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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Scion xB

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

Overview

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2012 Scion xB Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.5

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, especially when placed next to such competitors as the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul. In truth, the second generation 2012 Scion xB 5-door hatchback isn't as sharp edged as the first xB, and it has more power and interior room as well. More low-rider wagon than CUV, the 2012 Scion xB shines with its impressive build quality, strong resale, good fuel economy and feature-rich equipment list. It also shines brightly with aftermarket tuners and the SEMA crowd who can't seem to resist messing with a good thing.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need the kind of interior room and flexibility provided by a compact SUV, but you don't want the tall ride height or so-so fuel economy that comes with it, check out the 2012 Scion xB. Its simple car-like suspension and frugal 4-cylinder engine make it easy to live with, while its boxy design creates a huge cargo area.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need all-weather abilities like high ground clearance or AWD, the 2012 Scion xB hatchback can't help you out. If you want something fun and funky that can easily tackle a Nor'easter, try the Nissan Juke.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.5
Driving Dynamics

6.4
Comfort & Convenience

7.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.2
Value

6.4
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#5

out of 5

MPG

#3

out of 5

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

Changes for the 2012 Scion xB hatchback are limited to the addition of an upgraded Pioneer audio unit as standard equipment, and the availability of Bluetooth streaming audio. A new high-end Pioneer Premium audio unit is optional, replacing last year's Alpine radio.

Driving the xB

Driving Impressions If you're looking for something to tear up curvy mountain roads, the 2012 Scion xB hatchback isn't it. However, if you seek a comfortable ride, nimble handling and enough interior...

room to move the band and its gear, the 2012 Scion xB hatchback wagon will fit you like a glove. We like the way this Scion rolls, namely because its interior is pretty well insulated from outside road noise, and because its suspension does a nice job of absorbing rude road imperfections (also known as the San Diego Freeway). We readily admit the 2012 Scion xB's 158 horsepower engine doesn't thrill our enthusiast side, but it did make our boss happy owing to the few gas receipts we had to submit. The 2012 Scion xB hatchback's upright greenhouse and narrow tires make it feel a bit tippy in sharp curves, but we're pretty sure this is more an illusion than fact. To date, we've never come across a Scion xB on its back, wheels to the sky like some giant Japanese turtle. While we love the feeling of the manual shifter, we imagine most owners will opt for the four-speed automatic which, in a world of CVTs and 6-speed automatics, seems a bit antiquated.

Favorite Features

Scion Accessories Catalog
With so many cool things to add to the 2012 Scion xB, one can easily push the price well beyond the $20,000 range. From audio, to suspension parts, to interior and exterior enhancements, the xB's accessories list is the ultimate car junky's play toy.

iPod Interface
Where many cars offer only an auxiliary audio input jack, the 2012 Scion 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.

2012 Scion xB Details

2012 Scion xB Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2012 Scion xB hatchback's slab-sided interior panels make for the perfect hauling machine. Tall passengers both front and rear are welcome inside this compact hatchback wagon, while those with abnormally long legs will also rejoice. Fold the 2012 Scion xB's rear seats flat and you'll create nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo space. While this figure is statistically matched by some small crossover utility vehicles, their sloping roofs or small hatch opening limit what can fit inside. Toyota's interior presences can be felt in the Scion xB's hard, dull plastic parts and stark absence of color or playfulness. About the only original thing inside the 2012 Scion xB's interior is the clean dash with a controversial center-mounted instrument cluster. Available options, such as the Pioneer Premium Audio upgrade add a bit of color to the xB's dash as well as a rich sound to its cabin.

Exterior

The 2012 Scion xB hatchback masterfully combines blunt 90-degree angles with massaged edges to create a more fashion conscious bread box. Multi-reflector beam headlamp housings wrap around the xB's tall front fenders, and are separated by monochromatic grille and bumper combo. Moving to xB's rear reveals narrow side windows with dark privacy glass covering the rear door glass. The 2012 Scion xB's wide rear C-pillars create a look of solidity and strength, but they also create huge blind spots for the driver. Base models are admittedly boring, with no chrome fittings or cool looking wheels. Scion rightly builds the xB like this because they know its owners or going to drive it from the showroom to the custom shop, where paint, wheels and tires will be updated. For those who don't plan on dropping a few grand in aftermarket parts, Scion has a number of wheels, body kits and TRD accessories to allow you to customize your xB's look, then role the whole tab into your car loan.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

With only one trim level, the 2012 Scion xB hatchback 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, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, 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 via the steering-wheel audio controls. Gracing the exterior, a chrome exhaust tip and the choice of three wheel-cover designs are included as well.

Optional Equipment

Since the 2012 Scion xB hatchback 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, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, Pioneer Premium audio upgrade, fog lights and an auto-dimming mirror.

Under the Hood

The xB shares its 2.4-liter dual overhead-cam (DOHC) 4-cylinder engine with its Scion sibling, the tC. Buyers have the choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic with sequential shifting. Both transmissions help the xB get good gas mileage, but not quite as good as the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul.

2.4-liter in-line 4
158 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
162 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28

Pricing Notes

Well equipped as a base model, the 2011 Scion xB with manual transmission currently has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and Fair Purchase Price starting around $17,000. An automatic transmission adds about $1,000. Since prices can differ substantially over time and from region to region, be sure to check Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price to see what people are actually paying in your area. Overall, the xB costs about the same as a comparably-equipped Nissan Cube. In terms of resale value, the 2012 Scion xB is expected to hold its value in similar fashion to the Honda CR-V and Nissan Cube, but do better than the Jeep Patriot and Suzuki SX4.

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2012 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