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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  The most fun for your money - 2010 Scion XB
  By JamesP - February 24 - 7:26 pm

  The xB is fun to look at and fun to drive. Some dont like the styling (Hi mom!), but I smile every time I look at it! It has plenty of power and while its no sports car, it handles well enough for everyday driving. The ride can get jittery over rough roads, but overall the ride is good. Its also very quiet inside, with less wind noise than youd expect from such a boxy car. People are always amazed at how spacious the car is inside. Massive amounts of head room and leg room, especially in the back. I love the audio system--it has so many features and it sounds terrific. I call this car my giant iPod accessory! Mileage is good, not great. I get about 25mpg in about 75% city driving.

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  32 MPG CITY - 2008 Scion XB
  By Rob - February 24 - 4:23 pm

  Looked at and drove all the contenders including Fit, Element, Matrix. But nothing really came close for the price. My last vehicle was the King Reliable Toyota Previa minivan. But I wanted something much more efficient but just as reliable. I do handy work and small remodeling projects for a living and needed some hauling ability. The Scion xB has been doing the duty for over 4 months now and getting 32 mpg in the process. The key to higher mpg numbers is in the 5 speed manual and coasting techniques. Im always looking for something better but I dont think anyone has made it yet. For now the xB rules.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Scion XB
  By scion xb - February 20 - 6:46 am

  I love my Scion. Its gas mileage is great! The space inside is fantastic, no kids kicking the back of the driver seat is great. Now that I invested in the armrest it is 100% great. I did upgrade the tires with 1 size larger and I can tell the difference in the handling of the vehicle.

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  Scion xB in Asheville NC - 2008 Scion XB
  By Mick - February 20 - 5:13 am

  We have owned a Mercedes, an Audi, numerous Hondas, an RX-7 and a MINI Cooper S. This is by far the most practical car we have ever had. It is not a sports car but delivers a comfortable ride, gas mileage better than on the sticker and build quality that compares with just about anything priced ten grand higher. If we only had to have one car, this would be it.

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  Great car if more mpg - 2009 Scion XB
  By SAU - February 18 - 3:16 am

  Everything is great but for somehow i get only 18 MPG on combined. On Local street, i get about 11.xx MPG which is lower than my GX470 which gets around 16 MPG. Maybe something is wrong with mine. I had another 08 xB Manual RS5.0 and that one gets 22 MPG local. Other than that, this is GREAT CAR. 1) Roomier than my GX470 2) Better leg room on back seat than my GX470 3) Performance is pretty good. 4) ABS and vehicle stability control are STANDARD!!! 5) Nice DVD / Navigation System. Nothing can go wrong with $17.000 MSRP. I paid $25,000 OTD with loaded TRDs and extended warranty. GREAT CAR.

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  Fun, fun, fun - 2004 Scion XB
  By gurkha711 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I am not part of the demographic market of this vehicle. As a middle-aged couple, my wife and I were looking for an inexpensive, reliable, "toodle around town" car. Boy, did we make a good choice. This is a comfortable car to drive. It has more interior space than we know what to do with, power to spare, and great handling.

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  I Love this Car! - 2005 Scion XB
  By ChiCopBuddy - February 17 - 6:36 pm

  Im not really in Toyotas demographic for this vehicle, but I find Im in the REAL demographic of those who drive them...40 something, laidback. And I LOVE this car! The only complaints are the usual ones about no armrest and dome light too dim. Other than that, this is one cool car. Cargo space is unbelievable, comfort is surprising, and the looks you get on the road are great. One other drawback: it hacks people off that this car has as much pep as it does. They dont like to be passed by it, because it doesnt look like it should be able to. Testosterone kicks in, and they try to prevent you from getting ahead of them. I bought the car for price, thinking I was stepping down, but wow!

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  The Best Thing Ive Ever Bought... - 2005 Scion XB
  By Lisa - February 17 - 6:06 am

  I had a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am and when my friend let me drive her xB, I fell in love. Three weeks later, I traded the Pontiac in and got the Xb. I love it!! I thought the pickup would not be good, but, it is really peppy. The quality and workmanship is awesome. I am glad I decided to make the purchase. It was everything I could of wanted and more.

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  Best deal for the dollar! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Gisch - February 16 - 8:03 pm

  Before purchasing my Scion xB I researched and test drove many automobiles (Saturn ION, Honda Civic, VW Beetle, etc.). I travel frequently with my job and was searching for a good looking, reliable car with great fuel economy. I must admit my Scion xB has exceeded all my expectations. Because Scion let me build my xB I got everything I wanted in a car for less than $17,500. Gas mileage: I currently get 29 mpg in town and 32 mpg on highway. Despite the fact the xB has a 1.5 litre engine it cruises comfortably at 75-85 mph. The interior room in this car is huge. Rear seats fold for extra storage space. Car has amazing head/leg room as well. I have friends over 6 feet tall who fit comfortably.

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  Love My Scion xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Marsha Speed - February 14 - 12:33 am

  I drove my Scion from Cocoa Beach, Florida to Southern California then to Idaho and returning to Cocoa Beach. In total, I drove over 8,000 miles and got mileage as high as 39 mpg! Being a previous Mercedes and Porsche owner, this xB had some giant shoes to fill and fill the shoes it did! Even my BMW friends that drove across the country with me were VERY shocked at the economy and comfort of my little yellow xB. The Scion xB is a wonderful vehicle.