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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Scion xD

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Overview

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2012 Scion xD Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.8

In an attempt to give younger customers everything they want and nothing they don't, the 2012 Scion xD aims to further simplify the car shopping experience with additional standard equipment on top of the availability of nearly three dozen dealer-installed options. The Scion xD offers impressive passenger and cargo carrying capabilities for its size thanks to its hatchback design and versatile seating configurations. And while newer competitors like the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 are more fun to drive and offer better fuel economy, the Scion xD possesses unique advantages over its competitors like Toyota's reputation for reliability and Scion's celebrated no-haggle pricing.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you are on the hunt for a 5-door hatchback with an array of customizable accessories, loads of cargo space, a strong reputation for reliability, and a generous offering of standard equipment, the 2012 Scion xD will deliver.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you are looking for a subcompact hatchback with class-leading fuel economy, you might be happier with the Chevrolet Sonic or Ford Fiesta. Additionally, if your budget cannot exceed the $15K mark, the Kia Rio and the Hyundai Accent are worthy alternatives.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

5.8
Driving Dynamics

6.0
Comfort & Convenience

6.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

5.0
Value

6.4
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#16

out of 17

MPG

#4

out of 17

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.7 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

Scion adds a new Pioneer audio system with HD Radio and Bluetooth to the 2012 xD. In addition, a new Release Series 4.0 model is available for 2012 with Blizzard Pearl paint, gunmetal-finished 16-inch alloy wheels and exterior-color-matched interior trim.

Driving the xD

Driving Impressions The 2012 Scion xD is powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder powerplant, engineered with Toyota's Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) technology. Although it delivers only 128 horsepower and 125 lb-ft...

of torque, the engine's broad powerband allows it to zip around in city traffic without complaint. Unfortunately, the xD is no different than most economy cars and will strain to tackle steep hills or overtake slower moving traffic. Those who want a better sense of acceleration from stoplights and on freeway on- and off-ramps will be happier with the standard 5-speed manual transmission than the optional 4-speed automatic. With its short, squat stance the 2012 Scion xD is capable of handling curves and dips in the road with ease, although rough road surfaces will make the ride slightly less comfortable.

Favorite Features

Organic Electroluminescent Display
This brilliant audio system display features customizable backgrounds as well as a personalized welcome screen. Scion owners can create and download their own backgrounds on an exclusive website developed by Pioneer electronics.

Convenient Storage
Despite its compact dimensions, the xD features a profusion of storage cubbies, boxes, trays and hidden compartments for your mobile life.

2012 Scion xD Details

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

Interior

The Scion xD's interior is most notable for its spaciousness rather than expressive design. The xD's tall ceiling nullifies headroom concerns, and the sliding and reclining rear seat serves up considerable legroom – even for passengers over six feet tall. Spacious for its category, the xD cabin is complemented by a dual glove box, cell phone storage tray and a concealed compartment located below the rear cargo floor. The dash layout is plain and a bit drab, but the controls are large and easy to use. And though hard plastics are common at this price point, most of the xD's surfaces are low-gloss and deeply textured.

Exterior

From its bulldog snout to its smoothly blended sheetmetal, the Scion xD certainly stands out among the crowd of traditional compacts. Engineered with versatility in mind, the 2012 xD features a cargo-friendly, utilitarian profile design to optimize interior volume. The xD offers a choice of three 16-inch wheels covers, 18-inch alloy wheels and a multitude of exterior adornments to make your xD truly unique. The limited-edition Release Series 4.0 takes personal expression to a new level with its Blizzard Pearl paint, color-matched interior trim and unique soft-touch seating surfaces.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Like all Scion vehicles, the xD comes with a wide array of standard equipment. Noteworthy amenities include keyless entry, a multi-information display with various vehicle-related data, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, and a 160-watt Pioneer sound system with iPod compatibility, six speakers and Bluetooth. To help ensure its occupants arrive safely at their destination, the 2012 xD is equipped with six airbags, active front headrests to help prevent whiplash injuries, and the Star Safety System's collection of accident-avoiding electronic aids.

Optional Equipment

Since the 2012 Scion xD offers a host of equipment as standard fare, available options consist mainly of items geared toward customizing the car, like illuminated door-sill enhancements, sport pedals, a carbon-fiber engine cover, and 18-inch alloy wheels. A few more everyday options exist, such as a cargo cover and mat, floor mats and an auto-dimming mirror. More significant options include a new Pioneer Premium audio system with a full-color 5.8-inch touch screen, iTunes Tagging and Pandora Internet radio. Similarly, Scion offers an available navigation system with a larger 7-inch display, DVD player and backup-camera hook-up.

