2008 Scion xB Review

Entry-level cars rarely achieve the iconic status of the original Scion xB. Its funky style made a splash for Scion, and it still draws looks today. But five years on, even icons need updates, and Scion took the traditional route of making the new xB bigger, more comfortable and more powerful. The style is still funky and modern, and Scion says it listened closely and gave its customers exactly what they wanted. We believe them, as the new xB is better than its predecessor in virtually every way.

So, why do we miss the old car?

By Keith Buglewicz Photos: Oliver Bentley

Page 2

Our test xB was a relatively base model sprayed in Hypnotic Teal Mica. With the $580 destination charge the base price came out to $17,180, not bad for a decently sized five-door with 158 horsepower. The only two options were a $155 set of floor mats and Scion’s $465 security system, which brought the total to $17,804. Even so, our tester was far from a stripper, and in addition to the usual array of power windows and locks boasted an iPod connector, a good sounding stereo, stability control, cruise control and air conditioning.

Page 3

The most welcome change to the xB is the new engine. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder shared with the Scion tC produces 50 more horses than the old engine, and the extra power is evident from a dead stop to passing and everything in between. So is its newfound thirst; we averaged only 21.1 mpg, albeit via some aggressive driving. The four-speed automatic did its best to ruin any fun we tried to have; it’s slow to shift, and even in manual mode it up and downshifts whenever it wants. If you’re looking for sport, get the stick.

Page 4

Scions are meant to be a blank slate, and that applies to handling, too. In its bone stock form the xB’s ride motions are controlled, and it’s a good commuter. But push it and it pushes back. We blame the tires and soft springs, and suspect that if you tick the box for the TRD lowering kit and 19-inch wheel and tire package, handling would improve exponentially. The brakes on our car started to smell after hard use, but we didn’t detect any actual fade.

Page 5

One downside to the new design is reduced visibility. The gunslit windows and thick pillars look modern from outside, but once you sit down the view is decidedly pinched in every direction. The windshield is far from the driver, which means you’re looking out over a big flat dash top and that the windshield pillars intrude. The rearmost pillars are about two feet thick, creating massive blind spots to the rear. We actually found ourselves wishing for a reverse camera on this otherwise small and maneuverable car. At least the outside mirrors are decently sized.

Page 6

There is a lot of potential here, and in its base form the xB practically begs for extra attention. Tweak the suspension for better handling. Throw on some aftermarket wheels and tires for better stick. Enliven the engine with better breathing. All of which is another way of saying that the basic xB isn’t a lot of fun right off the showroom floor. Strip away the Scion mystique and you’re left with a well-equipped but otherwise basic transportation box. The fun is all in the accessorizing.

Page 7

The Scion’s front seat has a good basic shape, which means that once you’ve found your sweet spot you’ll stay comfortable. Finding that spot is easy since adjustments are limited to seatback angle, fore-aft and seat cushion height. The steering wheel tilts but some of us thought it should telescope, too. The wheel itself is soft urethane with divots on the upper spokes for thumbs. The only real comfort drawback was the fold-down armrest on the driver’s seat. It’s too narrow to be comfortable, but it doesn’t fold completely out of the way either, annoying some drivers in either position.

Page 8

The xB’s added dimensions pay off biggest in the rear seat. The bottom cushion and seatback angles are not adjustable, but they’re good enough that they don’t need to, either. The bottom cushion is a little short, but the high hip point means that it’s still comfortable. There’s plenty of leg and head room, and good foot room under the front seats, too. It’s not particularly wide, so three across would be very tight, but two fit just fine.

Page 9

This is Toyota’s budget division, not luxury, so we’re not surprised that the xB is noisy inside at speed. Still, it’s not bad for the class. There’s noticeable engine noise when you gun it, and it’s not particularly refined, either. Additionally, the xB’s tall, upright shape generates a lot of wind noise at highway speeds.

Page 10

The boxy xB has 21.7 cu. ft. of cargo room behind the second row of seats, which expands to 69.9 cu. ft. if you fold those seats down. Combine this with a large hatch and low, flat floor and you have a ton of space. Smaller objects can go under the load floor or in small compartments to either side of the cargo area. The seatbacks fold quickly, and there's a small flap that covers the gap between the cargo floor and the seatbacks to keep small objects from rolling into the nether world between them.

Page 11

Toyota build quality has taken a few hits lately, but the xB is definitely on the game. Gaps are narrow and straight inside and out, seams are almost perfectly aligned, and the whole car is assembled with the kind of pride we’re used to seeing from this company. Even the paint is applied smoothly and without any orange peel.