2010 Scion xB
Vital Stats
Engine: 2.4 liter I4 (158HP/162TQ)
Drivetrain Layout: Front engine/Front wheel drive
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Seating Capacity: 5 Passengers
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 city/28 highway
Base MSRP $15,850 + $670 (destination charge)
Recommended Options: Whatever suits your taste…
The Basics
The original ‘Box’ was a true breakthrough vehicle, not only in design but in marketing. Just about everything about this Scion was a break from the norm. It didn’t look like anything else on the road, you had no-haggle pricing, and Scion employed mainly underground marketing. Affectionately called a Box or a Toaster, these first generation xB’s still enjoy a huge cult following.
The first Box had 1.5 liter 4 cylinder engine that was shared with the Toyota Yaris, Scion xA, and the Toyota Prius (modified for cleaner burn and maximum efficiency). The 2008 and newer models carry the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine that was found in the Camry, Rav4, Matrix S and XRS, and Corolla XRS, and it’s substantially bigger in size…
Some will argue that the 2nd Gen xB no longer has the same personality as it did with the first Box (a complaint mainly from the 1st gen owners). In every dimension, the xB is larger – especially the back seat legroom and cargo space. The interior space and utility rivals some of small SUV/CUVs out there.
So, how did Scion do? Is it more of the same goodness, or did they ruin a good thing?
Highs: Larger body, surprisingly good driving dynamics, plenty of power, a comfortable long distance driver
Lows: Coarse engine noise, slightly numb and overboosted steering, fit-and-finish subpar
Similar Vehicles: Kia Soul, Nissan cube, Toyota Corolla/Matrix
Exterior (Tae – 7.5, Brendan – 7)
Tae – The overall design looks as if they took the first Box, made it bigger, rounded off the edges, chopped the roof (hot rod style), and gave it some fender flares. The effect is harmonious yet somewhat awkward, but pleasing to the eye. It is very distinctive, just like the first model.
Brendan – The Box movement still hasn’t tugged my heart strings, but the second gen xB is the best of the bunch. While it might look like you left a stick of butter out in the sun for a little too long, it doesn’t have some of the disjointed design language that the competition uses in vain to stand out (sunglasses wearing bulldog front ended Nissan cube is a great example…)
Interior (Tae – 7, Brendan – 7)
Tae – All the materials are on par with others in its class, but the fit and finish is not up to the Toyota/Scion/Lexus standards. I’ve heard rattling from the top of the dashboard, and some dashboard panels can be pried with fingers. As far as the interior design is concerned, the ergonomics are great. The driver seat is height adjustable and gives great visibility, and overall the seats were very comfortable even in long distance driving (Bay Area to Las Vegas trip).
Brendan – While I’ve never liked Scion and Toyota’s textured plastics, there is nothing terribly wrong here. Similar mouse fur seats that are found in other Toyota products, but they cover seats that are very comfortable. The seats give the interior a very upright feel, which is something I personally find very attractive, as when the seat is mounted too low to the floor, I feel like I’m in a lounge chair. Checking your blind spot can be interesting though, as depending on how you’ve adjusted your seat, you might not be able to see as much as you would have expected.
Drivetrain (Tae – 7, Brendan – 6.5)
Tae – The engine and transmission comes from the current Corolla XRS, Matrix S and XRS, Camry Hybrid, and last year’s RAV4 and Camry, so there is plenty power for this smallish vehicle. There is a slight play in the shifter, but the manual transmission shifts smooth and has a good action. The engine is not isolated as well as the Toyota brethrens, so as the speed climbs so does the noise level.
Brendan – While I’m a self admitted power snob, I would have honestly expected a little more out of a big 2.4L. Rowing the rubbery shifter from 5th to 4th on the freeway gets the xB moving, but I thought the ringer would have done a bit more to embarass the competition. I also noted a fair bit of rev hang with the engine, so it’s easy to complete the gear change, but when wait with the clutch in for the rpms to fall down to where they belong. Suffice to say it takes a few miles before you can drive silky smooth.
Performance (Tae – 7.5, Brendan – 7)
Tae – With the sub-8 second 0-60MPH runs, the xB is the top dog in the compact box segment in performance. From the looks of it, and with the previous xB, one would think that the Box wouldn’t handle that good. Looks are very deceiving with the 2nd generation xB. Side-to-side maneuvers are easy and controlled well, and I might even say borderline very good.
Brendan – While I see Tae’s point with the class leading acceleration, it’s just not that impressive for an engine of that size. Handling is safe and surefooted, but lacks some of the tossable nature that the first gen xB had. All around, what drivers should expect from a competent commuter, with just a touch more straight line gusto than normal.
Ride Quality (Tae – 7, Brendan – 6)
Tae – Basically, the xB is a platform-mate of Toyota Corolla XRS and Matrix S and XRS. They all carry the same body structure, engine, transmission, and suspension components. But in the case of the xB, the engineers skimped on the sound deadening and vibration reducing materials, and it shows. On smooth roads and at low speeds the car is quiet and well composed, but the car becomes somewhat loud at moderate to high speeds or uneven surfaces (California roads). With that said, the noise/harness level is never unbearable or raucous.
Brendan – I was honestly a little surprised the first time I drove the second gen xB, as I had automatically assumed it would be a big step up from the first gen. Sharp impacts are still there, quivers in the chassis exist, and NVH levels are higher than normal. Given the fact that it grew, matured and is better than the first gen in a lot of ways, I had higher expectations.
Technology (Tae – 7, Brendan – 7.5)
Tae – Traction Control System is standard, along with six airbags and ABS, power windows and locks, remote entry, Pioneer audio system, iPod connection and cable, etc… It’s not industry leading or firsts, but you get all these standard – instead of being costly options. The standard Pioneer audio sounds very good, but sound quality worsens as you increase the volume. Navigation System is an option, and it’s an Alpine unit.
Brendan – Hits all the right check boxes for standard features, and most of the goodies that are on my personal wishlist. Seeing navigation offered in this segment is nice, but it is a little costly, and chances are Alpine has a better unit right around the corner for less money.
Value (Tae – 8, Brendan – 8)
Tae – See ‘Technology’. At $16.5k, you get so much… only complaint would be the interior fit-and-finish issues. But for what you get for the price, even that complaint becomes somewhat negligible.
Brendan – Scion offers a lot of car for the money, but bargain happy customers can get a lot more Corolla for their money, which if you plan to do nothing but commute, might be an option worth exploring. You’ll pay more for the same basic car because it looks nicer, and because Scion doesn’t allow the dealers to negotiate.
Overall (Tae – 8, Brendan – 8)
Tae – Perhaps the 2010 Scion xB represents the best value in its category, maybe even the whole entire market. You get better than average handling and performance, standard equipment list that’s second to none, excellent utility space, and great comfort… and all at under $17k! Not to mention that you get a strong resale value, because there are no rebates/incentives and no price haggling.
Brendan – If you want more style than a beige sedan, but don’t want to pony up a ton of money, this might be the best bet. It’s only drawback is a ride that is a little uncivilized compared to its brothers from Toyota. It will do almost everything you ask of it, and will do so in an above average manner every time (except hit potholes).
- KF
