Scion xD Review

The 2008 Scion xD replaces the Toyota division's cute, efficient xA. Introduced four years ago, the xA was a popular subcompact. Scion's grand plan is to offer new models frequently, so it was time for the xA to go. While the xD is all new, shoppers can think of it as the second generation of the xA. In spirit and execution, it remains essentially the same: A small, efficient, relatively inexpensive four-door hatchback aimed at young, stylish buyers.

The new xD has a boxier roofline and more bulbous hood. We think it has lost some of the distinctiveness of the xA, but the xD can be dressed up into a unique, good-looking car, and that remains part of the Scion plan. The new xD is designed for easy personalization, and Scion offers dozens of dealer-installed parts, starting with an array of custom wheels.


On paper, the Scion xD has the right stuff. It has a longer wheelbase and wider track yet virtually the same overall length as the xA; that means shorter overhangs for a sportier appearance suggesting more agile handling. With a 1.8-liter engine making 128 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, the xD is substantially more powerful than the 1.5-liter xA model it replaces (by 20 hp). The new xD's engine also benefits from the latest version of Toyota's VVT-i, or variable valve timing, technology for strong power and good fuel economy.