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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Scion xD

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Overview

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2013 Scion xD Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.7

The 2013 Scion xD hatchback may have been designed with younger buyers in mind, but it seems to hold wide appeal amongst all age ranges. Its sleek hatchback design is more versatile than a small sedan's, capable of providing maximum interior space for humans or cargo. But, it's the xD's low price and excellent fuel economy that likely seal the deal. Of course, there's also Scion's extensive list of dealer-installed options that allow for complete customization of the xD, a rare offering on cars these days. You may find a few small hatchbacks that are more fun to drive (think Ford Fiesta) or better in the snow (Suzuki SX4), but few if any can match the xD for overall value, configurability and resale value.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need a small hatchback that is affordable and fun, but you'd also like something a bit more provocative than the average Nissan Versa or Honda Fit, check out the 2013 Scion xD. It's roomy, reliable and highly configurable.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're all about the best fuel economy in the segment, the xD is good, but it can't match the 40-mpg ratings attained by the Ford Fiesta or Kia Rio 5-Door. Additionally, if your budget cannot exceed $16,500 the Kia Rio or Hyundai Accent is a worthy alternative.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

5.7
Driving Dynamics

5.9
Comfort & Convenience

5.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

4.9
Value

6.3
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#15

out of 15

MPG

#4

out of 15

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.7 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

For 2013, the Scion xD receives additional front-seat cushion airbags, white gauge faces and smoke-colored headlight housings.

Driving the xD

Driving Impressions The 2013 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 from most economy cars and will strain to tackle steep hills or overtake slower traffic. Those who want a better sense of acceleration from stoplights and on freeway on- and offramps will be happier with the standard 5-speed manual transmission than the optional 4-speed automatic. With its short, squat stance the 2013 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

PIONEER PREMIUM AUDIO UPGRADE
The upgraded Pioneer head unit features a large, color LCD touch screen, HD Radio, iTunes tagging, Pandora Internet radio and Bluetooth as well as SiriusXM capability.

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

2013 Scion xD Details

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

Interior

The 2013 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 xD certainly stands out among the crowd of traditional compacts. Engineered with versatility in mind, the 2013 Scion 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. A new 2-tone paint option this year combines Blue Streak Metallic with Black Sand Pearl for the roof.

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 2013 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 2013 Scion xD offers a host of equipment as standard fare, available options consist mainly of items geared toward customizing the car, like illuminated doorsill enhancements, sport pedals, carbon-fiber door trim, 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.

Under the Hood

The 2013 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.

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 2013 xD with a manual transmission for the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of around $16,500, 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 2013 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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2013 Scion xD Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 119 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

Bought XD used, a 2009, with 157k miles on it.

By al (WA) on Monday, July 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 156,500

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Reliable for lots of miles"

Cons: "Somewhat noisy .. better tires work well"

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

"Bought this Scion XD in Missouri while traveling there in July, 2013. The car was maintained IMPECCABLY for five years before i bought it. (Manufactured 8/2008) After 160K miles, if maintained, they drive almost like a new one. I drove a new 2013 XD a few months ago, and I believe that a well maintained used one performs the same.) (IT IS a TOYOTA) same(Make sure the previous owner changed the oil and filer every 3K miles, or so.) I paid a little over 1/3 of the new price for my XD. If you are going to keep an XD for many years, I would recommend buying a new one. The quality is excellent .. Sheepskin seat covers are also wonderful."

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Best Vehicle Ever

By Pianopilot (CA) on Saturday, July 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,000

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: 9/10

Pros: "Great value, easy to configure seats, great power"

Cons: "None"

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

"I have loved this car since I bought it. There is nothing comparable to it, quality wise, for the price. My manual transmission gives me lots of power, while I consistently get over 30mpg. I love that the seats fold completely flat, and I am able to carry just as much music gear as I did in my previous car, a Toyota Prius. For the money, this car is much better than what you get with a Prius, while getting the dependability of a Toyota. I put in a pioneer after-market nav system, and this little car is perfect. I paid it off this month, and know it will last me at least another 5 years! That's what I call value for the money. I can't think of anything I would change about it. Visibility is great out of all windows, power doors, windows, and locks, security system, cruise control. It looks cool in white, and I have gotten compliments on it everywhere I go."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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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.."

1 person out of 5 found this review helpful

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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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