2008 Scion xB Review

Hip to Be Square

The quirky Scion xB bulks up in size and power for its first-ever redesign.

Debuting in 2004 as one of the youth-oriented Toyota sub-brand’s original models, the slab-sided Scion xB compact four-door became popular with buyers of all ages looking for something different. A major redesign for 2008 addressed common criticisms that the first generation was too small and too slow by bulking up the xB in both size and power.

The current version rides on a wheelbase that’s been stretched by four inches, and it’s a foot longer and nearly three inches wider than the original.

Remaining one of the most recognizable rides on the road, the Scion xB is characterized by a rectangular profile that’s capped with a high beltline and narrow side windows. It’s still one of the boxiest-looking vehicles this side of a postal delivery truck, though its overall appearance has softened in the redesign, with a few subtle curves, particularly at the vehicle’s front-end.

• Get a Scion xB price quote

The Scion xB packs the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that’s also found in the base version of the larger Toyota Camry. It provides a nearly 50 percent horsepower boost over the original iteration’s limp 103 hp, with reasonably smooth acceleration that’s more than adequate for a vehicle of its size and weight. It does lose a few miles per gallon in fuel economy because of the added thrust, but it's still far from being a gas-guzzler.

A five-speed manual transmission is the Scion xB’s standard gearbox, though it’s not the slickest shifter on the road. Unless you’re absolutely sold on a stick, the available four-speed automatic is a better choice; it operates efficiently and includes a manual-shift mode for those times when you want to take matters into your own hands.

• See Scion xB specs

Riding on a stretched wheelbase and large (for a compact car) 16-inch wheels and tires, with McPherson struts up front and a torsion-beam rear suspension, the Scion xB handles predictably and is fun to drive. Vehicle Stability Control and traction control are standard for surefootedness over a wide range of road conditions and handling situations. Braking is secure thanks to antilock brakes with large (nearly 11-inch) discs at the front and rear; electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist functions are included for emergency situations.

Where the Scion xB really shines is in its expansive interior. There’s sufficient room in the front and back to seat four six-footers in complete comfort, with more rear legroom than most midsize sedans. The seats are comfortable and supportive. There’s 21.7 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, and with the split-fold bench folded flat, the Scion xB’s cargo-carrying abilities rival that of some much larger SUVs.

• Scion xB Vehicle Summary

The Scion xB’s instrument panel remains in the center of the dashboard, and not directly in front of the steering wheel as in most vehicles. While initially odd, it’s not difficult to get used to, as it places the most often checked gauges (like the speedometer) to the left, still within the driver’s line of sight. Interior ergonomics are excellent, with most controls straightforward and intuitive.

• See all Scion models in the Scion Showroom

A generous assortment of standard features on the Scion xB includes front-side and side-curtain airbags and a 160-watt Pioneer audio system with steering-wheel controls and full iPod integration. While no factory options are offered aside from the automatic transmission, a long list of dealer-installed accessories allows buyers to customize their rides. Some, like a GPS navigation system or upgraded audio system (with the ability to store digital images as custom “skins” for the LCD display) are functional, but many are just for show.