Toyota makes no pretence about the target audience for its Scion xB, stating that the 2012 boxy 5-door wagon “truly focuses on youth.” As in 2011, there are few changes to Scion's contribution to the cube-on-wheels segment for this year. While last year smoothed out some of the boxier sharp edges to the exterior, 2012 ups the techno-ante with standard Bluetooth and HD radio to allow for hands-free phone and streaming audio. Additionally, the new standard audio system is an AM/FM/CD/HD/USB Pioneer stereo with 160-watt maximum output. A newly available premium audio system ramps up the power with a 200-watt max and includes a 5.8-inch LCD touchscreen and Pandora internet radio connectivity through an iPhone, as well as 6 additional RCA outputs for more external amplifiers. Both the standard and premium audio systems provide six speakers, with a tweeter and speaker in each front door panel combined with two speakers in the rear.

The 2012 xB, available in a single trim, will carry over its 2.4-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Rated as a ULEV-II vehicle in California, the xB produces 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The engine can be matched to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic with sequential shifting, which one reviewer actually credits with contributing to the joy of driving an xB. Despite the joyful transmission, however, the wagon sadly produces some of the worst fuel economy numbers in its class, with both the manual and automatic making estimated EPA ratings of 22 mpg city/28 highway.

The Scion xB’s 16-inch standard steel wheels can be customized with three different wheel covers. The xB uses ventilated disc brakes in the front and disc brakes in the rear combined with a MacPherson strut front suspension and rear torsion beam suspension. Unfortunately, last year’s xB wasn’t a big hit in the handling department, with reviews noting that the high center of gravity and straight-sided exterior contributed to body roll and wallow in the corners, as well as a susceptibility to crosswinds. Although slower speeds are kinder to the xB, it is by no means a quiet ride at higher speeds, with road and wind noise consistently intruding.

Inside, the xB may throw some drivers off-kilter with the center-mounted gauges (including the speedometer), as well as a shifter mounted on the bottom of the dash. However, the Scion xB does not skimp on interior space, receiving consistent praise for its particularly roomy back seat and cargo space (21.7 cubic feet with the second row in place). Standard features include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, as well as cloth-covered sport front bucket seats with height adjustment for the driver. As in 2011, a number of available features should be on the menu, including a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, remote engine start, auto-dimming mirror, XM satellite radio and a navigation system. An available rear-seat entertainment system can add 7-inch LCD screens to the back of the front headrests as well as wireless headphones and iPod compatibility combined with an A/V jack for connecting other external components such as video games. Exterior options should include alloy wheels (16- or 17-inch) and foglights.

In addition to the Scion’s 4-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, other standard safety features include vehicle stability control and traction control. The xB monitors tire pressure automatically and includes front-row airbags combined with front-row, seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. While the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not tested either the 2011 or 2012 Scion xB, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) placed the 2011 Scion xB on its Top Pick for Safety list, with the xB making a Good grade (the IIHS’s highest rating) in all crash tests. Since the 2012 xB continues to feature the same safety components, the 2012 Scion should earn similarly high safety scores.

Although not much has changed in the 2012 Scion xB, the few tweaks have targeted the boxy wagon’s young demographic. With roomy cargo space and a spacious rear seat, the crowd shopping for a stylish and eccentric car may not be fazed by the layout of the dash and fuel economy numbers lower than competitors such as the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul.