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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  Awesome Bang for the Buck - 2010 Scion XB
  By Chris - April 14 - 12:36 pm

  We have had our box for almost 2 months now and are very pleased. Weve averaged 29-30mpg combined city/highway, so I dont understand how it can have such a low rating. My only real gripe is that Im 65", and my arms stay outstretched with little to no support, which gets tiresome on long trips. Lumbar support in the seat and a telescopic wheel would be very helpful. My wife is 54" and is very comfortable driving it. We love the styling, and its a blast to drive. Overall very happy with our purchase.

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  Great Value!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Shelley - April 9 - 10:13 am

  I love my xb!! This car was such a great value for what you get. I dont love the look on the outside but the ride and features for the price make me love this car. We shopped around for over a month and no ohter car came close to what you got in this car for the price. It is fun to drive and I feel very safe in it. Great buy!!!

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  Too Much Fun! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Gid Pool - April 8 - 1:16 pm

  This car is way to much fun for the low price. I have the special edition yellow version and it is almost impossible for me to be at a gas pump without someone asking me about it. I get 34 mpg on the highway, and cruise at 70 - 75mph. Its a bit noisy at those speeds, but hey..turn up the CD! I have taken a long road trip (1,700 miles) and found it to be as comfortable at the end of the day as the beginning.

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  fun box - 2004 Scion XB
  By p benton - April 8 - 4:23 am

  very fun, economical vehicle. ride with stock tires was a little harsh, but a set of pirellis helped a lot. quality of fit and finish is outstanding. the offset speedo and info panel is rather awkward. really dont like it all but car is so much fun to drive ill live with it

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  Jekyll and Hyde - 2008 Scion XB
  By CharlieTwo - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Power is excellent. MPG better than EPA numbers. Numerous safety, convenience and "handling" features. Solid construction. 100% reliable. Now the Mr. Hyde side: I got the 5-speed. Unfortunately (since day one), the gear-shifter clunks when I change gears, the accelerator pedal has no feel- nor does the clutch- so I cant engage gears smoothly. And the brakes grab. Most of the remainder of the Mr. Hyde side of the xBs personality has to do with all the gauges being too far to the right. It takes too long to find and read them (I wont take my eyes off the road for more than one second at a time). Summary: Solid and reliable car at a great price, but dont get the 5-speed stick.

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  Box full of fun - 2006 Scion XB
  By heznpartys - March 29 - 10:10 pm

  Like everyone else before I owned my xB I used to say, "that has got to be the ugliest car on the road." But then when I came into the market to purchase a vehicle the more the xB grew on me. One test drive is all it took! I was amazed at how much room there was on the inside of the car, Im a DJ so I need space to haul my equipment around. Another thing that impressed me was the low end pick up of the 1.5L. I have a 5-speed manual and have no problem leaving people at stoplights to make quick lane changes when needed. All in all, Im definitely glad I bought the xB its definitely a "Box full of fun".

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  For me, its perfect - 2009 Scion XB
  By garyxb - March 26 - 9:39 am

  Bought it off showroom floor 5 years ago and it has never given me even the tinyest problem. It averages 25 mpg in town and 32 on the hwy. Im an old guy and performance is no longer nearly as important as ergonomics. It is the easiest car I have seen to get in and out of. The ride could be a tad smoother, but it is a minor enough complaint. Handling and performance are not Porsche-like, but are crisp , and are fine for what it is.

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  We love our xB! - 2010 Scion XB
  By doug148 - March 23 - 12:01 am

  We purchased it 40,000 miles and three years ago. To date, our only expense has been an oil/filter change every 3k. As our grandchildren say: It look so small on outside, but its so roomy on the inside. Handles great in wind and even in snow (as long as its under 6" in depth)-- very stable. Delivers gas mileage far in excess of the EPA rating-- 28 mpg overall. Quality thru-out-- made in Japan. Amazing storage and flexibility. Powerful, smooth, quiet Camry engine. No rattles and noises. Is it a SUV, a hatchback, a station wagon, or a sports sedan? It has elements of all those. This car is underpriced by about $5,000, thus a bargain.

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  Love It! - 2011 Scion XB
  By Linda Anderson - March 22 - 5:40 am

  We purchased this Scion XB after owning a Toyota Rav4. The Scion has just as much width room in the front and more head room than ever. Three of us, large adults, just took it on a 4000 mile trip to the NE. I loved the way we sat down lower in the car, but it was so easy to get in and out of. The gas mileage was "right on" with the sticker. You have to be a "fun" person to like the look, I do! When youre riding in it you feel that it is so much bigger. I cant believe people have even said what a cute car it is. Im as happy with this car as I have been with the last 6 toyotas weve owned. *Needs to be behind seat pockets and the upholstery could use an upgrade.

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  like the car - 2005 Scion XB
  By abby smothers - March 16 - 10:00 am

  it is nice very roomie