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:

• 

  Fun design, Rough ride - 2005 Scion XB
  By whitey - April 24 - 1:26 pm

  I think this car is great fun.

• 

  Fun, fun, fun - 2010 Scion XB
  By ripdaddy - April 24 - 8:17 am

  After 800 miles on my pre-owned 2010 XB I have found it to be an economical and fun car to drive. A recent 500 mile road trip returned 34.5 mpg on an interstate over the rolling hills of N. Missouri. Cruise control was set for 66 mph. The second half of the trip was on US and state highways using very little cruise control. Even with passing through small towns and some hilly, winding roads I got 35.6 mpg average. An overdrive 6th gear would work great on this car. The torquey 2.4 Camry engine pulls easily from 2000 rpm up.

• 

  this car is awesome - 2004 Scion XB
  By curlyibell - April 23 - 10:00 am

  this car is awesome! its fun to drive , its got lots of room, it get great gas milage,it drives so smooth. my most favorite thing about the xb is that you get to decide what you want in yours.

• 

  Great Big Little Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By roger - April 23 - 5:33 am

  My commute is about 100 miles a day. I love this little bugger. It handles well in all types of weather. The fuel economy is excellent. Matter of fact it just does what it is supposed to do day after day. Dont overlook the standard electronic stability control. While not sexy it just might save your life. My experience has led me to buy a second xB.

• 

  I LOVE MY LITTLE SCION XB - 2005 Scion XB
  By lightgoddess - April 18 - 12:36 am

  I love driving my 2005 White ScionXB. I love the way people look at my car and I can see them saying "What is that?" I love the uniqueness and originality of the Scion XB. I am unique and original and I am happy to have a car that represents me. The Scion XB is a great cross between a car and an SUV. Its small yet, you sit high so you feel like youre driving an SUV, youre not down on the ground. THE XB is so easy to get in and out of for you and your passengers. The XB has a great amount of head and leg room--it is NOT cramped at all. The SCION XB is a very affordable, fun and unique driving experience!!

• 

  Dont buy it for the gas mileage!!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By mrchet - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Pros. It turns a lot of heads. It has great interior room especially in the back seats. Hold 4 adults with easy, but not their luggage. Cons. Underpowered, poor mileage. 25mpg low with a high of 28mpg and thats combined. Rougher ride than it needs to be. Softer springs and stiffer sway bars would help. Short wheelbase makes it choppy going over freeway slabs. Steering wheel position is left of center and too low. It really needs a center arm rest. Transmits road noise into the cabin easily. Dynamat in all the doors helped. Bottom Line: I wouldnt buy one again!

• 

  xB squared - 2006 Scion XB
  By fjnand - April 14 - 8:36 am

  Just put in 1K after 3 weeks of owner ship. And no regrets at all this car is it for people who is concious about MPG and needs an all around vehicle. I bought this car as a commuter and running errands on weekends and so far it has been great. Interior materials and design are top notch. Great commanding view when stuck in traffic and back seat space is enormous. Could not have bough a more suitable car for my daily needs. Stereo is great and its fun to drive.

• 

  Cant Be Beat! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Daren - March 31 - 9:26 am

  The second I saw the redesigned xB I knew it was only time before one was mine. Being right out of college it is a fantastic car everyday and has taken everything I have thrown at it. I just loaded a mountain bike in the back without taking off the wheels and it fit! Gas mileage has been fantastic, went from Cleveland to Chicago and back and got 32.5 mpg round trip! All city driving hasnt went below 24mpg. I am young and like to go fast so I dont pamper the gas pedal! I smile every time I look at this car and have been noticing a lot more on the roads as more people are catching on to how practical this car is!

• 

  Toyota got it wrong - 2005 Scion XB
  By Yellow Peril - March 30 - 11:36 pm

  I think Toyota may have focused on the wrong market. I see a few kids driving, but a lot more older adults. It is easy to get in and out of, loads of carrying capacity with the rear seats folded down. Room for four ADULT sized people, my two teenagers (six foot plus) sit in the rear seats with the front seats all the way back and still have 6 inches of knee room left. Even with all of us in and luggage for a weekend, still gets 30-35 mpg. Only drawback is you have to work the transmission to keep the rpm at 3500+ so you can keep the speed up on the hills. You can cruise at 85 mph with 4 adults quite comfortably. And yes, it will hit 100 mph and still feels rock solid.

• 

  So far, the XB is great!! - 2009 Scion XB
  By happy customer - March 29 - 3:03 am

  You sit a little higher in the XB than you do in normal sedans. Not as high as an SUV, (back in the day I drove a Jeep Cherokee) but high enough to provide better sight lines on the road. The interior feels very roomy, and the seats are the most comfortable of all the cars I tried before purchasing the XB. The automatic transmission works well for downshifting when roads are snowy / ice covered. Could not ask for more at this price.