2008 Scion xB - Are the new models any better?

The Scion xB is one of those rare vehicles that evokes so much passion amongst its owners that its shortcomings, i.e. slow acceleration, poor handling, and horrible instrument placement are looked upon as cute little quirks of the vehicle. The VW Beetle and a slew of other VW models have had a similar effect on their owners. So what happens when these "cute" downfalls are replaced with more civilized appointments, i.e. a larger and more powerful engine, a big list of standard amenities, a super-comfortable interior, increased ride quality, etc? I'm guessing that fans of the 1st generation xB will frown at the dramatic increase in the xB's refinement, but for those who haven't fallen madly in love with the 1st generation xB and all of its quirkiness, I've got some good news.

Styling:

While the xB’s controversial boxy shape is what undoubtedly made it the popular mini-wagon that it is, it also scared a lot of potential buyers who didn't necessarily appreciate its toasteresque shape. For 2008 the Scion xB's style has been completely overhauled. The new version is much larger (about the size of a PT Cruiser), less boxy, and though it's still an adorable smalll wagon, it doesn't have nearly as much personality as the outgoing models. Toyota has traded in the xB's blatantly Japanese styling for a more Detroit look, and while this may bring in a few more customers into Scion showrooms, I doubt the new styling is going to be a hit amongst those who fell in love with the original xB.

Performance: xB w/Automatic

Acceleration:

One of the biggest gripes I had with the 1st generation xB was its noisy and underpowered 4-cylinder engine. The 1.5-liter engine that powered the original model was entirely adequate for cars like the Toyota ECHO and the much smaller Scion xA, but it felt anemic under the hood of the heavier xB. For 2008 Toyota has ditched the tiny 1.5 and in its place is a much larger DOHC 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that is good for 158 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 RPM (up 55 horsepower from the old 1.5). While the xB has gained over 500 pounds this year, the new engine is powerful enough to compensate for this massive weight gain. Punching the xB's throttle certainly won't snap your neck, however acceleration has improved immensely over last year's model. The xB is also much quieter this year. The xB's new motor idles silently and exhibits much less engine noise than the original model. If you are looking for a slight increase in throttle response, there are a few performance accessories available from Scion, i.e. a performance "K&N type" filter ($80) and a TRD muffler ($489) that Toyota claims, reduces exhaust backpressure.

Transmission:

Though a 5-speed manual transmission comes as standard equipment, I drove the xB with the optional automatic with sport shift ($950).. Although the xB's automatic is a somewhat old-fashioned conventional unit with just 4 gears, it's a refined transmission that works well with the xB's large 4-cylinder engine. Whether I accelerated lightly or mashed the throttle to the floor, the xB's automatic always felt like it was in the right gear. The only slight rant that I have with this automatic is its tendency to up-shift under full throttle about 200 or so RPM before the engine is able to hit its rev-limiter. There is a sport shift mode, which allows the driver to manually up-shift and down-shift without a clutch, however I still couldn't get this transmission to take the xB's engine to its 6,500 RPM redline. Normally this would be a big gripe in an economical wagon, but the xB's engine offers more than enough oomph without having to push this engine anywhere near its rev limiter.

Handling:

The 1st generation xB wasn't the best vehicle for tackling twisty roads, however it did provide decent handling for such a tall and boxy wagon. The new model is equally as impressive. Although the xB looks about as agile as a bathtub sitting on 4 wheels and offers a driving position similar to a 1986 Ford Aerostar van, it’s ability to maneuver on twisty roads is much better than expected. The new xB exhibits less body roll than the outgoing models, offers precise steering with just enough assist, and the standard 205/55/16.0 all-season tires provide good grip. If good handling in one of your top priorities, you may want to consider the 19" TRD rims with performance tires: available for an additional $2,150.

On the highway:

Last year's xB didn't do too badly in this department, but it certainly could have used a quieter engine for high speed cruising. This has been dealt with for 2008. The xB’s suspension is still a bit punishing on rough road surfaces, however it’s surprisingly quiet on the highway. At high speeds, engine/wind/road noise are all kept isolated form the xB's cabin. Hill climbing, which was quite a task for the original xB, is now effortless, as is making quick passing maneuvers. If you live in mountainous terrain, the new xB will be able to get you up those steep highway passes with no sweat.

