The xD’s presence is defined by a boxier silhouette, and more chiseled lines from front to back. Though it is virtually the same length as the xA, it has a wider stance and shorter overhangs, giving the car a more athletic look.

To that end, the xD is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rating at 128 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, a 15 percent increase over the xA. The new engine’s variable valve timing contributes to both more power and higher efficiency. Government fuel economy is 27 in the city and 33 on the highway with a manual transmission, and 26 city/32 highway with an automatic. The xD’s fuel economy falls pretty much in the middle of the pack within the subcompact segment.

On the road, the xD has the plenty of punch and power to contend with the bigger, stronger beasts roaming the urban jungle. Off the line, it launches in a hurry, especially with the manual transmission. The four-speed automatic is a tad slower, yet still adequate enough for all types of driving conditions. Due to its power-to-weight ratio, passing and quick lane changes will rarely be an issue for this car.

Ride and handling are far superior to any of the small car offerings from Detroit. Yet, it still falls short to stalwarts Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris with respect to agility and road comfort. Not to say the differences are enormous, but they are no doubt noticeable.

The tiny xD’s four-seater cabin offers ample passenger and cargo space. There is a surprising amount of headroom and legroom in both rows. And the rear seat is more versatile than any other in its class. It reclines, slides back and forth depending on the need for cargo room, or folds down flat to open up almost 36 cubic feet of storage capacity.

The xD comes very well equipped with standard amenities that surpass most in its segment. This is one of Scion’s claims to fame. Included in the base price are features ranging from a premium Pioneer audio system to six airbags to anti-lock brakes. Tire pressure monitoring also comes standard. And though Electronic Stability Control is optional, most of the xD’s subcompact competitors, including the Honda Fit, do offer it at all.

The Scion xD is an obvious step forward from the xA. With Toyota build quality, a stylish design, and good fuel economy, the Scion xD is a smart choice for anyone looking to split the difference between budget ride and fun commuter.

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Power for the xB comes from Toyota’s 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine yielding 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. That kind of output for a vehicle this size is more than just adequate. It’s downright noticeable. In both highway and city driving, the Scion xB has the ability to punch ahead of traffic when the need arises. Its higher torque number also gives the xB a good shot of power from a standstill position. It unquestionably exhibits more performance prowess than most sub-compacts, compacts, and compact crossovers currently on the market. It’s unlikely that xB owners will ever complain about shortage-of-power issues.

Energy is channeled through either a standard five-speed manual transmission, or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. Both gearboxes result in government fuel economy ratings of 22 city/28 highway.

On the road, the new xB is as stable and solid as before, due to a compliant suspension. But keep in mind that it is a fairly tall vehicle with a higher center of gravity. The Scion xB offers a comfortable ride and good handling, especially for tight, low-speed maneuvering on small city streets and in parking lots. And the vehicle’s oversized windows provide exceptional driver visibility. The xB is quiet and smooth, making it ideal for all types of driving—local errand running, long commutes, or all-out road trips.

The xB’s cabin is deceivingly spacious. There is room enough to seat five comfortably, and total cargo volume that rivals larger vehicles like the Honda CR-V. And there are mindful, yet unexpected interior extras such as a first aid kit, and an optional premium audio system that adds one more feature to the standard head unit. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer’s website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit.

Anti-lock brakes and Tire Pressure Monitoring are notable standard features.

The Scion xB is a jack of all trades. It excels in virtually all areas of motoring. With the versatility of an SUV, the efficiency of a compact car, the drivability of a crossover, and the performance of a V6-powered midsize, it’s a curiosity how “the Box” stickers for under $19,000.

Reviews

“The ’08 xB feels more substantial and more stable, and it’s ultimately more satisfying to drive than the previous model…The new 2008 Scion xB is quite a nice and practical car. We’d certainly buy it before we would a PT Cruiser or a Chevrolet HHR.”

Edmunds.com

“Instead of something new, Toyota has done to the Scion xB what it has done for the past 25 years at model changeover to the Corolla and Camry: made it larger, heavier, more expensive, and more mainstream. As such, Scion seems to be following the same iterative cycle that got Toyota into trouble with kids in the first place. When exactly did America’s youth start asking for a junior minivan? The bulging new Scion dwarfs its predecessor, not to mention our current favorite compact hatch, the Honda Fit. Ultimately, the new xB is an acceptable car, it’s just not very cool.”

Car and Driver

“The xB has been supersized. It gains a foot in overall length, 4.0 inches of that between the wheels. Overall width is up 2.8 inches, yet height increases only 0.1. A wide and low stance, sculpted wheel arches, and a long front overhang give an appearance of visual mass and menace-a look supported by the addition of 600 pounds of real weight. The cute little box is little no more; equipped with the four-speed automatic, the new xB weighs a portly 3086 pounds.”

Motor Trend

“The new xB is a larger, more refined package at the same bargain price. And that certainly appeals to us. But will it appeal to the young, hip 20-something buyers that Scion won over the first time?”

Popular Mechanics

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