What’s New?
The Scion xB, a very boxy model that looks like nothing else on the road, gets new wheel covers, a new audio head unit, and a new wheelchair-accessible Rampvan configuration for the 2006 model year. The Scion xB Rampvan allows wheelchair or scooter access from the rear and provides the physically challenged with a compact vehicle rather than a minivan or larger-sized set of wheels.

Overview
The xB has an appearance that is unique on American roads. It looks like a mini delivery van, but actually is a four-door crossover utility vehicle from Scion, Toyota’s vehicle line designed for very young customers. Toyota launched Scion with 2004 xA and xB models, both based on products already sold in Japan. The xB may be a crossover vehicle, but it has front-wheel, not all-wheel drive. It also has a large catalog of specialty parts that are available so your xB is different from anyone else’s.

Though sub-compact in its footprint, the xB presents a large canvas for such work with its bread van styling. Toyota says the xB “hunkers down low over its wheels and rises tall and wide with flat panels and 90-degree angles,” which helps it achieve maximum space from minimal exterior dimensions. Because of its small size and weight (around 2,400 pounds), the xB uses a 108-hp, 1.5L four-cylinder engine. Even with a shape that looks like it would have horrible aerodynamics, the xB is fun to drive at highway speeds and is rated at 31 mpg in town and 34 on the highway with a manual transmission, and 31 city/35 highway with an automatic.

The xB comes with anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Stability Control, a 160-watt, MP3-compatable AM/FM/CD audio system by Pioneer, with a new head unit for 2006. Optional is an iPod-compatible system and a navigation system. Also standard are a 60/40-split and removable rear seat, air conditioning, front air bags, intermittent windshield wipers, power locks/mirrors/windows, a rear wiper, and tilt steering wheel.

The Competition
The Scion xB competes in the extremely competitive Compact CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) segment, which is one of the fastest-growing in the American light-vehicle marketplace.

The sales leader in the group is the Ford Escape, with 165,122 units sold in calendar year 2005, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report.^SM The Honda CR-V was next, with 150,219 units sold in 2005, followed by the Chrysler PT Cruiser (133,740) and Chevrolet Equinox (130,542). The Scion xB ranked 10th among 18 models, with 54,037 units sold.