2010 Scion xB – The Eccentric Choice

Polarizing looks

Whether you like it or not, you have to hand it to Toyota, the 2010 Scion xB simply looks different. It is a design language that not many will like or enjoy, but at the same time, it is a design that a select few will fall in love with. The car has used the same design inspiration for the past three iterations and this one is no different.

The car’s retro wagon design stays, with the waistline getting a little more width. The slab-like dimensions give the car more charm. It is also longer this year, by nearly a full foot. The increase in size makes the car feel far more substantial.

The boxy design is slightly altered in favor of a more rounded design. The car’s charisma does not fade and the 2010 Toyota Scion xB is an eye-catcher. The upright angles of the car work well in its favor and you will be sure to own a car that stands out, no matter where it is.

Segment appropriate power

Perhaps the biggest drawback is that the 2010 Scion xB is a family-friendly wagon. While the design may scream retro-wagon with a powerful engine under the hood, the reality is far from it. The car’s practicality is evident from a single glance at the spec sheet. The 2010 Scion xB is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 158-bhp. The car can also deliver a max torque output of 162 lb-ft. These numbers fall in line with other cars in the price range.

The performance is not too bad, the 2010 Scion xB can do the 0-60 in just 7.7 seconds. The timing is impressive given the bump in size and weight. The only real effect of the weight can be seen in the quarter-mile time of 15.9 seconds.

The car’s speed and performance are not the things you should be concerned about. After all, this wagon is intended for those that want a family-oriented car with a distinctive design. The car’s numbers are alright. They are not eye-popping. You will get the power that is in line with other cars in the segment.

Pleasant drive

On to the Scion’s on-road performance. We have only positive things to say about this one. The car is a pleasure to drive on the roads. It is very suburban. There is an option between a five-speed sequential automatic and a four-speed manual transmission. The combination of the engine and transmission, with a good clutch, makes the car very reliable on the road.

You might face an issue or two with the handling as the car is far softer than its predecessor. This limitation is intentional. The car is far heavier than before and the soft spring balances the body roll. The steering response feels lighter too. The car’s 16-inch wheels and low ride height make it a delightful journey for passengers.

The 2010 Scion xB is a car meant to be driven in a city setting. The 2010 Scion xB engine is best utilized on city streets, where it doesn’t have to work too hard. The engine does well in uphill sections and on freeways. The car is good on the roads, nothing too great. The biggest drawback would be its fuel economy, which is subpar.

Good on utility, average on the comfort

While the legendary Toyota experience is the base expectation for any consumer, on the 2010 Scion xB they might be a little disappointed. The car is big. It is longer and wider, meaning there is plenty of room. The head and legroom in this car are generous. However, the caveat comes in the comfort. The car’s seats are made of fabric and on longer rides, the lack of comfort becomes apparent.

Despite this, buyers will enjoy the copious amounts of space available to them. The rear can now fit in big adults with ease and the front seat can even be folded to create more cargo space. There are a lot of bins and storage options that help the consumer. The optional overhead console is there to create more space in the car.

The 2010 Toyota Scion xB is a brilliant example of a car that utilizes its spaces to aid the driver and passenger. There is noticeable cabin noise and you will be surprised by the lack of tight-fitting panels on the car. The ergonomics could be better and the lack of soft-touch surfaces at this price is surprising. Despite it, the rest of the materials used on the car are worthy of the price, and the utilitarian nature of the car is appreciated.

A plethora of safety features

The cherry on top is the 2010 Scion xB’s safety features. The car comes chock full of safety features. ABS, stability and traction control, and side and curtain airbags all come as standard. It gets respectable scores from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. The visibility might be the only issue, the wide pillars at the back can cause some obstruction. That is a minor blip and when it comes to the 2010 Scion xB long-term reliability, we feel that the safety aspect aids it well.

The verdict

The 2010 Scion xB is a great car. Put simply it does not lack the feature set you would expect in this price range. In fact, you get a very good array of features even on the base models. Throw in some cash and you can customize the car to make it truly yours. The sound system is truly remarkable and you will enjoy every minute of music played in your car.

The 2010 Toyota Scion xB is an offering that defies logic. You are not buying a car merely for the performance or that it fits in a budget. It does all that, and more. It is a car whose design is disruptive, avant-garde almost. Despite the retro-wagon appeal, it looks futuristic. The comfort is questionable but the abundance of space masks the issue. The utilitarian nature of the car is what makes it so useful. For those that want a combination of utility and poise, this car is for you.

Similar Posts