QUALITY | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Plenty of adult-size headroom, foot space, and legroom, even with front seats all the way back.
Consumer Guide
Did someone say "lounge on wheels?"
The Auto Channel
generally composed of good-quality soft plastics
CNET
The seats are surprisingly supportive, especially compared to the sofa-like units in the Nissan Cube.
Winding Road
oad, tire and suspension noise is harsh
AutoWeek
Being box-shaped has its virtues--the Scion xB has lots of interior room, and the versatile hatchback yields lots of cargo space. Still, we wish it had better seats.
Scion says it's improved the xB's seats over time, but in our experience in several xB testers, the seats don't yield the kind of long-distance comfort some buyers will demand. After about an hour, the softer cushions can grow uncomfortable. The thin upholstery of the front seatbacks is probably at the root of the issue. The xB also has a relatively low roofline for a hatchback, but head room isn't compromised too much, and a good driving position is easy to find, since a telescoping wheel is now standard.
The rear seat's better, and with its tall doors and wide door openings, it's a snap to climb into, which is why so many xBs have been pressed into taxi service.
The 2011 xB is capacious and adaptable. The front passenger seat folds back flat, and the second row now offers enough room for real live adult human beings. Foot space under the front seats for second-row passengers is good, and they sit high for easy entry and exit. Storage room under the second-row seats is useful too. Passengers will find plenty of interior bins and storage areas if the buyer opts for the overhead console.The xB's built to economy-hatchback standards, and it's relatively light, which can translate into more noise and vibration in the cabin. All considered, though, wind and road noise stay manageable.
Conclusion
It's a versatile shape, and can carry lots of cargo, but the Scion xB's seats need work.
