2010 Scion xB

• Overall
• Prices
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• Exterior
• Interior
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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

Most auto writers say the 2010 Scion xB's cabin is roomy and well equipped. But spend more time reviewing the controls as out of place and the driver's position as awkward due to it having no telescoping steering wheel. 

• "The shape is even cooler inside than out; it's so spacious it recalls full-sized vans from the '70s." -- Car and Driver
• "Although it may not look like it from the outside, the interior of the xB has seating that is both roomy and comfortable, even in the second row." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The cavernous interior is functional while having some newfound form." -- Road and Track
• "The driving position isn't quite perfect: The steering wheel tilts up and down but does not telescope in and out; positioning the seat a comfortable distance from the pedals put me a bit too far away from the steering wheel." -- About.com

Front Seats

In previous years, one of reviewers' largest complaints for the xB has been its awkward driving position, due to a misplaced gear shift and no telescoping steering wheel. That trend continues for the 2010 model year, but writers do note pleasing legroom for the front row. 

• "The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the driver's adjusts for height. Headroom is ample, but taller folks may want more legroom. The large rear roof pillars complicate rear visibility." -- Consumer Guide
• "Legroom in front and second rows is only an inch or less than what's in the Escalade." -- MSN
• "The steering wheel is nicely shaped but desperately needs a telescope function for taller drivers, who may have trouble reaching the wheel when the seat is adjusted for proper legroom." -- Edmunds
• "Typical of Toyota, the front seats leave room for improvement -- they're short in reach from butt to knees, and what appear to be high, gripping bolsters instead sag like angel food cake when occupants are pushed side to side in cornering. Why cut the cloth for the bolsters without putting some muscle beneath that skin?" -- Boston Globe

Rear Seats

Several say the 2009 xB has a roomy second-row compared to other small cars.

• "The rear seat feels deceptively spacious -- it's hard to believe there's actually no increase in legroom." -- Car and Driver
• "The center of the rear seat is fairly comfortable, which isn't the case with most vehicles." -- Chicago Sun-Times
• "The xB's upright posture allows for a roomy cabin with pleasing passenger accommodations front and back." -- Edmunds
• "The three kids who rode in the rear seat of our xB didn't have a problem, but three adults would. Two adults wouldn't be uncomfortable though, because you can easily slide your feet up under the front seats." -- New Car Test Drive

Interior Features

Writers say the xB comes well-equipped even without Scion's aftermarket toys. However, many cite problems with the placement of controls or note that they had trouble reading the dashboard.

• "We've never been pleased with centrally mounted primary gagues, and the xB's haven't changed our mind. At least the speedometer is an easily ready digital display, but it's way over to the right rather than in front of us, and monitoring the diminutive tachometer requires far too much of the driver's attention." -- Edmunds
• "Some elements of the xB's cabin take getting used to. The instrument pod includes a digital speedometer and is mounted high in the middle of the dashboard, out of the driver's direct line of sight, an annoyance to some testers. The transmission shift lever is mounted on lower part of dash rather than on a console." -- Consumer Guide
• "Annoyance: Too tall shifter in the automatic. While reaching for dash controls, I sometimes hit the shifter, flipping the car into neutral." -- Boston Globe

Stereo and Entertainment

Appealing to its target demographic, Scion has boosted its standard and optional audio equipment for the 2010 model year. The xB's Pioneer Premium Audio system now has a larger display and a multipurpose control knob that should make iPod integration more seamless. The optional Alpine Premium Stereo comes with HD radio and a touchscreen. Unfortunately, besides listing the equipment now available with the xB, reviewers had little else to say about their functionality.

• "While the xB is naturally a big draw with practicality-minded buyers, Scion hasn't lost sight of its original mission to be a hip, funky brand for hip, funky youngsters. For 2010, that means improving the standard and optional stereo systems." -- Edmunds

Navigation

The Scion xB's aftermarket navigation system is competent, but not extraordinary. Newer systems in other cars offer more cutting edge features like voice activation or real-time traffic, as well as more intuitive functions.

• "We longed for simpler controls." -- New Car Test Drive
• "The navigation system's execution ... leaves little to be desired at this price, save perhaps voice activation as seen on some competing Hondas." -- CNET

Cargo

Scion dramatically increased the xB's cargo room by approximately 28 cubic feet with a 2008 redesign. This current generation now has 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space available behind the backseat and 69.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The resulting space receives good reviews from test drivers. Auto writers also praise the numerous storage possibilities inside the 2010 xB's cabin.

• "Boasting 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 70 cubic feet with those seats folded down, the xB is a legitimate fair-weather alternative to compact SUVs." -- Edmunds
• "The cargo opening is low and wide. The cargo area is spacious and can be made considerably roomier when the rear seatbacks are flipped forward." -- MSN
• "Several bins and trays -- including a cubby beneath rear seat -- supply handy interior storage. The split rear seatback folds nearly flat without removing headrests." -- Consumer Guide
• "During our week with the car, we used it to pick up a 50-inch Samsung HPT5064 plasma TV, which it swallowed in the box with the rear hatch closing easily." -- CNET