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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Scion xB

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Overview

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2013 Scion xB Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.4

The Scion xB is the vehicle that started the rolling-box renaissance a decade ago. Now, nearly 10 years after its introduction and five since its last major revamp, the xB is starting to show its age while competing with vehicles such as the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube. In addition to those fresher rivals, the xB faces stiff competition from scads of crossovers such as the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape. The xB 5-door hatchback isn't made for off-highway use and doesn't have the most powerful engine out there, but what it continues to do well is pack a lot of space in a small package. The xB also retains its youthful attitude, strong resale value, and the quality build that comes from having Toyota as Scion's parent.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want the interior room and versatility that comes with a compact SUV but not the tall ride height or marginal fuel economy that often comes with them, check out the 2013 Scion xB. The xB also appeals to the tuner set and those who like to customize their ride with distinctive wheels and body work.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need all-wheel drive for extra traction in foul weather or the ability to tow, look to one of the many competent compact SUVs out there, such as the xB's cousin the Toyota RAV4. The Kia Soul, meanwhile, has a fresher powertrain, lower starting price and longer warranty.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.4
Driving Dynamics

6.3
Comfort & Convenience

6.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.1
Value

6.3
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#3

out of 3

MPG

#2

out of 3

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

For 2013 the Scion xB receives minor exterior and interior tweaks that include a redesigned front bumper and new seat fabric. Available as an option is the BeSpoke Premium Audio system that is compatible with iPhones and can run apps such as Facebook and Yelp, and stream Internet radio stations.

Driving the xB

Driving Impressions The 2013 Scion xB is neither a tarmac burner nor mountain-road carver, but it's relatively comfortable and nimble, and – because of its compact size – easy to park. The...

Scion xB is front-wheel drive, and its sole engine is a 4-cylinder. The engine's 158 horsepower is adequate for getting this carryall up to speed, and fuel economy of 22 mpg city/28 highway are pretty good, but not quite as high as what you can get from a Cube, Soul, or Mini Cooper Clubman. In a world of 6-speed automatic transmissions and CVTs, the xB's 4-speed automatic is antiquated. A 5-speed manual is also available, and it's enjoyable to use. We appreciate that the xB is well insulated from road noise. Its suspension does a good job soaking up road imperfections. A height-adjustable seat and tilt/telescoping steering wheel, meanwhile, help drivers of various shapes and sizes find a suitable position behind the wheel.

Favorite Features

ROOMINESS
The idea behind a boxy vehicle is the same as, well, as box: Sharp angles maximize interior space, and thus what you can put in it. If you regularly carry passengers in the rear seat, they'll appreciate ample room in the xB. Or, fold the rear seats and presto – you've got SUV-like storage space for your gear.

CUSTOMIZABILITY
Scion's lineup is aimed at more youthful drivers, and that demographic takes particular care in making sure they stand out. Why should their car be any different? With that in mind, Scion offers numerous options for personalization, from carbon fiber window trim to hardware from Toyota's TRD performance division.

2013 Scion xB Details

2013 Scion xB Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Despite the 2013 xB's tidy exterior dimensions, there's no lacking for interior space thanks. If you or your friends are tall, all parties should feel at ease in the xB. When not holding your buddies, the Scion's 3-person rear seat folds in a 60/40 split to open up a tremendous amount of cargo space – nearly 70 cubic feet. Back up front, controls are simple to see and use. There's little complexity here: If you want to adjust the fan to blow warm air on your feet, you can do it in about two seconds. With lots of hard plastic material and flat, simple surfaces, you won't confuse the xB for a Lexus. One interesting visual is the gauge cluster mounted at the top center of the dash.

Exterior

Hunkered and squat, the xB is more like a low-rider wagon than the typical utility vehicle. With its blunt 90-degree angles and massaged edges, the 2013 Scion xB is akin to a rolling bread box. Above the high and broad side doors are windows whose blocky shape mimics that of the xB as a whole. The xB's wide C-pillars just aft of the darkened rear windows convey a powerful image in the aesthetic sense, but in the pragmatic one create blind spots. Along with the redesigned front bumper for 2013 xB models come a glossy black grille and LED accent lighting.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Scion xB comes in just one major trim level and with a choice of manual or automatic transmission, making the selection process simple. Thankfully this car is pretty well equipped for the price. All xB models come with remote keyless entry, cruise control, and power windows. The standard audio system has six speakers and a 160-watt Pioneer AM/FM/CD player with HD Radio, USB/auxiliary inputs, and Bluetooth compatibility. On the safety front, the xB has traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, and a bounty of airbags. Also included with new xB models is complimentary maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles and two years of roadside assistance.

Optional Equipment

Most options for the xB have to do with personalizing the car or bettering its performance with parts from Toyota's racing division, TRD. Among them are sport muffler, lowering springs, a high-performance brake kit, and a limited-slip differential that works with the 5-speed manual transmission. Wheel options include 17-inch alloys or, for those who really want to roll big, 19-inch versions. New this year is the optional BeSpoke Premium Audio system that pairs with iPhones to harness app-based features including navigation and Internet radio. Twin screens mounted in the front headrests, meanwhile, can bring entertainment to rear-seat passengers. A limited-edition Release series offers enhanced interior and exterior treatments.

Under the Hood

The 2013 xB uses a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower and runs on regular unleaded. Transmission choices are a 5-speed manual or rather a antiquated 4-speed automatic. Both transmissions help the xB get good gas mileage, but not quite as good as the Nissan Cube or Kia Soul.

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

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Scion xB has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $17,530 for models with a manual transmission. For those with an automatic transmission, likely the choice of most buyers, the price rises to a still-reasonable $18,480. With options, an xB can reach into the low $20,000 range. For comparison, the slightly smaller Kia Soul starts at just over $15,000, while the Nissan Cube nearly matches the xB's base price. Before buying, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the xB. In terms of resale value, Scions enjoy above-average figures, and the xB is no exception, with its long-term value expected to be higher than that of the Soul and Cube.

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2013 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