The 2012 Scion xB is a top ranked affordable vehicle that can be used to transport people and serve as a cargo hauler. This 5-seater is one of the boxiest cars available on the market at the moment, facing competition from rivals like Kia Soul and Nissan Cube.
The xB also gets a lot of credit for its roomy cabin and respectable cargo hold than most rivals including some midsize SUVs.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Wagon | Base Price: $16,300.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 gallons (53l) | MPG: 22 city / 28 hwy |
| Length: 167.3 in. (424.9 cm) | Wheel Base: 102.4 in. (260 cm) |
| Height: 63.4 in. (161 cm) | Width: 69.3 in. (176 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3027 lbs (1373 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.1 in. (12.9 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 11.6 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 2.4L Inline 4 DOHC w/ VVT-i | Compression Ratio: 9.8: 1 |
| Horsepower: 158 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual |
| Option:Release Series 9.0 | MSRP: $18,110; MPG: 22 city / 28 hwy |
Engine & Performance
All 2012 Scion xB’s use a 2.4L inline-4 engine that generates 158 hp and 162 lbs-ft of torque. It is linked to a 5-speed manual transmission; although a 4-speed automatic gearbox is an option.
An xB fitted with an automatic gearbox can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds. The engine’s fuel economy is estimated at 22 mpg in cities and 28 mpg while on a highway. This fuel economy beats several rivals and some crossovers like the Chevrolet Equinox. Although the xB gets a noticeable body lean when turning, it offers a composed ride on bumpy roads.
Exterior
This 4-door is available in two trim levels: base and Release Series 9.0. The 2012 xB gets an upgrade in style from the 2011 edition. Among the upgrades are: honeycomb grille, aggressive looking taillights, chrome exhaust tip and headlights. Other exterior features include: power side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, and 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers.
The Release Series 9.0 comes with additional features like illuminated rear and front exterior Scion badges, while optional 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and fog-lights are also available.
Interior
A spacious and well equipped cabin is one of the attractions of this car. The xB comes with comfortable seating capacity for five people, which is enough even for tall passengers. Standard entertainment features include: Bluetooth, HD radio, and a Pioneer audio system which was previously offered as an option in predecessors. The cabin is also fitted with a center-mounted speedometer, while the red colored gauges are easy to see at night.
Other notable features you will find are: air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, and 60/40 split folding rear seats. The xB has a cargo hold of 11.6 cubic ft behind the rear seats, but the space increases to 69.9 cubic ft after folding the rear seats. This is respectable cargo space for its class and it can be compared with some compact SUVs.
Safety & Reliability
For the safety of the occupants during a ride or in the event of a collision, the xB is fitted with many standard safety features that include: electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, integrated turn signal mirrors, driver and passenger airbags, brake assist and child safety locks.
This car is backed with a 3-year or 36,000 mile basic warranty as well as a 5-year or 60,000 mile engine warranty. During the first five years, the car gets a rust-through coverage, while major emission control components get an 8-year or 80,000 miles coverage.
Pros
- Long list of interior features for its price
- Plenty of passenger space
- Generous cargo space
- Numerous optional add-ons
Cons
- Poor rear visibility
- Noticeable body lean
- Confusing audio controls.
In general, the 2012 Scion xB feels stable at highway speeds and you can expect to attract a lot of attention from young people due to its driving demeanor and numerous high-tech audio features. Other people shopping for small cars with a spacious interior are also likely to get attracted to purchase this car.
A few cars have the same body configuration as the xB, that would include the Kia Soul (MSRP $16,300; 27 city / 35 hwy) and the Nissan Cube (MSRP $16,580; 25 city / 30 hwy).
Overall Rating
71 out of 100
What others say:
“Being box-shaped has its virtues–the Scion xB has lots of interior room, and the versatile hatchback yields lots of cargo space. Still, we wish it had better seats.”Car Connection
“There is moderate body lean in fast turns, and the steering response is slightly vague. A tight turning radius and light steering feel aid low-speed maneuverability. The brakes are strong and responsive.”Consumer Guide
“The rear seat is enormous, and cabin access is very easy. The cargo area is generous, but low windows and thick roof pillars make the cabin dark and impair visibility.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2012 Scion xB hatchback is the rolling box that started the rolling box craze in America. Once looked at with raised eyebrows and quizzical glances, the 2012 Scion xB appears downright mainstream…”KBB
“The 2012 Scion xB is a compact people mover and cargo hauler that packs lots of high-tech audio features. Fuel economy is lackluster, however, and the unconventional styling isn’t for everyone.”Edmunds
