2014 Scion xB — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Hatchback

2014 Scion xB

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $13,650–$17,442
Fuel Economy 15 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Hatchback
Est. Annual Fuel $3,500/yr
The 2014 Scion xB scores 7.1/10 at Carivo, ranking #70 of 99 hatchbacks, with 3 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $3,500/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2014 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$2,500
CO₂ Emissions368 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleHatchback
Base Price$13,650–$17,442

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

About the 2014 Scion xB

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 →

How It Ranks Among Hatchbacks

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 →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2014 Scion xB

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$17,500 ($3,500/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which xB Year Should You Buy?

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.

YearScoreStarting 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 →

Pros & Cons — 2014 Scion xB

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category

✗ 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 15 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2014 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 with our free VIN recall checker.

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.

Own a 2014 Scion xB that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →

Common Questions — 2014 Scion xB

Is the 2014 Scion xB reliable?

We rate the 2014 Scion xB's reliability 7.1/10 — 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 2014 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 2014 Scion xB worth buying?

It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #70 of 99 hatchbacks in our database (better than 30% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2014 Scion xB cost?

The 2014 Scion xB starts at $13,650 and ranges up to $17,442 across trims (MSRP when new). At 15 MPG, expect roughly $3,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which xB years should you avoid?

No standout weak years: across the 4 xB model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.1/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.

What problems does the 2014 Scion xB have?

The documented issues for the 2014 Scion xB are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags, Service brakes, hydraulic, Equipment (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.

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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