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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Scion xB

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Scion xB

Overview

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2009 Scion xB Review

By KBB.com Editors

When Scion set out last year to redesign the original xB, it asked current owners and fans of the brand what they would like to see on the next generation. Their feedback revealed that people wanted the box-like styling to stay, but also wanted the car to be larger, with a more powerful engine and more standard features, such as cruise control. The result is the 2009 xB, a vehicle that should appeal to both Scion enthusiasts and other potential buyers, all at a reasonable price. Scion's straight-forward "mono spec" basic equipment level continues, encouraging customization and making the car-buying process more personal.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a versatile four-door car that is easily customizable, comes with loads of standard features and is affordable, the xB is a great choice. With 60/40 fold-flat rear seats and 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space, it could also be ideal for those with a small family or simply lots of stuff.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The xB's box-like styling, although less extreme than it used to be, may not appeal to all tastes. And if you love cars that are performance-driven, you may be happier in something a little sportier. The xB also does not offer a V6 – even as an option.

What's New for 2009

Other than a new color, there are no major changes for the 2009 Scion xB.

Driving the xB

Driving Impressions The 2009 Scion xB, with its relatively long wheelbase and wide stance, seems to be most at home on urban roads, handling the asphalt with a smooth and noticeably quiet...

ride, thanks to an improved suspension and noise-damping materials. On rural roads the xB seems a little sluggish, feeling slightly top-heavy through curves and corners. However, the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower is a definite improvement, producing 55 more horsepower than available in the first generation xB and giving it some extra power on hills and freeways. Large disc brakes on all four wheels aid in stopping the vehicle more quickly.

Favorite Features

Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) Screen
This screen, built into the audio faceplate on the dash, allows you to display personal "skins" to customize the interior of the car. Skins can be created and downloaded on a special site produced by Pioneer just for Scion owners.

iPod Interface
Where most cars only offer an auxiliary audio input jack, the xB also features a standard iPod interface. Plugging an iPod into this port allows it to be operated through the radio head unit. The plug also simultaneously supplies power to the iPod.

2009 Scion xB Details

Interior

Although it may not look like it from the outside, the interior of the xB has seating that is both roomy and comfortable, even in the second row. The vehicle offers 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space when all seats are up and 69.9 cubic feet when the 60/40 rear seats are folded flat. For the driver who loves listening to music, satellite radio, auxiliary MP3 jacks and a customizable audio faceplate that can display images and short video clips are all within reach.

Exterior

The 2009 xB is noticeably rounder and larger than the rolling breadbox that was the original xB. The latest xB touts a rectangular grille flanked by multi-reflector halogen lamp clusters with low projector beams that curve along the car's sides. Echoing these wrap-around headlamps are side-view mirrors with LED turn signals that illuminate in each mirror when activated. Wide pillars at the back end of the car create a bit of a blind spot that some drivers may not like. Standard 16-inch wheels – an inch larger than those on the previous model – do a good job of filling the wheelwells in style.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

With only one trim level, the xB comes pre-loaded with many features that make it particularly attractive for the asking price. Inside, some of these features are air conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, a Pioneer audio system with six speakers, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), vehicle stability and traction controls and a first-aid kit. For music lovers, the lower dash houses an iPod interface and auxiliary audio input that allows song information and manipulation through the main unit and steering wheel controls. Gracing the exterior, a chrome exhaust tip and the choice of three wheel-cover designs are included as well.

Optional Equipment

Since the xB comes with so many features already, many of the options are geared more toward personalizing the car. Such interesting options include color-customizable interior lights with matching cup-holder illumination, sport pedals, illuminated door sill enhancements, in-pillar storage, a subwoofer, 17-inch alloy wheels and a color-keyed rear spoiler. There are a few more practical options that people may choose as well, such as carpeted floor and cargo mats, a navigation system, remote engine start, fog lights and an auto-dimming mirror. For those who want a more "upscale" feeling inside, an interior trim upgrade kit is also available.

Under the Hood

The xB shares its 2.4-liter dual overhead-cam (DOHC) four-cylinder engine with its Scion sibling, the tC. Buyers have the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic with sequential shifting, a first for Scion and parent company Toyota. Both transmissions help the xB get slightly better gas mileage than the similar Honda Element and the PT Cruiser, which should make it extra appealing to anyone concerned about fuel consumption.