Fuel Economy:

Weighing over a quarter of a ton more than the outgoing models (now up to 3,000 + lbs) and boasting a more powerful engine, the xB’s good fuel numbers have been sacrificed. Rated at a much thirstier 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway (with the automatic), the new xB receives 8 fewer MPG in town and 5 fewer MPG on the highway than the outgoing models. While most buyers will still be able to live with the xB's lower fuel numbers, this isn't a turn in the right direction: especially considering gas prices are still outrageous with no major improvement in sight. If you are looking for a higher mileage wagon by Scion, you may want to check out the smaller xD model (due out sometime this year, if not already).

Interior:

Styling:


The interior of the 2008 xB is a mixed bag. While it looks modern, fresh, and even interesting, I am not a fan. As if the overdose of titanium accents weren't distracting enough, there are little indents, nooks, crannies, controls, buttons, etc. laid across the entire dash fascia. This normally wouldn't be a gripe, but each button, nook, vent, etc, is outlined with some sort of attention grabbing accent. To top things off, the gauge cluster is placed out of orbit near the center of the dash, making it very hard to read the gauges and concentrate on the road at the same time.

Quality:

While the xB's seats are made of a comfy high quality cloth material, the xB's interior plastics have suffered greatly this year: most likely to keep the MSRP of the xB as low as possible. Covering much of the xB's interior is a low-grade plastic that feels more like something found in a base model Hyundai: certainly not something created by Toyota. The Honda Element, the Mazda3 Wagon, and even the 1st generation xB all offer(ed) superior interior materials.

Seats:

Though I am not completely a fan of the xB's interior, this wagon comes with some cozy bucket seats. Although it would have been nice to have seen some improved seat bolsters for improved lower and upper body support, as it stands they do a good job keeping the driver planted in her seat. A novel feature found inside the Scion xB is the rear 60/40-split seat. Not only does the rear seat fold completely flat, but it is also equipped with adjustable 3-way head restraints; this is a safety feature that is not always found in sub $17,000 wagons.


Ergonomics:

As I have mentioned, the instrument cluster location is horrible; but it's also a horrible instrument cluster. To explain, all four of the gauges in the cluster are the exact same size, which is to say they are all equally as tiny as one another. The digital speedometer would be hard enough to read if it was a normal size (considering its location), but it's half the size of a normal speedometer, ditto that for the non-digital tachometer. Awkward instrument cluster aside, all of the other gadgetry in the cabin, i.e. the HVAC controls are logically placed and easy to operate while driving.


Embellishments:

The xB is available with over 40-something dealer installed options, however right off the lot the xB is handsomely equipped. Standard equipment on all 2008 xB's include power windows/door locks, an ice cold AC, tilt steering, cruise control, an excellent sounding Pioneer sound system with 6 standard speakers/w speed sensitive volume, 4 cup holders (with additional integrated cup holders in the door's map pockets), 1 12 volt power outlet. Some noteworthy standard safety features include, front/side/side curtain air bags, ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and a first aid kit. For a complete list of standard amenities you can visit www.scion.com.

Interior Room:

Though the xB looks larger than the outgoing models, from an exterior view it still doesn’t look like it'd have a very cavernous interior. Looks can be deceiving. The xB offers more than enough interior room to cater to 5 adults without the cabin feeling claustrophobic. The 2008 xB offers loads of leg room for both the driver and front/ rear passengers and more than enough head room for taller than average adults. The new xB feels equally as roomy as larger vehicles in this class, i.e., the Honda Element. Stowage space is also abundant. With 21.7 cu.ft. of cargo space with the rear seats in use and nearly 70 cu.ft of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, the xB should offer plenty of utility for most people in the market for a new small wagon.

Price/Warranty:

The standard xB starts at $15,650 (about $1,000 more than the 2006 models). With accessories, however, the price of the xB rises quickly, so watch out for unnecessary dealer installed items. With just the automatic transmission as an option ($950) and cargo/floor mats ($135) my well equipped Scion xB came to an inexpensive $16,600: over 2,000 less than a comparably equipped Honda Element LX. If anything goes wrong with your Scion xB, Toyota Motors backs it up with a somewhat stingy 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty. Although this is a Toyota product, it's still new to the market, so buying an extended warranty may be in your best interest.

Final Verdict:

The new xB could benefit from better interior plastics and a more fuel efficient engine, but overall the new model is a vast improvement over the 1st generation. The xB represents an excellent bargain for those looking for a mid-size wagon that offers lots of utility, good performance, tons of standard amenities & safety features, and a handsome appearance. While Toyota has geared this vehicle for the 20 and 30-something’s of America, all age groups should be able to appreciate this inexpensive wagon. If you are in the market for new midsize wagon/small on-road sport utility vehicle, the xB is recommend 100%.


-Thanks for reading