Is Scion xD good?
The Scion xD is generally a sensible, budget-friendly used hatchback that offers Toyota reliability and good city fuel economy, but it's not powerful or feature-rich by modern standards. It's a solid value if you find a well-maintained example and don’t expect high-speed thrills.
Overview and positioning
The Scion xD was a compact hatchback sold by Toyota’s Scion brand from the late 2000s until 2014. It was designed to be affordable, simple to drive, and easy to own, with a focus on practical daily use rather than performance or luxury. As a discontinued model, buyers today are shopping in the used-car market, where price and condition dominate the equation. The xD benefits from Toyota reliability and widely available parts, but it shows its age next to newer subcompacts that offer more advanced safety tech and infotainment features.
Performance and practicality
Power, efficiency and driving experience
Under the hood sits a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing about 128 horsepower. The xD can be equipped with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, with acceleration that is adequate for city and light highway driving but deliberately modest by modern standards. Real-world fuel economy typically lands in the upper 20s to mid-30s mpg, depending on year, transmission, and driving habits. The ride is straightforward and predictable, with a chassis tuned for practicality rather than sportiness. Interior space is usable for its size, and the hatchback layout offers better cargo flexibility than many small sedans.
Features and design notes
Inside, the xD emphasizes simplicity. Earlier models offered dependable basic amenities, with Bluetooth/iPod integration becoming more common in later years. Compared with newer subcompacts, it lacks some of the modern driver-assistance tech, touchscreen infotainment options, and premium materials. For buyers who value straightforward controls and low maintenance costs, the xD remains appealing; for those chasing the latest tech and luxury, there are more modern alternatives.
Pros and cons
What follows summarizes the core positives and tradeoffs of the Scion xD as a used-car choice.
Pros
- Strong reliability heritage from Toyota engineering
- Excellent fuel economy for a hatchback in its class
- Compact footprint with usable cargo space for urban driving
- Simple, durable mechanicals and affordable maintenance
Conclusion: The xD shines as a budget-friendly, low-stress daily driver with practical cargo capacity and easy ownership costs.
Cons
- Underpowered acceleration, especially on highway merges or hills
- Rougher ride and higher noise levels compared with newer subcompacts
- Outdated technology and safety features by today’s standards
- Rear-seat space is tight for taller passengers, with limited luxury touches
Conclusion: If you want modern conveniences or strong performance, the xD may disappoint; if you want simple, economical transport, it remains a reasonable pick in the used market.
What to look for when buying a used Scion xD
Before pulling the trigger on a used xD, use this checklist to assess condition and value. A well-documented maintenance history and a thorough inspection can significantly influence long-term ownership costs.
- Mechanical condition: check for smooth startup, clean idle, no unusual knocks or misfires, and even brake and clutch operation if you test a manual transmission
- Suspension and tires: look for uneven tire wear or clunks over bumps, which can indicate worn bushings or shocks
- Rust and underbody health: inspect wheel arches, rocker panels, and the undercarriage for rust or corrosion
- Interior wear and electronics: assess seat fabric, console plastics, HVAC performance, and any infotainment quirks or dead sensors
- Maintenance history and recalls: verify regular oil changes, timing-related services if applicable, and whether any open recalls were completed
Conclusion: A carefully chosen, well-maintained xD can deliver reliable service for years, but a neglected example can incur ongoing repair costs that outweigh the purchase price.
Summary
The Scion xD remains a practical, affordable option for budget-minded buyers seeking simple, reliable daily transport with decent cargo flexibility. Its strengths lie in Toyota-grade reliability and economical operation, while its drawbacks include modest power, dated tech, and older safety features. If you’re hunting in the used-car market, prioritize a solid maintenance history, a clean mechanical slate, and a price that reflects its age. For shoppers seeking modern conveniences or sporty performance, there are newer, better-equipped choices available; for others, the xD can still be a smart, low-stress buy.
