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Manufactured by Toyota, the Scion xB has over the years maintained its design as a five-door, box-shaped compact car.
The first generation xB was released in 2003 as one of two models in Toyota’s lineup of the US-exclusive Scion division. Since then, the Scion XB has undergone many developments and reincarnations over the years.
Despite news that the 2015 Scion xB would be the last, as far as research reveals, the 2022 Scion XB Redesign Spacious Cabin appears to be the latest available model on the market. Or they could be listings of pre-owned 2015 Scion xBs.
This current model is capable of reaching a top speed of 103mph, reaching 0-60mph in 7.7seconds, with a 2.4litre four-cylinder engine that produces a horsepower of 158. While it starts quickly, it struggles to accelerate from a standstill position.
Coming in only one level of trim, either manual or automatic transmission, the Scion xB struggles when accelerating and both its transmission options are rough.
Generally, its engine disappoints on fuel economy and efficiency, which are largely unimpressive. Since it is a standard front-wheel drivecar , this car is not agile and rides stiffly.
However, what the Scion xB has always had going for it is its spacious space for both passengers and cargo. Other than that, aesthetically, there is not so much to love about the weird-looking Scion XB. Its design looks like an old boot on wheels.
Standard interior features include a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a Pioneer six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, mobile connectivity, HD radio, USB ports, and onboard navigation. The 2022 price of a Scion XB is between $11,000 and $17000.
If the boxy design features and specifications the Scion xB offers are something that appeals to you, as they, in a weird way, also do to me, then you might be interested in the Scion xB’s electric vehicle alternatives like the eBox, Kia Soul EV, the Nissan Cube, or the Toyota Funcargo.
These are just a few of some of my favorite EVs that are similar to the Scion xB. What follows below are other electric and non-electric cars similar to the Scion XB.
Electric Vehicles Similar to the Scion xB
With the world slowly moving away from fossil fuels, there has been an electric car revolution which is certainly good for those of us who would like to save planet Earth by driving non-polluting, environmentally friendly EVs similar to the Scion xB.
1. eBox
First announced in October 2003 and the prototype ready on August 18, 2006, the eBox is the brainchild of the electric vehicle drive systems producer AC Propulsion of San Dumas, California.
Structurally, the eBox is the Scion xB’s electrified version, as it is an electric drivetrain installed on a Scion xB. In other words, it is its electric vehicle conversion.
AC Propulsion thought to convert the Scion xB into the eBox as its “box shape allowed for good placement and installation of a battery pack”. Similar in appearance to the Scion xB, therefore, the eBox too has its weird design and spacious interior to also boast of. The first produced eBox was delivered to actor Tom Hanks on February 15, 2007.
The eBox has a 0-60 take-off speed of 7.0 seconds, .07 faster than the Scion xB. It has a top speed of 95mph (153km/h) and an EV range of 120-150miles (230-290km). It understandably beats the Scion xB at everything else except top speed.
In terms of horsepower, the eBox has an AC induction motor of 150kW (200hp) and energy efficiency of 180AC Wh/km. With a charge rate of 20kW in 30 minutes for a distance of 20-50miles, the eBox can be fully charged between two and five hours.
The eBox retails, between $55, 000-70,000. Interestingly, $15,000 for the Scion xB and $55,000 for conversion.
From the subjectively ugly, non-aerodynamic, let’s move to the aesthetically, traditionally beautiful, and aerodynamic.
2. BMW i3S
Launched in 2018 under the i3 umbrella trim, the BMW i3S is a fun-to-drive, zippy and nimble electric vehicle that took the boxy design of the Scion XB and made it aerodynamic and sporty.
Produced with a great amount of detail with a huge amount of focus on keeping the carbon footprint of the car very low by using lots of recycled and natural materials, the i3S achieves just that.
Almost similar to both the eBox and Scion xB, this little compact EV does 0-60mph in just 6.8 seconds by way of a powerful 135-kilowatt motor. Its horsepower of 184 is below that of the eBox, quicker than the Scion XB.
In terms of driving range, the i3S achieves 3.8 miles per kilowatt-hour. Retailing from around $44,000, the i3S is on the high end of the price spectrum when compared with the Scion XB.