Under the Hood

The 2012 xD's 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers 128 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. The xD's singular engine choice can be matched to either a 5-speed manual or a less efficient – and antiquated – 4-speed automatic gearbox. Furthermore, the Scion xD's outdated drivetrain relegates it to the lower tier of the segment in terms of fuel efficiency.

2012 Scion xD
1.8-liter inline-4
128 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
125 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/33 mpg

Pricing Notes

With only one trim offered, Scion buyers can pick up a 2012 xD with a manual transmission for just over $16,000, while an automatic transmission will bump up the price an additional $800. The Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and Ford Fiesta start for considerably less, but don't offer the same measure of standard content. The Honda Fit is closer in price but doesn't offer standard Bluetooth connectivity or 18-inch alloy wheels. Before visiting a Scion dealership, be sure to check out kbb.com's Fair Purchase Price, as it will give you an idea of what you can expect to pay at your local no-haggle Scion dealership. Over time, the 2012 Scion xD's 5-year resale value is expected to be lower than the Honda Fit, but higher than the Nissan Versa, Ford Fiesta and Kia Rio.

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2012 Scion xD Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 117 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.3/10

Styling

9.1/10

very bumpy and extremely noisy car.

By derek77d (IL) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 4/10
Quality: 2/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "price, look,"

Cons: "poor fuel economy, noisy engine, poor ride comfort"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"The average MPG is 24. The car is very bumpy and noisy. It looks nice in and out but its lemon. I would not recommend it. The warranty service is very poor. I will never buy Scion neither Toyota again.."

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scion xd 2008

By simo (FL) on Sunday, March 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "very nice to drive"

Cons: "noisy engine"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Fun car to drive,great gas milage,except to cheap quality,it looks like they made them not to last,and I noticed that the engine is kind of loud!! But the car is good enough to attract others,(I usually get comments...) and save money overall!"

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Aweome little car for the price

By Sammi (CA) on Monday, March 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 600

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Price, sporty, customizable, and horsepower"

Cons: "noisy on highway, non-standard center armrest"

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

"I recently started working for a car dealership so I have plenty of resouces at my disposal for researching cars. My mom has the original version of the xD when it came out in 2008 (which she LOVES), so I am familiar with the car. My orginal choice of car was out of my price range in the end, so I had to look for cheaper options. I saw the xD sitting on our lot and decided to look more into it. I liked the price, it had everythign I needed, and I know they are good quality because of my mom's experince. So I got it and I do not regret my choice at all. For being a compact car, it has plenty of horsepower and it handles nicely. They are easily customizble (both from the manufacture and post-market). The only things I do not like is that the center armrest is not standard (to be honest that bothers my boyfriend more than me and I am the one who drives it more) and that it is a bit noisier than I expected on the highway. And the dealership my mom bought hers from is already begging her to sell it back and get a new one because there is a demand for them used. So great potential resell value."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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not comfortable

By cook583 (MD) on Tuesday, February 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,300

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "cheap to fill at the pump"

Cons: "no arm rest, buttons in odd places"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"I wouldn't recommend this vehicle,I have owned this vehicle for less then a year (July 2012),you will find the arm rest on the door is very uncomfortable an is not proportioned properly, the steering wheel needs to have a telescope feature other wise you'll be reaching for the steering wheel (tall or short persons),it doesn't ride very smooth,arm rest doesn't come standard,seats are not comfy for long rides,(re-sale/trade in value is very poor)"

4 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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I LOVE IT

By mellymel (GA) on Wednesday, August 08, 2012

I owned and sold this car
Reason: needed bigger car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "great price and easy to customize"

Cons: "not a lot of trunk space"

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

"this was the first car I bought on my own and i loved it! it has been reliable and fun to drive. THe interior is cute and functional with two glove boxes. the only reason I got rid of mine was that I had two children and there isnt enough room for two car seats. but this would be perfect for a teen, single person or a couple without kids in car seats"

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Depends on your needs and where you live

By SusieQ (WV) on Tuesday, August 07, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 7/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"I have owned this car since 2010. So many positives for the money. Positives (great comfortable seats for someone with back problems even the back seats, great gas mileage, visibility good, for the size does well on a trip but best for around town car, no maintenance issues so far, haul groceries nicely, handles well and easy to park) Negatives (I absolute hate the low profile tires on the performance wheels, much too low, had the first flat ever in my lifetime, I get very nervous in the rain or snow, windshield forms condensation after a snow, dash looks like it is covered in paper not vinyl, door hinges look like Tonka toy parts and I wonder how it would hold up in an accident. . .God forbid I find out. . .Feel a bit intimidated to pass huge truckers in this little car, Can't put down the back windows for fresh air due to the roaring thumping sound in your head, don't like the noise and feel when you turn the steering as far as it will go) If I sold or traded the car the main reason would be the tires and living in a snow area. So wish they made a 4 wheel drive in the Scion!!! I would trade!!!!"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 117 reviews