2013 Scion xB — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Hatchback

2013 Scion xB

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $13,065–$15,181
Fuel Economy 14 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Hatchback
Est. Annual Fuel $3,750/yr

Key Specifications — 2013 Scion xB

Engine2.4L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S4)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG22 / 27 MPG
Combined MPG24 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$2,800
CO₂ Emissions368 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleHatchback
Base Price$13,065–$15,181

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2013 Scion xB

With an overall Carivo score of 6.9/10, the 2013 Scion xB earns a Good rating among the hatchbacks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 7.4/10, while Technology at 6.2/10 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. Reliability comes in at 7.0/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.3/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.6/10 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 6.2/10 — 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 $13,065–$15,181, 14 MPG, seating 5, the Scion xB sits in the budget-friendly tier of the hatchback market. Value lands at 7.4/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2013 Scion xB, but it needs the right buyer. Its performance and technology scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

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 →

How It Ranks Among Hatchbacks

The 2013 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 $13,065 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $23,280 by about 44%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hatchback ranking →

Which xB Year Should You Buy?

Across the xB model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2015 7.0/10$14,235 Read review →
2014 7.1/10$13,650 Read review →
2013 (this review) 6.9/10$13,065
2012 6.9/10$12,480 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2013 Scion xB

✓ What it does well

  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
  • Broad dealer network supports easy servicing and parts availability

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
  • Fuel economy at 14 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2013 Scion xB (3 on record)

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
09/01/2018 · 18V024000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI,…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Common Questions — 2013 Scion xB

Is the 2013 Scion xB reliable?

We rate the 2013 Scion xB's reliability 7.0/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2013 Scion xB have?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2013 Scion xB worth buying?

It scores 6.9/10 overall, ranking #90 of 99 hatchbacks in our database (better than 10% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2013 Scion xB cost?

The 2013 Scion xB starts at $13,065 and ranges up to $15,181 across trims (MSRP when new). At 14 MPG, expect roughly $3,750/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Scion xB

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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