Scion XB Road Test, 2008
Boxy But Practical, the New Generation XB Offers Better Performance
Toyota's Scion XB is new for '08. A larger engine, enhanced all-around performance and numerous creature comforts have been added. Best of all it remains a bargain.
Reasonably priced cars that perform well, which to many means vehicles under $20,000, are rare. One is the Scion XB, a completely redesigned version of its ’07 ancestor. It's a foot longer, two inches wider and still instantly recognizable by its boxy shape. There’s a new engine, too, one that more than overcomes its 630 added pounds. At its $17,200 "no haggle," nicely equipped price it’s a bargain.
The Interior and Safety
The Scion XB – a Toyota product - boasts cloth front sport buckets. There’s plenty of space surrounding them but leg room around the split/fold down rear bench is tight. It's usable by adults for short trips but it’s best used for kids ... young ones. The nicely finished hatch area is large and a cargo cover is standard.
Gazing around from the driver's seat brings a surprise. The vehicle’s instrumentation resides in a central “pod.” Though odd it’s functional and appeared to have no downside during the week-long, hands on test. Cupholders and power points abound; a center storage console and large glovebox offered lots of nook and cranny convenience. Other features of this 3,100 pound front-driver include dual front, side and side curtain airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, Electronic BrakeForce Distribution, Traction Control with Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control and a tire pressure warning system. Electronic power steering, adequate capacity air conditioning with a dust and pollen filter, cruise control, a merely acceptable but standard Pioneer AM/FM/CD sound system with iPod connecter and auxiliary inputs, power locks and windows, keyfob entry and more are standard.
Engine and Transmission
The XB employs an aluminum 2.4 liter, twin cam four valve per cylinder "4" with variable valve timing. Its 158 smooth and quiet horsepower moved the XB, as measured by an accelerometer, from 0-60 in 8.8 seconds. Observed fuel efficiency on regular unleaded was 19 city, 27 highway (EPA 22/28).
Handling shifting chores was a standard 4-speed automatic transmission. The unit was butter-smooth and its gear ratios were properly spaced.
Ride and Handling
Like its ancestor the XB’s ride is sporty. You won't object nor will passengers but be aware it's not "boulevard smooth." Road irregularities are negotiated without fanfare by the 4-wheel independent suspension but some harshness may filter through. Ride’s opposite number, handling, was much better than average. Corners are negotiated with minimal lean and its performance-type tires gripped the road well. The 35-foot turning circle leads its class and, despite being a high profile vehicle, showcases what proper engineering can accomplish.
Quality Control and the Option List
Toyota, which built is reputation on quality, has incorporated this virtue in the new XB. No rough edges were found anywhere, incredible for a vehicle in its initial production year.
Scion offers an exceptionally long option list. Everything from mild performance modifications to sound systems that’ll rattle your teeth are available. Check the list before purchase as you’ll want to order your car equipped exactly the way you want it. Remember you don’t need to buy a vehicle off the showroom floor. Many such cars are loaded with useless items, such as “paint sealer.”
The Verdict
Overall the ’08 XB is a fine car with a generous dollop of standard equipment. Though fuel mileage could be better in these days of $4 petrol the XB returns reasonable numbers. Note this report doesn't include government crash test safety ratings. That's because all cars are built to pass these specific government tests. In the real world of heavy traffic and "cell phone society" they have little meaning.
As mentioned earlier the XB is aggressively priced. It’s worth a look if you’re seeking a sporty, thrifty vehicle.
