2008 Scion xB

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What is it?
2008 Scion xB

What's special about it?
Once the novelty of the previous Scion xB's look wore off, we had to face up to the fact that this box-on-wheels is underpowered and won't carry very much cargo. The 2008 Scion xB addresses these shortcomings, yet thankfully does so without losing the car's quirky styling.

The automotive landscape has changed significantly since Scion's introduction in 2003, and now the xB is faced with competition from a legion of stylish but low-price vehicles, including the Chevy HHR, Dodge Caliber, Honda Fit, Suzuki SX4, and even the aging Chrysler PT Cruiser.

Fortunately the xB's boxy shape remains, only now it has rounder edges. Much of its inspiration comes from the Scion t2b concept shown at the 2005 New York Auto Show. The result is a modern little wagon (Scion calls it an urban utility vehicle), which has a nicely modern look with sharp creases and flat surfaces. This uncluttered look is appealing in its simplicity.

For 2008, the xB has also grown in almost every dimension. It's now 3 inches wider and 12 inches longer, and the wheelbase has lengthened by 4 inches. More important, the xB now has a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine — an engine it shares with the current Scion tC. In the xB, this engine is good for 158 horsepower, a 55-hp bump.

Scion says the xB's cargo-hauling ability has been dramatically improved with about 8 cubic feet of additional capacity. A 60/40-split folding rear seat should make the cargo area both larger and more accessible.

Scion pretty much gets it when it comes to attracting the youth market. The Pioneer stereo offered in the current xB already flat-out rocks, and Scion has made it better for 2008. It's still made by Pioneer, but now a mini-jack and iPod-specific connection are standard equipment.

This means you can access your iPod via controls mounted on the steering wheel, plus you won't need a separate power source. Audio outlet jacks for connecting an additional amp are also standard.

Meanwhile, an optional system with an LCD screen allows users to customize the background and burn short video clips from the Pioneer Web site to a CD, then load and watch them via the display screen.

Other standard features include ABS, stability control, side and curtain-type airbags and a first-aid kit.

What's Edmunds' take?
Scion xB sales have been drifting in the last year or so, and we can't help but think it's because the vehicle no longer looks different. The new version Scion's blessed box-on-wheels looks good, but let's hope the price stays in the vicinity of $15,000. — Brian Moody, Road Test Editor