scion XB. I test drove. I immediately felt comfortable. The car is deceptively large--it appears to be not that roomy from the outside, but once you get in, tons of room. Smooth Ride. Great Car!

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  2005 xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Keiths 2005 Blue xB - October 26 - 11:16 am

  The Scion Xb is one of the best vehicles in the 15K price range.Just getting out of college it is affordable yet really fun to drive. The purchase had no haggles which was a plus. Living in a mountainous area of New York, the gas mileage has been around 32-36 miles per gallon.The xB is roomier than most SUVs that my family owns.The interior is driver friendly simple and clean.The fit to finish is impressive for a vehicle in this price range.The head and leg room in the xB is huge making it a comfortable vehicle for anyone.I didnt consider the automatic transmission in this vehicle.The manual has quick easy shifting and the engine has plenty of power to move the xB in all driving conditions.

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  Great Car --- Great Value - 2012 Scion XB
  By clockdoc - October 24 - 5:02 pm

  Suprised just how quick the car is. Easy to be 10 over the limit. Bought for the comfort and ease of entry exit for a guy over 60. My kids, 7 and 4 really like it. Several hundred miles on it since new and am averaging 28-34 mpg. Kid seats are easy to install and for the kids to use. Young families and oldsters should check it out as well at the single folks. What a value for well under 20K even with sales tax. Check one out, you will not be disappointed

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  a new breed - 2005 Scion XB
  By Chade Powell - October 24 - 10:00 am

  ive loved this xuv from the moment ive seen it and when i found out that it was a toyota that made it even better

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  My Scion at 72 - 2005 Scion XB
  By Sam - October 23 - 2:33 am

  I am 72 and feel 40 in my xB.

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  Gas relief - 2005 Scion XB
  By chiza_maniza - October 13 - 7:43 pm

  I save allot on GAS. Handles real good and it has allot of room inside.

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  I Love, Love, Love this Car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Scikotic - October 10 - 10:50 am

  Ive been driving my 2006 Scion xB for two months now, having previously owned a Honda Odyssey. My xB is so much fun to drive, and handles corners so well, that Im having a blast. My husband was hesitant, but is now thinking of getting one for himself! My college-aged daughters are begging to drive it during their school break. This car is really deceptive, being unbelievably roomy inside, handling the road well, and generally just zipping through traffic and into the smallest spaces. I added the rear bumper guard, cruise control, and an armrest, and really felt that everything else I would ever need was included. The visiblity is wonderful, I get from 29-36 mpg, and, even being fully loaded, insurance is cheap!

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  Scoin xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By patricia shay - October 9 - 3:43 am

  My Scion xB gets great mileage, is easy to drive, comfortable, has lots of space in the front, rear and midsection, handles great for a box on wheels, fun and gets lots of looks. The 5-speed manual is more spunky than the auto transmission.