• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Prices

Scion xB - What the Auto Press Says

 The xB is still square, safe and affordable, but isn't your best option for cabin comfort and gas mileage. 

Since it was first introduced in 2003, the Scion xB has been wooing car shoppers with its low pricing, abundant utility and devil-may-care style. In fact, many writers credit Scion as the automaker that started the boxy hatchback trend. Throw in its smorgasbord of aftermarket features, and the Scion xB quickly became one of the most appealing hatchbacks on the market.

Six years later the xB's novelty has worn off; and with it, some of reviewers' positive feelings. While the 2010 Scion xB still holds its boxy dimensions, agreeable pricing, and tuner-cred, more square designs have been introduced --  hatchbacks that are generally considered more affordable, comfortable, fuel efficient and fun to drive. 

If gas mileage is your primary concern, check out the Honda Fit or Scion xD. In addition to pleasing fuel economy, both cars have the counter-cute appeal. The xD will allow you to trick out your car the way Scion always intended. The 2010 Kia Soul also makes a great alternative. Car and Driver calls the 2010 Soul a "practical, upbeat, errand hopper whose fun-to-drive quotient isn't in the basement."

The 2010 Scion xB is a carryover model available in one trim, but with plenty of optional and aftermarket options. For the new model year, Scion has upgraded the standard and optional audio systems on the xB.

• "Overall...the new xB is a larger, more refined package at the same bargain price. And that certainly appeals to us." -- Popular Mechanics
• "Forget Huey Lewis -- it's the Scion xB that has made it hip to be square in recent years. From oddity to cult favorite, the first box-on-wheels xB was a surprise success for Toyota's youth-oriented brand. Like the tiny original, today's 2010 Scion xB ... offers the same offbeat image, affordable price and abundant personalization options." -- Edmunds
• "The Kia Soul and Nissan Cube may be the new kids on the block, but they might not have found their way to North America if not for the groundwork laid by the xB." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Bigger, more powerful -- and thirstier at the gas pump." -- BusinessWeek
• "Some of its former quirkiness was lost in the transformation, but it remains a practical, 'edgy' alternative to more-traditional small cars and SUVs, and a solid pick in this class." -- Consumer Guide

xB Performance - NA

Edmunds says, "Scion's youthful target demographic should be pleased with the xB's driving demeanor, as well as older folks simply looking for a space-efficient runabout."  But several reviewers also find pitfalls -- the cornering is hampered by a heavy curb weight, and the expected fuel numbers are somewhat disappointing. In fact, Popular Mechanics notes, "We were surprised to see the estimated mileage ratings of 22 in the city and 28 on the highway. Shouldn't a four-cylinder car like this return mileage at least in the low 30s?" continue

xB Exterior - NA

Although the 2010 xB is curvier than it has been in the past, auto writers say it holds onto the square look that first earned it attention in 2004. MSN says, "You still have to have a certain affinity for boxes and squares to like the xB styling. The 5-door car remains the quirkiest-looking box on wheels in the country." continue

xB Interior - NA

The Detroit News says, "Inside, the xB is comfortable and different -- maintaining some of the funkiness that could dissuade more conventional consumers, which should be reassuring to many current Scion drivers." But most auto writers find the xB's funkiness comes at the expense of the driver's comfort. Many note the center-of-the-dashboard instrument panel is a distraction, and having no telescoping steering wheel is awkward. continue

xB Safety - NA

The Scion xB does well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests, and was an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick" for the 2009 model year. continue

xB Reliability - NA

The 2010 Scion xB's basic warranty is good for the first 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Powertrain coverage is provided for the first five years or 60,000 miles, and rust-through coverage is offered for five years. continue