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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.4L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S4) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 22 / 27 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Base Price | $12,480–$15,456 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2012 Scion xB is a hatchback that earns a Carivo score of 6.9/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.4/10, while Technology at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional hatchback — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.1/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.4/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.1/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $12,480–$15,456, 13 MPG, seating 5, the Scion xB sits in the budget-friendly tier of the hatchback market. At 7.4/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2012 Scion xB sits in the middle of the field. Until its performance and technology scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2012 Scion xB ranks #90 of 99 hatchbacks in the Carivo database — better than 10% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $12,480 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $23,280 by about 46%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hatchback ranking →
Across the xB model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $14,235 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 7.1/10 | $13,650 | Read review → |
| 2013 | 6.9/10 | $13,065 | Read review → |
| 2012 (this review) | 6.9/10 | $12,480 |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Service brakes, hydraulic 20/09/2018 · 18E091000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and 2011-2016 Scion tC… |
|---|---|
| Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 09/01/2019 · 19V005000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama,… |
| Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 17/10/2019 · 19V741000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F,… |
| Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 09/01/2017 · 17V006000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other hatchbacks at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Scion models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
