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2009 Scion xB Features Review

November 12, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

can be customized easily through Scion's dealer-sourced accessories
Edmunds

a generous list of no-extra-charge equipment
Car and Driver

the lower dash houses an iPod adapter and auxiliary audio input
Kelley Blue Book

The whole purpose of the Scion brand is to attract younger people to the Toyota family of brands. Low prices and the chance to customize vehicles have proven a huge success, and for 2009 the Scion xB gets a long list of standard features while retaining a smaller, no-haggle price.

According to Kelley Blue Book, Scion's approach "encourages customization and makes the car-buying process more personal." The 2009 Scion xB "comes with loads of standard features" and numerous options. One of the xB Scion's most prominent features is the sound system. Automobile Magazine declares that "the stereo is ready to blast the contents of your iPod, and the premium audio system's auxiliary inputs make it easier to add more equipment." Kelley Blue Book details the audio system's "Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) Screen. This screen, built into the audio faceplate on the dash, allows you to display personal 'skins' to customize the interior of the car. Skins can be created and downloaded on a special site produced by Pioneer just for Scion owners." Other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com invariably praise the audio system on the 2009 Scion xB. Edmunds also notes that the xB Scion's other "standard features include 16-inch steel wheels...air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories [and] a tilt steering wheel." Kelley Blue Book mentions that the steel wheels are offered with a choice of "three different wheel covers" and informs us that tire pressure monitoring is standard, too.

Much like the competing MINI Cooper Clubman, the 2009 Scion xB has so many features and available options that you can easily craft a unique vehicle to suit your tastes, from decals to exterior and interior trim and some minor performance pieces. The list of optional features and customer upgrades on the Scion xB is very extensive, but most of the options are reasonably priced and very cool. The only options that are lacking are in the performance department. Unlike the tC, xB buyers don't have the option to add the supercharger from Toyota Racing Development. Road & Track cites "a huge reason for the success" of the Scion brand is its "unique approach to factory vehicle customization," which is apparent as soon as one glances at the available options on the Scion xB. Car and Driver lists some of the optional features, including "$299 LED interior mood lights, $1599 DVD headrest televisions, and a $2250 navigation system," but notes that few performance options are available. "For those who want a more 'upscale' feeling inside, an interior trim upgrade kit is also available," according to Kelley Blue Book.

Conclusion

Forget one size fits all. With the 2009 xB, Scion buyers get a lot of standard features and a lot of choices to make it their own.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:can be customized easily through Scion's dealer-sourced accessoriesEdmundsa generous list of no-extra-charge equipmentCar and Driverthe lower dash houses an iPod adapter and auxiliary audio inputKelley Blue Book The whole purpose of the Scion brand is to attract younger people to the Toyota family of brands. Low prices and the chance to customize vehicles have proven a huge success, and for 2009 the Scion xB gets a long list of standard features while retaining a smaller, no-haggle price. According to Kelley Blue Book, Scion's approach "encourages customization and makes the car-buying process more personal." The 2009 Scion xB "comes with loads of standard features" and numerous options. One of the xB Scion's most prominent features is the sound system. Automobile Magazine declares that "the stereo is ready to blast the contents of your iPod, and the premium audio system's auxiliary inputs make it easier to add more equipment." Kelley Blue Book details the audio system's "Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) Screen. This screen, built into the audio faceplate on the dash, allows you to display personal 'skins' to customize the interior of the car. Skins can be created and downloaded on a special site produced by Pioneer just for Scion owners." Other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com invariably praise the audio system on the 2009 Scion xB. Edmunds also notes that the xB Scion's other "standard features include 16-inch steel wheels...air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories [and] a tilt steering wheel." Kelley Blue Book mentions that the steel wheels are offered with a choice of "three different wheel covers" and informs us that tire pressure monitoring is standard, too. Much like the competing MINI Cooper Clubman, the 2009 Scion xB has so many features and available options that you can easily craft a unique vehicle to suit your tastes, from decals to exterior and interior trim and some minor performance pieces. The list of optional features and customer upgrades on the Scion xB is very extensive, but most of the options are reasonably priced and very cool. The only options that are lacking are in the performance department. Unlike the tC, xB buyers don't have the option to add the supercharger from Toyota Racing Development. Road & Track cites "a huge reason for the success" of the Scion brand is its "unique approach to factory vehicle customization," which is apparent as soon as one glances at the available options on the Scion xB. Car and Driver lists some of the optional features, including "$299 LED interior mood lights, $1599 DVD headrest televisions, and a $2250 navigation system," but notes that few performance options are available. "For those who want a more 'upscale' feeling inside, an interior trim upgrade kit is also available," according to Kelley Blue Book. ConclusionForget one size fits all. With the 2009 xB, Scion buyers get a lot of standard features and a lot of choices to make it their own.  2009 SCION XB STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "unchanged for 2009" Kelley Blue Book: "noticeably rounder and larger" Car and Driver: "just not very cool" After its 2008 redesign, the Scion xB is unchanged for 2009 except for one new color choice. The styling of the Scion-brand ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Not much has changed for the Chrysler PT Cruiser in nearly a decade, and while that retro-flavored wagon is sorely outdated, it still has design appeal to some and has found a cult following in high-school parking lots. Though the xB is only offered in a single model, the PT still comes with choice of four-cylinder and turbo-four powertrains, plus a convertible model. The Chevrolet HHR takes the same formula and gives it nearly identical powertrains, plus a little crisper styling. The new MINI Cooper Clubman is considerably more expensive than the others, but it has a third half-sized door on the passenger side and cargo doors to make loading and unloading easier. The Clubman also has an on-the-road character that’s a lot sportier, for those who enjoy twisty paths.

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See the Scion xB in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (4 total)

  1. By jack #1, Posted: 3/21/2009

    Sicon xb for family?

    Look very interesting... Is it good for a family of 4?

  2. By jack #2, Posted: 3/21/2009

    Sicon xb for family?

    Look very interesting... Is it good for a family of 4?

  3. By Mr.Charles Anthony #3, Posted: 8/23/2009

    Readers: I own-and love- my 06 Scion. In the view of this owner, I would not take the New Generation xB for free-with 10years worth of petrol! They killed the MPG(I get 38mpg on the highway, with my 06). Then they cut down the roof, and removed two rear quarter windows. That darkens the interior, and looses some visibility. And why, pray, only one back up light? If they want to improve it, make the center instrument cluster gimbled; better front seats, more steering wheel positions, but leave the basic alone. That was the success of the Old VW Beetle. Once they compromized that, the Bug went away; to return as a "Speedy Gonzales" Bug, and the death of the true VW Beetle. Wake Up Toyota!you had a good thing going; with the New Generation xB you will have a 'dust catcher' on the showroom floor.

  4. By Joe #4, Posted: 11/22/2009

    Electric steering sounds wonderful, but I am concerned whether there is a backup means of steering in case of any electrical or component electrical failure.
    Steering ranks right up there in priority with brakes to stop the car as critical safety items.
    I'd hate to think that something as routine as a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker could result in total loss of steering control.
    So I need to know what the backup plan is for the unlikely eventuality of any failure in the electrical steering system.
    I would hate to think that the electrical steering system is "blue sky" and has not considered the contingency of failure in the primary electical steering system.
    Regards,
    Joe

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