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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 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 368 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Base Price | $13,650–$17,442 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2014 Scion xB at 7.1/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this hatchback. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.6/10, while Technology at 6.4/10 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. We score reliability at 7.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.6/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify 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 6.4/10 — 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 $13,650–$17,442, 15 MPG, seating 5, the Scion xB sits in the budget-friendly tier of the hatchback market. The 7.6/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 12 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2014 Scion xB is a passable hatchback but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance and technology hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 2014 Scion xB ranks #70 of 99 hatchbacks in the Carivo database — better than 30% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $13,650 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $23,280 by about 41%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hatchback ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2012 Scion xB scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2014's 7.1 — and starts roughly $1,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $14,235 | Read review → |
| 2014 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $13,650 | |
| 2013 | 6.9/10 | $13,065 | Read review → |
| 2012 | 6.9/10 | $12,480 | Read review → |
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.
| 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,… |
|---|---|
| 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… |
| Equipment 30/12/2014 · 14V828000 | Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or… |
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.
