2008 Scion xB

Performance

Those enlarged dimensions mean a substantial increase in interior volume, from 43 to 70 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, and also a big increase in weight, nearly 600 pounds. More size requires more power, which comes by way of a bigger 2.4-liter engine (from Scion's best-selling tC). Fuel consumption, however, is up from the previous generation xB. We observed 27 mpg or better on the old xB powered by 1.5 liter, while our test of this new xB resulted in just 22 mpg.


Changes to the 2.4-liter engine for 2008 include a slight increase in the compression ratio (9.7 to 9.8:1), modified piston skirts for less friction, freer breathing ports and a more aggressive grind on the cam. As a result, the output is now 158 hp, compared to 103 hp in the previous xB's engine, and 162 lb.-ft. of torque versus 101 lb.-ft. No surprise, then, that the 0-60 mph time is 1.8 ticks quicker, at 7.8 seconds.


As for handling, a stability control system keeps things settled down, and with that extra heft, the new xB doesn't feel as tossable as the older, lighter model. On the other hand, the new xB is more softly sprung, so it's quieter and less busy on the highway. Toyota engineers used tight panel fits and strategically placed sound-deadening material to quash wind noise and road vibration. The result is a quiet and comfortable cabin, set upon a MacPherson strut front and rear-beam axle suspension system tuned more for ride quality than tight turn-ins. For improved performance on the twisties, look to the aftermarket.

Interior

The overly sensitive traction and stability control can be switched off, but only to a point. When extreme yaw angles are detected, the system will still kick in. Even so, the xB is fun to pitch through corners despite its bigger bulk.


In keeping with these changes in size, weight and performance, the exterior styling is friendlier and more rounded, like a slightly used bar of soap. The interior is less ingratiating, though, with a multi-tiered slab for the dash and gauges set away from the driver's line-of-sight in the center recess. The shifter sticks out from the middle of this boxy arrangement, which consumes a bit of extra space for no apparent reason, without any pockets or storage. Even though the legroom is sufficient, note that the older xB was a bit roomier up front (59 cubic feet versus 53).