Loving the 2010 Scion xB
By: Nancy Dunham
Special to The Examiner
November 12, 2009
 |
| The Scion xB’s upright stance allows for great outward visibility. (Courtesy photo) |
If loving a Scion xB is wrong, I don't want to be right.
Of course this auto line is designed for the plugged-in, young career set, but that doesn't mean those of us a few years older can't enjoy it just as much.
2010 Scion xB» Engine: 2.4L DOHC, 16-valve VVT-i
» Transmission: Four-speed automatic
» Fuel economy: 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
» MSRP: Starting at $16,420
Now before we go into the details, remember that you'll read some auto reviewers whining about the lack of technology in this car. That's understandable because Toyota spent untold marketing dollars talking about how its line of Scions is the primo plugged-in mode of transportation for a generation.
I'll admit that almost as soon as I climbed behind the wheel, I checked out the tech and even the glove box, which I had heard would easily hold a laptop computer. Darn! The glove box was fairly standard, but because I didn't have a laptop to haul (and even if I did, I likely wouldn't keep it in the box), no harm. The audio in the car also wasn't what I call primo, but in fairness I had a basic model and there was still a lot to love. In fairness, I have heard that models with optional touch screen center panels are easy to use and enjoy.
First there's the trendy box exterior. Yes, it looks cool going down the road, but it also has the benefit of affording great views from every angle. No blind spots here.
Powered by a 2.4L DOHC, 16-valve VVT-i, four-speed automatic transmission, this car is nobody's idea of a sports contender. Still, the 158-horsepower engine with 162 pound-feet of torque makes the acceleration peppy enough to power off those never-ending on ramps that lead into highway traffic. It's also nimble enough to scoot through narrow back streets, and the four-wheel anti-lock braking system has just enough power for quick -- but not jarring -- stops. The bad news is that the Environmental Protection Agency ratings only come in at 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. That's likely not going to win any major green awards, but it's respectable considering the stellar acceleration.
The interior of the xB is what will win devotees. It's one of the roomiest interiors I've driven, front and back. Plus the rear seats fold down into a 60/40 split, giving it 70 cubic feet of cargo space.
No matter what your age demographic, the Scion xB -- which has a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $16,420 -- is a stylish, roomy utility vehicle with a solid, perky ride.
