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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  Loved it...BUT - 2008 Scion XB
  By RicochetDave - October 2 - 1:13 am

  I came from a Nissan Frontier to the Scion. I was originally going to get a Tacoma P/U but the newly designed xB really caught me by suprise. I loved the options. The nav with the Alpine audio is a must ! Great quality sound and a whole host of sound quality options. I got 26-27 MPG consistantly (60%HW, 40% city). The center dash gage mount is a bit funky. The first week I had it I got a speeding ticket, I did not realize I was going that fast and with the speedo to the right of drivers sight, I did not know. The multi color neon floor lights were fun but not worth the option cost. Unfortunately, the car was broadsided (pass side) and totaled. If it were not for the curtain AB, my wife would have died.

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  My Scion XB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Bob - September 30 - 8:16 am

  I bought the car 2 weeks ago. The two things that impress me most about the car are the value you get for a car priced at $15,000 and the gas mileage. It has a lot of options for a car priced so reasonably. It is also a Toyota and I do not know where you can purchase such quality for the price.

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  xB: The Style Wagon - 2008 Scion XB
  By LJN - September 22 - 4:50 am

  For the last seven years Ive been driving a 1995 BMW 325is coupe. Although I loved the car, repair bills, two-door limitations and so-so gas mileage got me looking at a new car under warranty. After much research, I was ready to buy a Honda Fit. Then I noticed the Toyota xD was getting rave reviews and from there found the xB. For about $2,000 more than the Honda Fit, the xB delivers nice hp, great room and functionality and a whole lot more style. We got black, and my wife says it looks like a hearse. I think it has a 1940s gangster car look. But we both love it!

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  Not your "Typical" XB owner - 2010 Scion XB
  By Joe-in-DC - September 20 - 7:46 am

  Not the target demographic 20 something, more like 40 something. Had the car a week and I love it! So much fun to drive. With my add-ons, (Alpine sterio, Cold-Air-Intake, TRD shocks and struts, fog lights, alarm system, 17" Alloy wheels) this car is great! I live DC and we are having a rough winter and this car handles great in the snow and performs great in "High-speed" traffic.

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  engine stopped - 2008 Scion XB
  By boo21 - September 18 - 6:40 am

  on a major highway the engine stopped. had to get towed. mechanic is now looking for a used replacement engine. car has abouy 88,000 miles. i will never buy a toyoya product again.

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  Scion XBOX - 2004 Scion XB
  By John Medina - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I recently traded my 2001 Acura 3.2TL for 2 Scions I gotthe XB for me and the XA for the wife, I cannot tell you how happy I am with these 2 awesome cars, For the price I paid for both and the amounts of money I am saving in gas and specially in Insurance and the incredible amount of interior space that this car has it leaves my Acura in the dust as far as space goes. This car is super light weight and it feels like it has mor HP than it really has. My XB is 5spd and its alot of fun to drive, every one on the road looks at it and even guy in Porches drive by and cant help but to stare.

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  Great Overall Performer - 2009 Scion XB
  By halljsf - September 13 - 5:06 pm

  I have a young son with mobility problems. Most SUVs are a challenge for him because of the step in height. The XB is easy for him to get into (mostly without assistance), and the cargo area is big enough for his foldaway wheelchair. I like the clean design of both the interior and exterior. Although, I wish the materials used in the interior were nicer and of better quality. Most interior surfaces are hard to the touch and black. I added a custom leather steering wheel cover because the standard steering wheel was rough and uncomfortable to grip.

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  The Little White Box - 2006 Scion XB
  By TopToyota - September 12 - 11:10 pm

  Ive had the xB for 3 months now and Ive loved every moment of it. When I first saw the xB on TV I wanted one and the car is everything I expected and more. It turns heads, has an impressive sound system, has great fuel economy, and tons of room for people or stuff. My only complaint is the turning radius is rather large for a small car oh and the small minded people who insist on telling me that it is ugly because it dosent look like everything else on the road. I strongly reccomend this car to anyone.

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  Love My Black Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By Box Lover - September 12 - 10:46 pm

  I am absolutely in LOVE with this car. I find myself making excuses to drive it. I still find myself looking back and smiling at my black box as I am walking away from it. It is fun to drive and with my extremely enthusiastic driving style, I still get about 28-30 MPG with mostly highway driving. The stock Pioneer sound system is awesome. Also, the huge side mirrors make changing lanes easy. The interior is extremely spacious and airy, so much so that I feel slightly claustrophobic when I get in normal cars. My only major gripe with this car is the small fuel tank. I find myself visiting the gas station 2x a week when with my prior car (97 Honda Accord) once was plenty.

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  My first new car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Scion Lover - September 8 - 2:26 am

  After driving old Subarus, Hondas and Toyotas all my life this is my first new car. Lots of room, quiet, great turning radius, economical, fun to drive.