3. Smart EQ Fortwo
One thing that makes the Scion XB such an interesting proposition is the price. Starting from $11000, it makes it an affordable car to buy if you are on a budget. It is hard to find an electric vehicle that matches the Scion XB for affordability.
On price alone, you have to think it is very affordable if you are in the market for an EV in the Scion xB price range. Does such an EV exist? Yes, well almost. It’s the Smart EQ Fortwo. The Smart EQ Fortwo starts at $23900, making it one of the cheapest electric vehicles on the market.
Being a small two means the Smart EQ Fortwo has limited boot space and capacity within the cabin in comparison to the Scion XB.
However, its size is the Smart EQ Fortwo’s selling point, as this makes it more maneuverable than the Scion xB when it comes to parking and agile driving. It does 0-60mph in 10.15 seconds and is capable of reaching top speeds of 81mph.
This is indisputably a city car, perfect for your daily movements in and around the city. In terms of range, the Smart EQ Fortwo is limited to 17.2 kWh. The only question you should contend with is; how small is too small?
4. Kia Soul EV
Talk about the Scion xB’s double ganger and the Kia Soul EV is it! This subcompact, crossover SUV remarkably resembles the Scion XB’s exterior boxy shape.
The similarities also extend to the interior, with most modern electric vehicles moving towards touch controls for the center console, the Kia Soul EV has reverted to physical controls for infotainment and climate controls, which make it very intuitive to use.
Another parallel that the Kia Soul EV shares with the Scion XB are the abundant storage, and very comfortable seating capacity. The Kia Soul EV can do 243miles on a full charge, and similarity to the Scion XB, it can do 0-60pmh in 7.3 seconds.
In terms of range, this little minx comes with a battery capacity of 64kWh which makes it one of the smallest battery packs for an electric vehicle. The Kia Soul EV retails from around $35000 almost three times the cost of a Scion xB.
5. Kia e-Niro
The Kia e-Niro is like a value pack of batteries, in the sense that Kia has adopted the mantra: more is more, for their installation of batteries on this car. It has a capacity of 67.4kWh and can do 230 miles at a full charge.
Starting at $34000, the e-Niro shares a lot of its characteristics with its sibling, the Kia Soul EV. Akin to the Scion xB, it can also do 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 103mph. For those interested, the all-new plug-in hybrid model of this Lil mama will (or has already) be launched in the UK.
Other EVs which come arguably close to the Scion xB in terms of specs but can perhaps not really be fairly compared to it, are the Volkswagen eGolf, Audi-eTron, Nissan Leaf, and the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Non-Electric Vehicles Similar to the Scion xB
If you haven’t yet converted to an electric vehicle, or are still enjoying polluting the environment with your gasoline or diesel emissions but would like to replace your gas-guzzler with something similar to the Scion xB, then look no further.
Below I list and discuss some non-electric options similar to the Scion XB that might be of interest to you.
1. The Nissan Cube
The clue to this car’s design is in its name. Shaped like a cube, its asymmetrical shape indeed makes it look like a cube on wheels. Fantastic news for admirers of the boxy/cubby Scion XB shape.
Much like the Scion XB, Nissan describes the cube as having plenty of lounge-style space thanks to the massive windows that make the interior feel airy and light.
The principal quality of the Cube that draws parallels to the Scion XB is its ride quality. Test driving it, you feel a sense of stability and comfort.
Being neither fast nor furious, this cube on wheels makes up for this plainness with a fantastic fuel efficiency of 45.1mpg. With a price range that starts from around $17,000, the Cube is within the same price bracket as the Scion XB but presents a sturdier alternative.
2. The Toyota Funcargo
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The Funcargo enters at a price of between $10,000 and $15,000, for a brand new car. A used one is a tenth of the price. Marketing itself as one of the best vehicles in terms of safety and storage for its price range, this car is ideal for those looking for their first car.
Boxy tall, like the Scion xB, it also has the distinct advantage of being able to carry taller objects in the rear than vehicles with a slopping back.
Other than the shape, the Funcargo, unlike the Scion xB, has a firm and controlled ride where the Scion xB’s is stiffer than most desire. Coupled with their high interiors, these cars are likely to make for a very uncomfortable and bumpy ride.
