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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  Glad I Waited - 2008 Scion XB
  By gwoodjr - March 30 - 11:00 am

  I reviewed by driving and reading (Edmunds, of course) a lot of cars for over a year before deciding to test drive the xB. I was impressed immediately with the comfort, practicality, drivability, and value of the Scion. I wanted a car that I could haul stuff in, sleep in if necessary, and would look smart around town doing so. I quickly put a hitch on the end to enable the transport of two bicycles and can state you cannot tell two bicycles are mounted to the back end. The car has easy ingress and egress which makes my elderly mother happy. The sound system is great and how many value cars come with stock tinted windows? Totally cool. This is one quick, nimble, easy to drive car.

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  Awesome Car, with alot of Room and good MPG! - 2005 Scion XB
  By johnmolanii - March 22 - 8:07 pm

  Have a 2005 xB and im a easy driver. Get around 33 MPG city/highway mix. It doesnt have alot of Horsepower but it gets me from point a to point xB ;-)

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  The Little Box Can Hang - 2008 Scion XB
  By AZ xB - March 22 - 2:10 am

  This car feels big, but drives small. The xB covers the fundamentals very well for an inexpensive car. There is enough room behind the rear seats for regular stuff and a ton of room with the seats folded for big stuff. The base stereo sounds really decent, which was a concern because head units are not installed until after you buy the vehicle. Power is good. I have yet to find myself wishing for more. Shifts can be a little chunky, between first and second especially, but it’s not too bad. Manumatic will probably go wholly unused. Overall, the pros of this vehicle dwarf the cons and I would say to anyone that the xB is worth a look, even if you’re shopping the small SUV market.

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  2005 SCION XB - 2005 Scion XB
  By 05XBINSC - March 21 - 11:46 pm

  I bought my XB new in 2005 because I got tired of working on my previous car a Ford/Mazda Probe GT. Big change in terms of power and handling but I adjusted fairly easy. I find myself driving the XB HARD so I cant really complain about 28MPG, that being said, after 58K miles I have had not one single mechanical problem! I had a small chip in the windshield in the first month, used a "repair kit" and did not have to replace that until Jan of 2009. Getting ready to replace my 2nd set of tires. Lots of interior room, poor interior lighting, good seating position, good (not great) stereo. Buzzy on the highway, could use an extra gear, or "taller" 5th. Great value for the money! Paid 13,750.

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  Scion owner and fan - 2004 Scion XB
  By bea golden - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The drive is smooth and with very little outside noise. Price is reasonable and we loved the uniqueness of the car. Gas mileage is good, averages 23 miles per gallon combined city and highway.The seating is comfortable and we loved the placement of the gauges. The leg room and the head room is great for anyone.I have never owned a car that got as much attention as this has. I am repeatedly being stopped and asked what kind of car I have,who makes it,and most of the time they are leaning in to get a better look.

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  Buy an xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By xb boy - March 14 - 4:13 am

  Ive had my Scion xB for a year and would buy another one tommorrow. I love how you can fold the front seats back take off the head rests and it meets with the back seat to make a bed. This car is great for travel.

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  For GrandPas too - 2005 Scion XB
  By BobV - March 10 - 5:20 am

  I took the 5-speed xB for a test and found a little slack in the drive line, but being 72 now I figured I would be better off with the auto anyway, which is very smooth. I have always liked the "different" car, I owned several "Borgwards". But this box is surely my furthest venture from sanity. But since it is my bliss that matters...I dont have a problem using the cup holders that have been baded, better than most of the "in dash" type I have used. The speedo and info center took 5 minutes to get used to...Now I love it. Got 33.6 mpg on my first tank. 2/3 on Interstate 1/3 in town.

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  One week and counting... - 2010 Scion XB
  By MikeP - March 8 - 1:43 pm

  Ive had the "sizzling crimson mica" (fine, its purplish-brown) for about a week now. Almost 400 miles on it so far (long commute). MPG is, to date, about 27 with a mix of 75% hw, 25% stop & go so Im a happy camper, based on expectations going into it. Prior to purchasing, I considered and test drove a number of others in the same gen. $ range: Soul, Fit, Versa, Cube. Very tempted by the Cube but the xB simply felt more stable (and slightly less noisy) on the highway and the cargo capacity is great. The comfort of the car is very good, relatively speaking (keeping in mind youre not paying for a luxury car). Exterior is..well, its an xB so folks tend to love em or hate em.

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  My Attention Magnet - 2004 Scion XB
  By RevRDavid - March 8 - 2:00 am

  What a great fun car. Traded the mini- van for something I can feel better about the gas mileage in. More than enough passenger room front and rear for 64" bodies. Get stopped everywhere with questions--WHAT IS IT?

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  Great car relative to competition - 2009 Scion XB
  By Love my xB - March 7 - 2:10 am

  Ive had this car for about a month now and Ive ran up about 1100 miles on it. Each time I take it out to drive I like it a little bit more and I loved it when I bought it. The xB isnt the fastest, sportiest, or most luxurious car Ive owned but its pretty fun to drive, it handles well, and it has a comfortable ride whether Ive been on road trips or just cruising around town. Its a nice balance in pretty much all fronts, which is surprising for a car this cheap. Also, the folks at Scion are a pleasure to deal with. Ive also noticed that a lot of people complain about the fuel economy of the xB but Ive found that Ive gotten between 28 to 33 mph, which isnt that bad.