2011 Scion xB First Impressions

It’ll attack Canadian roads later this month. The boxy xB is Scion’s iconic and most recognizable product to date. Eight years after their launch in the US, Toyota has finally decided that the stars have aligned, and they point north.

The Scion xB is a tall “crossover-like” front-wheel-drive 5-passenger wagon that is exceptionally spacious inside. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com)

Boxy is good
The xB is a remarkably interesting vehicle, which can serve as a rolling expression of one’s self, thanks to the availability of no less than 75 dealer-installed customizing accessories. Whether personalized or not, the xB isn’t short on practicality, space and delightful driving dynamics.

It’s a tall “crossover-like” front-wheel-drive 5-passenger wagon that is exceptionally spacious inside despite its rather modest exterior dimensions. Although modest in size, the conspicuous exterior certainly isn’t lacking in distinction.

The square 3-box design formula of the xB is simple yet striking. In many ways, it serves as a blank canvass awaiting the artist’s magic. On the more functional side, the boxy statement and square sheets of glass provide outstanding visibility for the driver and passengers.

A high seating position further enhances road visibility in the same manner that it does in an SUV, and that’s an aspect of the xB that I appreciated during my drive though congested city streets. My rear seat passenger enjoyed the vast amount of leg and headroom that this vehicle is endowed with.

Add plenty of cargo space to the human confines and the xB begins to express its versatility. The fold flat rear seats maximize cargo space, allowing the xB to accommodate some major-sized loads. Of course, the extra weight is going to require sufficient grunt under the hood.

Large 4-banger does the work
The mono-spec’d xB is powered by a 2.4-litre I-4 mill that produces 158 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 162 pound-feet of torque @ 4,400 rpm. The grunt flows through either a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed autobox.

The mono-spec’d xB is powered by a 2.4-litre I-4 mill that produces 158 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 162 pound-feet of torque @ 4,400 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com)