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Scion xB

The Scion xB was a five-door compact hatchback sold by Scion, Toyota’s former youth-oriented marque.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Scion xB was a five-door compact hatchback sold by Scion, Toyota’s former youth-oriented marque. Produced from the 2004 to 2015 model years, it was one of Scion’s original launch models and became known for its distinctive boxy design and front-wheel-drive layout.

History

The Scion xB debuted as one of the first Scion models alongside the xA. It was based on the Japanese-market Toyota bB, adapted for the U.S. market, and was sold for the 2004–2015 model years. The model underwent a major redesign for the 2008 model year, after a gap in the 2007 model year.

Design and engineering

The xB was a front-engine, front-wheel-drive hatchback with a distinctive box-shaped body. The first-generation xB used a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and was offered with manual or automatic transmission. The second-generation xB, introduced for the 2008 model year, used a larger 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine.

Market position

Scion marketed the xB to younger buyers as an affordable, distinctive urban vehicle. It became one of the brand’s most recognizable models and was noted for its practical interior space.

Discontinuation

Scion ended production of the xB after the 2015 model year. The model’s run ended when Toyota discontinued the Scion marque.

Key facts

  • Was one of Scion's original launch models alongside the xA.
  • Based on the Japanese-market Toyota bB.
  • Known for its boxy design and front-wheel-drive layout.
  • First generation used a 1.5-litre engine; second generation used a 2.4-litre engine.
  • Production ended after the 2015 model year with the discontinuation of the Scion brand.
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Canadian context

The Scion xB was sold primarily in North America, so Canadian readers may know it as one of Toyota’s distinctive Scion models that appeared on Canadian roads before the brand was discontinued.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Scion xB?
A compact five-door hatchback sold under Toyota’s Scion brand, known for its boxy styling and practical layout.
When was the Scion xB produced?
It was produced from 2003 to 2015, with model years from 2004 to 2015.
What car was the xB based on?
It was derived from the Japanese-market Toyota bB and adapted for the U.S. market.
What engine did the Scion xB use?
The first generation used a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine; the second generation used a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine.
Was the Scion xB front-wheel drive?
Yes. It used a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout.
Why is the xB notable?
It was one of Scion’s launch models and became known for its distinctive boxy design and urban-focused packaging.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scion_xB
    Supports: Production years, body style, and launch-model status.
  2. Cars.com — https://www.cars.com/research/scion-xb/
    Supports: Scion brand context, launch timing, redesign, and Toyota bB relationship.
  3. MotorTrend — https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/163-0402-scion-xb
    Supports: First-generation engine and basic specifications.
  4. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15145164/2008-scion-xb-road-test/
    Supports: Second-generation engine and redesign context.
  5. Auto-Data.net — https://www.auto-data.net/es/scion-xb-model-1400
    Supports: Two generations, body style, and approximate dimensions.