What cars are similar to a Scion xB?
The Kia Soul is the closest contemporary match to the Scion xB’s boxy, practical hatchback vibe. Other boxy or tall-walled compact options—both current and past—also aimed at maximizing interior space and urban usability. This article surveys current market rivals and historical peers that share the same pragmatic DNA.
Current and recent rivals you can buy today
These models are on sale now or remain widely available and represent the modern interpretation of the xB’s practical, boxy silhouette and versatile cargo space.
- Kia Soul — A distinctive, boxy hatchback with strong cargo space and a modern feature set (2009–present).
- Honda HR-V — A compact crossover with a tall roofline and flexible interior for errands and weekend trips (2016–present).
- Toyota C-HR — A compact crossover with a notably tall stance and efficient interior packaging (2016–present).
- Subaru Crosstrek — A rugged, boxier-minded small SUV with good interior space and all-wheel drive (2012–present).
- Nissan Kicks — A tall, affordable hatchback crossover with roomy cargo area and efficient tech (2016–present).
- Hyundai Kona — A compact SUV with a relatively upright profile and practical interior (2017–present).
In practice, these models offer similar aims to the xB: easy maneuverability in urban settings, flexible cargo areas, and a distinctive, space-conscious silhouette. The Kia Soul remains the most direct modern analogue, while HR-V, Crosstrek, C-HR, Kicks, and Kona broaden the field with varying mix of efficiency, tech, and capability.
Historical and niche peers
Beyond current offerings, several boxy hatchbacks and compact crossovers from the 2000s and early 2010s are frequently cited as direct relatives or spiritual predecessors to the xB’s design and utility. These models illustrate the era when boxy practicality was a mainstream selling point.
- Honda Element — The quintessential boxy, utilitarian compact SUV, prized for its rugged practicality (2003–2011).
- Toyota Matrix — A compact hatchback wagon sharing space and purpose with the xB during the same era (2003–2013).
- Pontiac Vibe — A badge-engineered sibling to the Matrix, offering similar interior practicality before its discontinuation (2003–2010).
- Nissan Cube — The quirky, highly boxy hatchback that appealed to buyers seeking distinctive style (US markets roughly 2009–2014).
- Toyota bB — A Japanese-market boxy hatch closely related to the xB’s architectural sensibilities (primarily sold outside the US).
- Chevrolet HHR — A retro-styled, boxy hatchback that echoed the xB’s utilitarian appeal (2006–2011).
These historic peers show how the xB’s design language influenced a generation of compact, practical boxy hatchbacks and small crossovers, even as several of these models have since left the market.
Summary
For buyers seeking a Scion xB-like blend of interior space and a distinctive, boxy silhouette, the current field centers on the Kia Soul and a range of tall-hatch/compact crossovers such as the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Subaru Crosstrek, Nissan Kicks, and Hyundai Kona. If you’re exploring used options or historical context, the Honda Element, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, Nissan Cube, Toyota bB, and Chevrolet HHR remain the most widely cited benchmarks for the xB’s practical, space-forward identity. Your choice will depend on whether you value modern safety features, cargo flexibility, or a retro-leaning, boxy aesthetic.