Although the two vehicles might look externally similar, the major difference comes from the fuel economy. The Scion XB comes with a 2.4litre four-cylinder engine, whereas the Funcargo carries a 1.3litre four-cylinder engine.
This means you get more miles per gallon for your Funcargo. Take-off wise, the aptly named funcargo is surely designed for cargo to have fun. It has a take-off speed of 0-60mph in 13.2 seconds. With a horsepower of 86, it is not one of the quickest cars in the garage.
3. Honda Element
If a rugged and outdoor alternative to the Scion XB is what you are after, then look no further than the Honda Element. In this vehicle, I am sure Honda sought to create a car that has the twin utility of a mini-van and the ruggedness of an SUV.
The Element achieves ideal functionality for a cross-country road trip. So, if hauling surfboards, mountain bikes, snowboards, or just about anything else is your thing, the Honda Element is your car. It combines some of the best features of a pick-up truck and an SUV – utility, and style.
Looking at the price, it appears that in the Honda Element, Honda aimed to produce an attractive cross-over entry-level SUV that’s affordable to younger buyers. They achieved this not only structurally, but also with an entry price of around $20,000.
In terms of acceleration, the Element does 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds with 166 horsepower. The Element comes with a maximum towing capacity of 1500 pounds, which is the equivalent of most jet skis. In terms of seating capacity, the Element can only carry a maximum of four people.
4. Fiat Multipla
Like the Scion xB before it, the Fiat Multipla gets a lot of strong reactions to its looks. On one side of the spectrum, it is considered one of the ugliest cars ever made. On the other hand, they see a quirky-looking box car with lots of paradoxical personalities.
The most controversial aspect of this car’s appearance emanates from the front, which has a second pair of headlights under the windshield.
If you can go beyond the Multipla’s unconventional looks, it is actually a very likable car. Retailing for $21,000, it is slightly pricier than the Scion XB. However, you do get 0-60mph in 11.8 seconds and 110 horsepowerit .
Newer versions of the Multipla have evolved to ditch the dual headlights and make it more acceptable for most people.
5. Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen has been selling the Golf for more than 45 years. Retailing from around $23,000, its design rather resembles German engineering-it’s sensible, efficient, hugely successful, and the standard-setter in Europe.
Reminiscent of the Scion xB’s interior, it is also spacious, providing plenty of knee and legroom for the rear passengers. Of course, without the height and less appealing external features.
The golf carries a 1.4litre TSI, 125 horsepower petrol engine. At its quickest, it does 0-60mph in 9 seconds, two seconds slower than the Scion xB!
The ride remains smooth and quiet. It will do 54miles per gallon, but if you want to get more miles per gallon, you can opt for the 1.68litre diesel one noisy at accelerationthat will get you 67miles per gallon.
6. Mini Cooper Countryman
Available as a plug-in hybrid, the Mini Cooper Countryman does 26 mpg, similar to the Scion XB. They both have, lively acceleration at low speeds, and with the Countryman carrying 134 horsepower, it slightly lags the Scion xB, which has 158 horsepower.
The Countryman is deceptively spacious and retailing from $25000, it brands itself as a premium vehicle for the compact car range.
7. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has a sports trim design which makes it look more aggressive than the Scion XB. With a base price of around $25,000, it is reasonably priced considering that it is more modern, bigger, and has off-road capabilities compared to the Scion XB.
The Forester can do 26miles per gallon, which is similar to the Scion XB and the Mini Cooper Countryman.
It also has a 2.5litre engine, another similarity with the Scion xB, which carries a 2.4-liter engine. It does distinguish itself from the Scion XB because of its relatively bigger 184 horsepowersize .
8. Honda N-Box
Last on this list is the Honda N-Box. This car has a peculiar box shape and design which ignores the concept of curves for corners. Interestingly, it is this about it which endears it to the lovers of the Scion XB.
It’s not a particularly fast car with only 64 horsepower and a top speed of 86mph. It does 0-60mph in 19.2 seconds, making it one of the slowest cars from this discussion.
If you are looking for positives, you will discover that the N-Box is very fuel-efficient and capable of doing 65miles per gallon.