Scion xB: two generations (IN PROGRESS)

See our review of the first-generation Scion xB

The Scion xB was introduced in 2004, and refreshed in 2008 with greater size, far more power, and more weight; it keeps its inexpensive sold beam rear axle, a staple on cars through the 1980s and still an inexpensive way to create a solid-feeling, sturdy rear suspension where cornering is not a key issue.

2008 scion xB

The optional automatic transmission is still four speeds, to keep the cost down, though most competitors have gone to five speeds; but the efficient, electronically controlled system nearly matches the gas mileage of the five-speed manual, which few competitors can do. Unfortunately, due partly to changes in the way gas mileage is calculated and partly to the added weight, gas mileage has plummeted to 22 city, 28 highway regardless of transmission.

The wheelbase stretched two inches, but lenth increased by a full foot; width also increased by roughly three inches. This all came at the cost of around 600 pounds, but adding 55 hp and 61 lb-ft of torque to the engine should fix that nicely. The price also sent up by $1,600, but standard features include air conditioning, trip computer, eight cupholders and six airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with traction and skid control, Pioneer six-speaker CD stereo, steering-wheel audio controls, and big sixteen-inch steel wheels. The gauges are still in the center to reduce globalization costs.

interior - 2008 xB

Scion xB specifications

Scion xB Engine

First Generation
(2004-08)
Second Gen
(2008+)

Engine

Echo 1.5-liter, DOHC 16-valve with VVT-i

Camry 2.4 liter, 16 valve, VVT-i, DOHC

Specs

2.95 bore x 3.33 stroke, 1,497 cc, 10.5:1 compression

3.48 x 3.78 bore x stroke; 2362 cc; 9.8:1 compression

Power

108 HP @ 6,000 RPM; 105 LB-FT @ 4,200 RPM

158 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 162 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Ignition System

Toyota Direct Ignition (TDI)

Toyota Direct Ignition (TDI)

Fuel

Multi-point electronic fuel injection using 87 octane unleaded

Multi-point electronic fuel injection using 87 octane unleaded

Emissions

LEV

ULEV-II

xA and xD POWERTRAIN

Manual
Ratios

1st 3.545
2nd 1.904
3rd 1.310
4th 0.969
5th 0.815
Reverse 3.250
Differential Ratio 4.312

1st 3.538
2nd 2.045
3rd 1.333
4th 0.972
5th 0.731
Reverse 3.583
Differential 4.235

Automatic
Ratios

1st 2.847
2nd 1.552
3rd 1.000
4th 0.700
Reverse 2.343
Differential Ratio 4.157

1st 3.943
2nd 2.197
3rd 1.413
4th 1.020
Reverse 3.145
Differential 2.740

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES

To 2007 2008 +

Front

MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar

MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar

Rear

Torsion beam with stabilizer bar

Torsion beam

Stabilizer Bar Diameter (front/rear)

0.98/0.68 inches

1.04 / na inches

Brakes

Front ventilated disc, 10”; rear drum, 8”

Front ventilated disc, 10.83”; rear disc, 11”

Steering

17.3:1 ratio 16.0:1 ratio

Steering details

34.8 foot turning circle 34.8 foot turning circle

Wheels and tires

15 x 5.5 steel; P185/60;
temporary spare

16 x 6.5 steel; P205/55;
temporary spare

Dimensions

Wheelbase

98.4 102.4

Overall Length

155.3 167.3

Overall Width

66.5 69.3

Overall Height

64.6 64.7

Tread Width F/R

57.3/ 56.3 60.0/59.8

Minimum Ground Clearance

6.1 5.1

Headroom (front/rear)

46.1/45.7 40.0 / 41.2

Legroom (front/rear)

45.3/38.0 40.7 / 38.0

Shoulder Room (front/rear)

48.6/50.0 55.8 / 54.7

Hip Room (front/rear)

50.6/50.6 52.7 / 46.7

EPA Passenger Volume

90.1 122.5 cubic feet

EPA Cargo Volume

21.2 21.7 cubic feet

Cargo Volume (rear seats folded)

43.4 70 cubic feet

Seating Capacity

5 5

EPA gas mileage: Manual
Automatic

31/35
30/34
22/28
22/28

Curb Weight: Manual
Automatic

2,395
2,450
3,020
3,086
Drag coefficient   0.32
Pollution level   ULEV II

2008 xB - Scion photos

Features

Toyota wrote: “The 2008 xB comes generously equipped with standard features including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC); four-wheel disc brakes; anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); tire pressure monitor system; driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; 16-inch steel wheels, one inch larger than its predecessor, with wheel covers; cruise control; 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system with iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port; tilt steering wheel with audio controls; multi-informational display; remote keyless entry; power steering, windows, and door locks; air conditioning; power side mirrors with turn signal indicators; and driver's seat armrest.” The price set for launch in 2008 was $15,650 (plus $1,010 for an automatic transmission).

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