PLUSES: Good size with ample room and comfort for singles or small families, low base price, good mileage rating.
MINUSES: So many costly options. Manual and automatic trans versions get same mileage.
Time to freshen the package so Scion let the designers fine tune its boxy little wagon, that within the family is called an urban utility vehicle.
For 2011 the compact gets an exterior styling freshening, including changes to the front and rear bumpers, grille, headlights and taillights for a more aggressive and less passive look. A little more curvy and a little less boxy.
The new front bumper features enlarged outer vents, the front grille features a new honeycomb pattern, and the single rear backup lamp has been integrated into combination lamps.
New color choices are Army Rock metallic and Elusive Blue Metallic and gone is Hypnotic Teal, obviously in trying to make xB look a bit tougher, which would be assured if all wheel drive was added, but xB remains front drive.
The interior also gets an upgrade. Driver and front passenger seats have larger side bolsters for increased side support and feel better cushioned back and bottom for long distance travel comfort.
Other changes include the center console now coming with a sliding armrest to serve different t sized drivers, a black background for gauges in the instrument cluster in the top center of the dash for easier viewing, a separate clock and outside temperature display in the cluster, and a steering wheel with both telescopic and tilt functions.
Not major changes, just little things motorists had asked for and Toyota's Scion division delivered.
The changes resulted in a $150 price increase over the 2010 model, or a base of $16,000 with 5-speed manual and $16,950 with 4-speed automatic, the version we tested.
The xB, which somewhat resembles a Ford Flex in miniature form, is powered by a
2.4 liter, 158 h.p. four cylinder with enough zest not to be left behind in traffic. Mileage is good, 22 m.p.g. city/28 m.p.g. highway whether automatic or manual, but considering its compact dimensions expectations call for at least 30 m.p.g. highway.
Noteworthy touches include some stowage room under the rear seat to keep items out of sight and at the same time avoid having them be tossed around the cabin, USB and auxiliary plugs under the center arm rest along with iPod/cell phone holders in the console as well as in a recessed bin in the dash, and a ledge above the glove box to hold things like maps or gloves, though with no cover these items could end up on the floor or your lap.
We also appreciate the bottle holders in the door, though the holders carrying warnings that uncapped or open cups aren't allowed unless you like to mop seats and floor to remove spillage.
We also like the lift up hatch lid that opens wide for easy loading or unloading of the cargo hold, which is large enough to hold gear or grub and expands in size if needed by flattening the rear seat backs---a chore performed from the
back of the cargo hold or within the cabin.
The lift up hatch means you can still load or unload if someone parks too close behind, unlike swing out doors that serve little use if blocked by a vehicle parked against your bumper.
The test car came with an optional ($65 cargo net) that fastens along the back of the cargo hold so you can slip in a few items to hold in place during the trip. The net also comes with a couple small pouches with valcro seals to hold
small items securely. There's also some tie down hooks along the cargo walls.
The test car came with optional DVD entertainment system with screens in the backs of the front seat headrests. Each comes with its own private listening headphones.
The test car carried a base price of $16,950, but a window sticker that topped $26,000 thanks to a host of TRD performance add on options available through dealers to beef up the box, such as 19 inch low profile performance radials ($2,150), rear sway bar ($325), front strut brace ($245), performance springs
($399) and sport muffler ($489).
Standard equipment includes stability control with traction control, air conditioning, power windows, locks and mirrors, rear window defogger, and side curtain air bags and sufficient trim and amenities that you don't really need to load it up with options.
While Scion's goal initially was to cater to youth, the xB's low price, high mileage, and wide ranging utility makes it appealing to all ages, especially empty nesters who are on a limited budget just like the young folk.
All xB needs now is a little more mileage and an all wheel drive version.
2011 Scion xB Wheelbase: 102.4 inches
Length: 167.3 inches
Engine: 2.4 liter, 158 h.p., four cylinder.
Transmission: 4-speed automatic.
Mileage: 22 m.p.g. city/28 m.p.g. highway.
Base price: $16,950.
Price as equipped: Add $299 carbon fiber window trim, $449 satellite radio, $469 hands free phone, $1,599 DVD entertainment screens in backs of front headrests, $$449 Alpine premium HD radio, $2,150 TRD 19 inch radials and alloy wheels, $489 TRD sport muffler, $325 TRD sport sway bar, $245 TRD front strut brace, $55 TRD oil filter cap, $155 carpeted floor mats, $290 illuminated door sills, $423 rear spoiler, $65 cargo net, $245 fog lights, and $720 freight.