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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  Great, Fun Car for the Price - 2005 Scion XB
  By Iowan - November 14 - 9:50 am

  I test drove all of the current compact vehicles in 2005, and this was by far the best value, the most fun, best looking and by far the roomiest. We drive it exclusively around town with our 3 kids. We even took it on an overnight trip with the kids--had plenty of room for a large suitcase, overnight bag, small cooler and the kids DVD players. It handles well in Iowa winters with its traction control. We were lucky to snag one only a few months old, and its still worth close to what we paid for it 2 1/2 years ago. Love it!

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  2006 Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By Jorge - November 11 - 1:56 pm

  I bought my Scion xB brand new off the showroom floor. I have never had any trouble with it whatsoever. I average about 34 mpg. It still gets looks and questions from people and even though the engine could use a little more horsepower its still a pleasure to drive and is very reliable. I recommend it to everyone I meet, especially to owners of the Honda Element which only gets about 22 mpg and has suicide doors for those who sit in the back seat. The Scion xB is definitely an awesome, reliable, roomy car that will fulfill anyones desires for a reliable and roomy car.

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  Wooo - 2005 Scion XB
  By Ciscob - November 10 - 9:23 pm

  I tell you for the price of what you get, you just cant beat the over all value of the Scion xB.

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  Great car - 2014 Scion XB
  By stromson - November 7 - 5:26 pm

  Recently purchased a 2014 Army Rock colored xB and couldnt be happier with it. Most of the things in the Edmunds review ring pretty true from my experience. Its been great for me as runabout and daily driver, and Ive been pretty easily beating the combined MPG of 24 (something Edmunds also reported). Wind and road noise are present, but it doesnt impede conversation in my experience (audiophiles will definitely want to add some additional deadening to the doors and floor pan though). As expected of a box, it hauls a ton with ease, and fits my 63" frame with no problems in the front or back seat. 4 speed auto works well and shifts very smoothly, and I never feel wanting for power.

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  Its like being some sort of celebrity? - 2004 Scion XB
  By xcountryscion - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Thats the best way I can describe it. I recently gave up my beautiful Saab 9-3 convertible when I came to the realization that there were more important things to spend my money on. Wanting to spend as little as possible, but not wanting to be stuck with a boring econo-box, I fell in love with the ugly little xB. I do not exaggerate when I say that I have gotten more positive comments in 2 weeks of having this car than in the time that I had the Saab that cost 3xs as much. The gas mileage is great, it handles well, I can throw my bike in the back, and its a Toyota, so I feel confident that it will be running for a long time. What more could I ask for?

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  My Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By J. Padgett - November 5 - 10:30 pm

  The first time I saw this strange little vehicle, I thought "No way I would be caught driving that!" Well, after three more trips to the dealership to poke around and satify my curiosity, my fiancee suggested that I take a test drive...that did it. I took my box home the same day. Boy howdy do I love this car! Comfortable, surprisingly roomy, Toyota quality, good gas mileage, fun to drive...the list goes on and on. It looks really cool too. Toyota definitely got it right, although you cant consider me a generation xer at 51.

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  The band broke up - 2008 Scion XB
  By Bill Turk - October 28 - 5:40 am

  The Scion name when it was made was new edgy and had just about everything for everybody. But just like modern bands, you switch a member here and there, and before you know it the name Scion doesnt mean what it used to mean. Take the xB for example, the old one was great, small engine, loads of room. Sure it could have used a bigger engine, but fuel mileage for space was what counted. Then they messed with the image, put a bigger engine, but also a bigger chassis. The result is a car that is no longer what it used to be. Toyota, um, Scion just took themselves out of the market that the Honda fit has all to itself now. The xD is no better and looks too much like the fit to kill any edge.

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  Me and My xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Kaos672 - October 22 - 6:06 am

  Was totally blown away when I first sat in the xB. I was suprised how much room the inside had. I am 61", 300 lbs and I fit comfortably behind the wheel. My drivers seat was push all they way back and I climbed in the back seat and I was suprised that I still had five to six inches between my knees and the back of the front seat. I test drove the automatic transmission and was suprised at the pep the car had. The styling is nice and it stands out. Its a throw back to the old milk/mail truck design. My wife, friends and co-workers love it. I am having a ball in little xB. Oh... by the way I am 33 years old and married, so I do not fit the targeted marketing demographic for the car.

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  Toast - 2008 Scion XB
  By A Garratt - October 21 - 7:26 pm

  This is my second xbox. I love it so far. Toyota has out done themselves in the improvements to this car. I had an 06 that was recently totalled and I actually really liked that vehicle. But this is a whole new car. 1L bigger engine (almost 40% more HP), 4 wheel disk brake, cruise control, ipod/mps hookup, side air bags, more comfortable interior seats, sports stick automatic, etc. All the extras for a minimal increase in price. I highly recommend this car. Very affordable, fun to drive, great gas mileage and best of all horsepower!

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  Good Choice - 2006 Scion XB
  By Joe - October 19 - 2:46 pm

  Im a courior and this vehicle meets all my demands. It has great comfort, fuel economy and reliability. It handles road perfectly. I do lots of highway travel and 18 wheelers dont even intimadate me. The xB is a great handler for small vehicle. I am very happy with it.