2011 Scion xB Reviews, Pricing & Specs

$16,000 to $18,405

Original MSRP

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

Still boxy, still small, still handy, the 2011 Scion xB is what it is. Though it looks like something your average five-year-old might draw up, the xB is actually lots roomier, definitely more powerful, and technologically way more refined than that picture that now decorates the refrigerator. Despite much ado about a few barely discernable exterior changes, the really meaty improvements are on the inside.

Available in only one trim and designed to compete with the likes of Nissan’s Cube and Kia’s Soul, among others, this five-passenger wagon is given a new look for 2011 with a honeycombed grille and slightly larger side-quarter, as well as the single backup light doubled and integrated into the taillights. One would have to look closely, however, to notice these cosmetic changes. Inside, though, in response to some owner complaints, the new xB offers an upgraded dash and controls, larger bolsters for the front bucket seats, a sliding center arm rest, and, most appreciated of all, telescoping tilt-wheel steering.

The 2011 xB retains a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine as its standard powerplant, with either the standard five-speed manual transmission or available four-speed automatic serving as the brains behind the brawn. The I4 will put out 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque with either transmission, as well as getting an EPA-estimated 22/28 mpg.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience amenities for the 2011 xB include 16-inch steel wheels (available in three styles), a trip computer, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, split-folding rear seats, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel mounting audio and cruise controls, air conditioning, and simulated alloy steering-wheel and dashboard trim. Additionally, a standard, 160-watt Pioneer premium audio system featuring iPod integration and six speakers, along with a USB connection, ensures passengers remain amused and entertained during the trip. Options include 17-inch alloy wheels, hands-free phone technology, plug-in navigation, DVD headrest, XM satellite radio, remote anti-theft alarm, and the TRD Package, featuring a sport muffler, rear strut brace, and 19-inch silver-finish spoked wheels, among other amenities.

Offering a surprising amount of passenger space considering its compact exterior profile, the 2011 xB also features a class-leading 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.

Safety-wise, the 2011 Scion xB offers four-wheel disc ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency braking assist, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags, and turn-signal-integrated mirrors.

Though several owner complaints about the Scion 2010 xB have been addressed for 2011, the manual transmission still has only five gears, there are still no roof rails, and the I4 drivetrain could still use a few more horses. On the plus side, however, its reasonable gas mileage, reliability, quantity and quality of standard features, better-than-adequate cargo area, decent ride and handling, and value lauded by owners in 2010 carry over into the 2011 xB.

Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team

While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

2011 Scion xB Pricing

Original MSRP

$16,000 to $18,405

Price range

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Scion xB price trends

Trims & specs

2011 Scion xB Base

Original MSRP: $16,000

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front 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 · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: drivers seat · Dash trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual

Engine

Exhaust: performance

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

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

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: dual rear

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

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

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

2011 Scion xB Release Series 8.0

Original MSRP: $18,405