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.
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.
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 |
1st 3.545 |
1st 3.538 |
Automatic |
1st 2.847 |
1st 3.943 |
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; |
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 |
31/35 30/34 |
22/28 22/28 |
Curb Weight: Manual |
2,395 2,450 |
3,020 3,086 |
Drag coefficient | 0.32 | |
Pollution level | ULEV II |
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).
- 60/40-split, fold flat rear seat
- Air conditioning
- Auxiliary audio input and iPod jacks
- Auto-shift door lock (A/T models)
- Cargo area under-floor storage
- Center console
- Choice of three wheel cover designs
- Chrome exhaust tip
- Cruise control
- Cup holders
- Deep orange instrument panel illumination
- Digital clock and speedometer
- Driver and front passenger dual stage airbags SRS
- Driver and front passenger sunvisor with mirror
- Driver’s seat mounted armrest
- Driver’s seat with adjustable height
- First-aid kit
- Four-wheel anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist
- Front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags
- Front sport bucket seats with fabric upholstery
- Headrests and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions
- Intermittent front wiper
- Multi-reflector halogen headlamps with projector lamp for low beams
- Multi-information display
- Pioneer 160-watt maximum power AM/FM/CD head unit (MP3/WMA and satellite-tuner capable) with iPod
- compatibility, six speakers, Scion Sound Processing, a user-customizable welcome screen, and Sound
- Retouch digital equalization for clearer MP3/WMA-CD sound
- Power door locks, outside mirrors and windows with one-touch auto down on driver’s side
- Rear privacy glass
- Rear window defogger
- Rear wiper
- Remote keyless entry
- Roof mounted antenna
- Side mirrors with turn indicators
- Storage tray under rear seat
- Tachometer and trip meter
- Tilt steering wheel with audio controls
- Tire pressure monitor system
- Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control