The 2008 Scion xB is powered by a light, compact 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower, an increase of 55 horsepower over the previous model. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a four-speed sequential automatic transmission is available as an option.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on the 2008 xB, as is electric rack-and-pinion steering. Chrome exhaust tips, projector headlamps, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a first aid kit are also included in the standard package.

Other standard features include air conditioning, power windows, power doorlocks with remote keyless entry, power exterior mirrors, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel column, a rear window defogger, rear privacy glass, and a six-speaker AM/FM stereo system with a CD player and iPod connector.

Reviewers have responded well to the xB's makeover, calling it a more stable and more functional vehicle, though they note that the xB still has a high center of gravity, requiring some caution around tight corners at speed. But it also maintains the unique characteristics that made it popular with many young drivers.