2011 Scion xD Reviews, Pricing & Specs

$15,045 to $16,905

Original MSRP

expert review

5.0

avg user rating

The xD has managed to sneak past us unnoticed for the most part, like a thief who steals pie cooling on the windowsill in the evening. It’s undeserved, especially after winning accolades like Consumer Reports’ “Most Reliable New Automobile – 2009” thanks to a service record that showed 83% fewer average problems. It’s truly a lot of car for its $16,000 pricetag, even as a five-door subcompact hatch, and like all Scion vehicles it comes well equipped in a single trim with a generous options list that allows you to add navigation, upgraded Alpine stereo, 18-inch alloys and even a rear spoiler.

But don’t let those last two add-ons fool you - the xD is not about performance. With a 128-hp, 1.8-liter engine as its sole powertrain, the xD isn’t going to pin anyone to the back of the driver's seat, but with dual variable valve timing it’s a competent engine that seems to struggle only on steep hill climbs. Its 125 lb-ft of torque are available from 4,400 rpm, ready to tide you over until the engine reaches its 6,000-rpm peak horsepower. Two transmissions are available, a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic, both providing smooth transitions between gears with the manual offering a bit of extra fun from its easy clutch and slick shift pattern. Choose either one and you’ll be rewarded with a very forgiving 27/33 mpg rating.

A soft suspension in this front-wheel-drive city roamer hampers aggressive driving, which brings out considerable lean and roll. Optional 18-inch alloys only make things worse, offering additional grip without increased spring rate or damping. Hopefully Scion will offer a better suspension for the xD in the future, as the standard traction and stability control could allow for some fun city zipping.

And really, that’s what the xD was designed to be – a fun, reliable car for city driving. Nothing flashy or fancy, but nothing overtly cheap either. This explains much of the xD’s interior, because while the assembly is quality, the materials could be better. Hard plastics dominate but still manage to express a bit of style that separates it from econoboxes of old, thanks to textures and complementing tints that provide visual and tactile contrast. A large speedo-and-tach combo sits directly in front of the driver, offering no confusion when looking for the most important information for a driver.

Seats could use some work, lacking height adjustment up front and substantial padding all around. Larger drivers will find issue front or back, despite the inclusion of 5 inches of fore and aft travel for back seats. Leg and headroom will be in short supply for taller drivers, and the lack of proper cushioning will make anything other than short trips tiring. The optional 6-speaker Alpine stereo is a big upgrade, especially for Scion’s target demographics, and can be equipped with a navigation system, touchscreen with iPod interface, Bluetooth and even connections for a rear camera. Remote engine start is another available option, not usually a choice in a subcompact.

The xD has never been a performance pioneer, preferring to drive a few miles in reliable style rather than rip up a country road. With that goal in mind, the xD manages to hit all desired targets. There is room for improvement, however, as some suspension tuning and seating upgrades would certainly make for giant improvements in the overall experience. Still, it’s best to remember you get what you pay for, and you’re not paying much for the Scion xD.

Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins

A CarGurus contributor since 2008, Michael started his career writing about cars with the SCCA - winning awards during his time as editor of Top End magazine. Since then, his journalistic travels have taken him from NY to Boston to CA, completing a cross-country tour on a restored vintage Suzuki. While his preference is for fine German automobiles - and the extra leg room they so often afford - his first automobile memories center around impromptu Mustang vs. Corvette races down the local highway, in the backseat of his father's latest acquisition.

User reviews for 2011 Scion xD

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by Kala Y

Dec 04, 2011

I have never owned a car that I loved so much! Unfortunately I have found after a year of owning it that it isn't real practical for a family of 4. We are fine for everyday things but to go on a trip, there just isn't quite enough cargo space for the suitcases. I think the car would work great for a family of 3 or less. This car is very reliable, fun to drive, cheap to drive and it looks GREAT! The interior is really sharp. Dec 04, 2011

2011 Scion xD Pricing

Original MSRP

$15,045 to $16,905

Price range

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Scion xD price trends

Trims & specs

2011 Scion xD Base

Original MSRP: $15,045

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Pioneer · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: carbon fiber

Convenience Features

Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Overhead console: with storage · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in dash · Vanity mirrors: dual

Engine

Exhaust: performance

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

2011 Scion xD Release Series 3.0

Original MSRP: $16,905