Likes - Rear seats fold flat to cargo floor
- Exterior shape filled out from first generation
Dislikes - Liftgate head clearance
- Front fascia scrapes easily
- Average fuel economy
Tech Specs - 2.4 liter 4-Cyl. 158 hp
- MPG: 22 city/28 highway
What's New/Changed - Optional audio system
The Vehix View - The Scion xB remains a step ahead by morphing into the best traveling audio lab available in the emerging mobile device market. Plus, it maintains sizable cargo space as well as its key selling point: the ability to take a funky yet acceptable shape and finish it off with some major personalization. The xB reflects what we're all trying to achieve in this day and age: To be simultaneously different yet admired for that difference.
First Impressions
One of the most compelling features of the 2010 Scion xB (view photos) urban utility vehicle is not its boxy shape but the fact that your individuality can be maintained at an affordable cost. Another surprising feature is the Scion’s reported longevity factor. Reputable auto organizations like Kelley Blue Book are citing a strong resell value for the Scion xB. Who knew?
This second-generation Scion nonchalantly arrives on the scene with more fender, elongated or wrap-around headlights, and softer angles at the paneling and beltline than its smaller predecessor. New for 2010 are standard and premium audio configurations that should please the ears of today’s high-tech youth—the Scion’s target market.
Pricing, Trims and Options
Every Scion xB is created equally or referred to as "mono-spec" with a base price of $16,700 and including the following standard features:
- Power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors
- Remote keyless entry
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
- Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
- Airbags (front and side full-length curtain)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Tilt-steering wheel with audio controls
This trademarked "Pure Price" concept ensures there is no haggling or negotiation to any mono-spec Scion. Personalization or extra costs are realized through a wide array of optional packages.
Interior Features
This is where the fun begins. A customizable mix of spoilers, sound systems and various shifting knobs enable you to convert the xB into your own machine. This is a vehicle for kids who couldn't just build the Lego creation pictured on the box. No, these are the kids that had to sneak blocks from other sets to personalize their creation.
At a total cost of $23,538 I would label my xB a semi-higher-end build that included about eleven different add-ons featuring:
- Alpine Premium audio system (4.3-inch touch screen to view song info) ($449)
- DVD headrests with 7-inch screens ($1,599)
- Fog lights ($320)
- Plug-in navigation unit ($1,189)
- Bluetooth connectivity ($299)
- illuminated door sills ($290)
- TRD lowered springs ($399)
With second-row seats up you get 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space; these seats fold almost perfectly flat with the cargo floor for a total of nearly 70 cubic feet. I fit two full-sized keg steel drums upright back there and could have fit three, maybe four more. However, the lift gate doesn't offer quite enough head clearance. Note to Scion designers: experiment with the idea of a hinged rear door.
The standard Pioneer stereo features iPod or iPhone connectivity, a programmable 16-character welcoming message and an RCA connection for two after-market subwoofers. Can you say “Pump up the bass?”
The optional Alpine Premium stereo adds a 4.3-inch color touch screen, one more RCA hookup and HD Radio technology to view all song titles. It also includes a much-needed Media Expander (MX) to improve the volume and sound quality of digital music files.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2010 Scion xB five-star side crash ratings and four-star frontal and rollover ratings. As mentioned earlier, all Scions offer 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), front and side full-length curtain airbags and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Plus you've got Traction Control (TRAC), a direct tire pressure monitoring system, and headrests in all 5 seating positions.