X

Photos: 2008 Scion xB and Scion xD

Scion held a launch event in San Francisco for its updated xB and all-new xD. Scion cars rolled into showrooms across the country only three years ago, and the unique shape of the xB gave the new brand immediate iconic status. For the 2008 model year, the xB gets a significant remake. Scion also dropped its xA model completely, replacing it with the xD. The new xB is hitting showrooms now, while the xD rolls out in a few months.

CNET Reviews staff
scion_SS01_440.jpg
1 of 14 CNET Networks
Scion extended the xB by almost a foot and smoothed over the body. The front and sides are simpler, while an overlarge D-pillar extends from the rear side window to the back of the car. In our drive, we didn't feel the rear visibility was compromised much, as the rear window is still sizable.
scion_SS02_440.jpg
2 of 14 CNET Networks
The back of the xB is as boxy as ever, while the reverse light gets offset to the left of the bumper. The car appears tall, but it handles reasonably well. Antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution, and brake assist are all standard.
scion_SS04_440.jpg
3 of 14 CNET Networks
The rear seat in the xB offers a surprising amount of room. One attendee at the launch event suggested it would make a good taxi. The 2008 model gets standard 16-inch wheels, 1 inch bigger than the previous generation.
scion_SS03_440.jpg
4 of 14 CNET Networks
The new xB gets a 2.4-liter engine producing 158 horsepower at 6,000 RPM, and 162 pound-feet of torque. The car we drove had a four-speed automatic, and showed good acceleration. A five-speed manual is also available.
scion_SS05_440.jpg
5 of 14 CNET Networks
Both the xB and xD get LED turn signals built into the side mirrors.
scion_SS06_440.jpg
6 of 14 CNET Networks
The dashboard gets a makeover in the xB, with a digital speedometer, tachometer, and other gauges moving to the center. Checking our speed required a glance to the right, which wasn't entirely convenient.
scion_SS08_440.jpg
7 of 14 CNET Networks
Scion offers a lot of customization for its cars. The xB and xD come with a choice of three stereos, each with six standard speakers. This top-end Pioneer unit features GPS navigation.
scion_SS09_440.jpg
8 of 14 CNET Networks
The four-speed automatic includes a manual gear selection mode, but with so few gears to choose from, it's of limited use.
scion_SS10_440.jpg
9 of 14 CNET Networks
The all-new xD is built on the Toyota Yaris platform. It's a big departure from the xA, so Scion gave it a new model name. This car's more conventional look makes it less of a statement, but still a high-quality compact car.
scion_SS11_440.jpg
10 of 14 CNET Networks
The xD is substantially bigger than the xA. But one of our taller colleagues pointed out that there isn't much rear headroom.
scion_SS12_440.jpg
11 of 14 CNET Networks
The xD has the same large roster of accessories as the xB. We drove one that sported a few Toyota Racing Development upgrades, which improved greatly on the shifter, which was mediocre with the standard five-speed manual. The car's standard 1.8-liter engine is adequate but unexciting.
scion_SS13_440.jpg
12 of 14 CNET Networks
This picture shows the base-level stereo in the xD. Audio controls on the steering wheel are standard in both the xB and xD.
scion_SS14_440.jpg
13 of 14 CNET Networks
This Pioneer stereo is the midlevel unit available in both the xB and xD. Its screen can show owner photos or short animations. We're not crazy about the joystick/knob, which feels a little fiddly.
scion_SS15_440.jpg
14 of 14 CNET Networks
Both the xB and xD come with ports for a minijack and an iPod. The iPod integration is excellent, letting you select songs from the stereo interface.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos