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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  fun fun fun - 2005 Scion XB
  By scionmama - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Its a pleasure to drive, and you dont feel like you are in a small car. I also enjoy all the stares from people, whove never seen the Scion.

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  Best car! - 2005 Scion XB
  By ping pong - April 20 - 10:00 am

  very sleek, worth it

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  Love Our Scion - 2005 Scion XB
  By rysmom - April 20 - 10:00 am

  We first saw this odd looking car in Time Magazine when they did an issue on design. Reading that it was associated with Toyota, we did more research and slowly fell in love with the car. We and our 18 year old son talked about getting it and soon my son was putting together his car on the Scion Website. We ended up getting the first one from the Scion Dealer on the first day of sales on the East Coast. We loved the looks we got when driving around. People staring and I actually had a guy infront of me get out of his car at a stoplight to ask me what it was and how much it cost. We love the space inside, the ride, and the design of the dash.

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  140K Upright Go-Kart - 2004 Scion XB
  By George - April 16 - 5:06 am

  140K and still tight! Handling is very nimble. Vehicle stability control works great in the snow when driving on snow and anybody spins out in front of you (or when deer shoot out from nowhere on dark rural wet roads like where I live. VSC compliments the ABS, EBD & TRAC control. The shape makes it look lower than what it actually is (measure it!). It has the same ground clearance as my Corolla). VERY good in snow I run all season tires all the way around and if the snow is substantial Ill lower the tire pressure on the front tires to 26lbs and its super stable and tracks great. Im impressed and I live in a very rural area with many hills (ski resort area in northern NJ).

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  My Perfect Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Al Stirbens - April 15 - 10:26 pm

  On a whim, I took one for a test drive. What a brilliant piece of engineering and design. Fantastic rear seat leg room, true chair high seating, ability to haul cargo, boxy design for ease of driving, decent fuel economy and traditional Toyota quality, reliability and value. At age 57 I am tired of sitting low to the floor in the compact sedans I have owned. A truck is not practical for my life style. This is the ideal car for me. Im not sorry I traded in a one year old compact sedan for the Scion xB. It has "me" written all over it. I simply love it. Lots of car for the price!

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  2011 xB, wheres the diesel? - 2011 Scion XB
  By jpouchet - April 15 - 2:53 pm

  Overall I have to say that we are quite pleased with the Scion xB for the excellent alternative it brings over most of the small SUVs we were considering. For our use, local commuting, hauling two bikes (tandems), golf clubs, the dog, and vacation travel with the dog, the xB is a great fit. However the fuel economy is poor for the size of vehicle. Where is the Diesel option? Other design issues – the key is horrible! It will cut your pants pocket and stab you the first, second, and even third chance it gets. Why not a folding key? Audi, VW, even Ford have them. The steering wheel material is too hard. On any drive over 15 minutes it starts to become an annoyance.

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  awesome - 2005 Scion XB
  By autmom - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! We bought it for my husband to go back and forth to work with, but I find myself making excuses to drive it! It is roomy, quiet, and all controls are easily reached. It takes a few drives to get used to the spedometer in the middle of the console,but becomes second hand soon enough. The ride is a little bumpy on rough roads, but I find that in all smaller cars. We can go the same distance on a tank of gas with both our xb and our sienna, but it costs half the amount to fill the xb. It takes off quick and manuvers great,the turning radius is extremely minimal,literally on a dime. Im hoping the Toyota reliability flows into the Scion. Just plain fun to drive!

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  Great Little BoxI - 2005 Scion XB
  By Jasmine - April 14 - 5:00 pm

  If you ever want a fun car that has great space but not much cargo room the 2005 Scion xB is the car.

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  Amazing Little Box - 2006 Scion XB
  By John - April 10 - 10:06 am

  For the exterior size, the interior is huge. Its large doors and low seating enable easy entry and exit. It has excellant visibility. With the rear seats down, there is all kinds of room for groceries, etc.

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  Love my xB!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By elsie - April 6 - 12:40 pm

  I have only owned this vehicle a little over a month, & I am glad I bought it every time I drive it. The ride is very smooth & it is so very roomy. The fact that the seats are just a little bit higher than the average compact or subcompact makes it very easy to get in & get out, especially for people who are a little limited in stooping for whatever reason. My grandkids like to ride in it, my mother likes to ride in it, my husband likes to ride in it. The ability to pack & unpack the vehicle is also very easy. My previous vehicle was a Ford Focus, & it was cute, but this vehicle is so much more functional.