2.4-liter in-line 4
158 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 (manual), 22/28 (automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Scion xB vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 Scion xB Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 224 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.5/10

Quality

9.3/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.2/10

amazing vehicle

By steviec65 (CA) on Thursday, July 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "can't beat the price for what you get"

Cons: "windshield and front end are chip magnets...."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"with a K&N ir filter, I average 34.5 mpg on the freeway...36 mpg across country recently. A simple mod that made a huge difference in mpg. The car is amazingly comfortable...I'm tall and I've never been more comfortable...6,000 miles across country and back - some of the best seats ever. Reliable? and how. Strong engine...cold a/c, spot on cruise control and a ride that I find very nice... no rattles, grunts or groans after 4.5 years of daily use. I'd buy another...."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Love this car

By gjdude (WA) on Tuesday, June 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Price, standard features, room"

Cons: "4 speed transmission, ok fuel economy."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"The 2012 XB is the first new car that we bought and we really love it. For the price, you get a lot of things standard. The power and gas mileage is decent. We get 29 mpg on highway which is more than the rated mileage. The display is digital which is real easy to read. Some parts in cabin feel plasticity but for the price no complaints. It is comfortable on long trips as well. We just took it on a long trip and was very comfortable. Insurance is also cheap compared to other cars maybe because of safety features. I hope Scion keeps making and improving XB's. It definitely will do better with a 6 speed transmission. There had been a rumor that they were going to discontinue the XB this year but did not happen."

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Reliable, quick, a lot of get up and go, comfort

By sdbutterfly on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great price, reliable, quick, maintains value"

Cons: "No navigation system."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"While there may not be as many bells and whistles as fancier cars, this car has everything I need. Comfort was important since I had a previous back injury. Rear passenger room was important with a son that is 6'3". We always have plently of leg and head room. Never feel crowded with 5 in the car. If I am alone I can even get a 6" ladder in the car. Great acceleration for getting out onto a busy street or manuervering on the freeway. Has some really interesting features with the transmission. Mileage around town could be better, average 23 mpg, but that is lower because of the way I drive. Has MP3 plug in in addition to CD player."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Best Vehicle For The Money

By EDDIE (FL) on Sunday, April 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is the first Scion I've ever owned or driven. It's great on gas, very roomy and very reliable. I purchased this vehicle pre-owned in May 2009 for 21,000. I now have 85,000 miles and it's still running like new. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone who's single or has a family. Scion did very well engineering this car. The only thing that they should have done different was add a timer delay option for the rear window wiper. You can only turn it on or off. Kudos to Scion!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Car is everything I had hoped for!

By Teri (CA) on Thursday, April 04, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: given a Lexus by family member - My approximate mileage is 35,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Cons: "only black interior"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Drives great, very responsive Back seat is extra roomy and back doors are large giving easy access even for large adults Didn't come with Bluetooth so I had to add Parrot Bluetooth and it worked great with exiting system. Even thought I was given a Lexus I didn't want to sell my Scion! I love this car!!! For the price I paid, $19,000 I think it is worth every penny of it and didn't find any other car in this price range that compared then and I still feel that way. Only thing I didn't like was it only came with black interior, I put colorful seat covers on though."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Lots of space . . . and doesn't ride like a truck

By SAF (FL) on Saturday, March 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Price, resale value, Toyota reliability"

Cons: "Lack of passenger armrest and 5-speed automatic"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I've had a 2010 xB for 3 1/2 years; it's been dependable, fuel-efficient (27.3 MPG), and handy (for helping friends move, bringing materials home for renovations, etc.). Four adults can ride comfortably, though the front passenger doesn't enjoy an armrest on their left. Cupholders in all four door panels hold liter-sized drinks; four smaller holders are found in the center console. Dark tinted glass (standard) somewhat compensates for lack of a cargo cover (available for $260 at Scion). The gauges are easy to read; the center-mounted location isn't quirky after a few weeks. The seven-function trip computer is bare-bones, while my only complaint is that the four-speed automatic transmission isn't a five- or six-speed. I've never used the clutchless "shift on the fly" feature; if you stomp on the gas, it'll accelerate pretty fast for a shoebox on wheels. The great thing about optional equipment is that an owner can have as many they desire, or not, installed anytime after buying; light kits, alloy wheels, etc. I decided to wait six months before doing any modifications (other than the $39 cargo net and carpeted cargo/floor mats for $135); ultimately I added nothing else. This car wasn't even in the mix when I was buying; the VW Jetta Turbo Diesel (41 mpg hwy / 30 mpg city, along with tax credits) was my target, but lack of its availability when my prior lease expired, and a savings of $6500 on a cash transaction put me in the Scion - and have been happy since."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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See all 224 reviews