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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  Never thought Id drive this - 2008 Scion XB
  By Terry - July 15 - 3:10 am

  When a friend of mine told me to go look at the xB when I was in the market for a small SUV I called him CRAZY. I swore I was not driving a box. Well, this box is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. It has awesome power and handling. Gas mileage is wonderful since I came from a Nissan Titan. I have all the extras like the Pioneer enhanced radio, rear spoiler, fog lights, overhead console, illuminated door sills, 17" rims, and under dash and cupholder neon lights. All this makes my xB even more unique than it already is. It is a great and fun car for the price, I would recommend it to anyone. Actually a month after I bought mine, my mom bought one too. We are now an xB family.

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  Love my new Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By Pete - July 11 - 6:23 pm

  When I first viewed this car (Scion XB) it seemed to be designed for the 20 something crowd. It was aimed at the same demographic as the Honda Element. However,it seemed to me that there were many more 30, 40, 50, and 60 somethings driving the Elements that I saw. So I decided to test drive an Element and fell in love with it. It was a short romance, because then I decided to test drive a Scion xB. That was it. This car was $5,000 cheaper than a comparably equipped Element, got 10 miles per gallon better mileage, and was more fun to drive. Im not in Toyotas planned demographic for an xB either. Im a 71 year old retired college professor.

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  Review the Star - 2009 Scion XB
  By Victor M. - July 5 - 2:50 am

  No reservation with the 09 Scion I am delighted with the buy, would of love a 5 speed shift but its my work car and the reason for purchasing the car was for economic reason. The Scion has proven after three weeks of ownership a bit of a good move on my part. Economy is great, roomy, and fun to drive. The 2.4 engine make the Scion get and go, economy of the car is really see at the low speeds, the automatic trans could use an additional gear, keeping the RPMs around 1.8k when on the highway and would make the Scion that much more economic for highway use, but with a tight engine I got 315 miles on the first out of town trip. Please do not misunderstand the Scion is good on gasoline

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  Too much fun... - 2004 Scion XB
  By TBP - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I have put almost 3,000 miles on this car and I still look forward to driving it around. I cant believe that such a tiny car feels so huge on the inside. Upon first seeing it, most of my friends didnt even know what it was and they were shocked to learn that was cheaper than the Civic I drove before my xB. Everyone agrees that it feels like a higher end vehicle.

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  A Joy to Own! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Kat - June 28 - 3:40 am

  I highly recommend this vehicle, especially the limited edition with the DVD player and screens on the back of the head rests and in an eye catching envy green! I have never had so many people stop to ask me about my car before and thats before they even know about the cool extra inside. These cars are so roomy! I even love to ride in the back seat...it is so roomy. The seats are comfortable all around, the design is so suportive to your back and the dash design and placement of controls makes sense! The quality of materials inside is excellent. Its great visibility makes it a dream to drive! It gets great gas mileage, Its excellent even when you are running with a full load and full cargo area. I love my xB!

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  Love It! - 2006 Scion XB
  By pacocc06 - June 27 - 8:30 am

  I love my Xb. I would never have picked a different car. Its unique, fun to drive, reliable, easy on gas, roomy, and inexpensive. I get a lot of looks in it.....they are just jealous! I would definitely recommend it to anyone!!!

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  Great Car - 2004 Scion XB
  By janelle - June 24 - 10:46 pm

  The Scion xB is a very nice car. Its great to run around town in, packing the kids and their stuff. So far it has been very dependable, we have not had a problem in two years. Its fun to be asked "what is that?"

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  Go xB Go! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Ken - June 15 - 6:40 pm

  This is a fun car at an affordable price. Lots of safety features which I really appreciate. I put on about 30,000 miles/year and safety is very important to me. I like the solid feel of the xB and its quiet ride on the highway. The engine is quiet and powerful. I have the manual and it shifts like a dream. The best shifting car I have ever owned. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a car that is fun to drive and yet quite practical to own.

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  2006 Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By qadcv - June 10 - 10:56 am

  This car is awesome. Great on gas, fun to drive. Acceleration could definitely be better. This car is great around town and on the interstate.

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  1 month after purchase and very happy - 2014 Scion XB
  By dsmithson - June 3 - 7:11 pm

  I had a Honda Element and loved it... But I wanted a new car and after a lot of research I kept coming back to the xB. Considering the price, I feel I got what I paid for and I really enjoy it so far. But its got a lot of pep and and I love the spacey interior. The dealer threw in the spoiler and I am glad they did as it gives it a sharper look. Im a big guy and I feel very comfortable as it has a good amount of headroom. If you are looking to stay in the low $20K range with the premium options.. this is a good pick in my opinion.