What did Toyota replace the Scion xB with?

In broad terms, Toyota replaced the Scion xB with the Toyota C-HR in the U.S. market. There isn't a direct one-for-one successor, but the C-HR became the closest modern equivalent to the xB’s compact, practical niche after Scion was dissolved in 2016.

Context: the Scion xB and the end of Scion

The Scion xB began life in the early 2000s as a distinctive, boxy hatchback aimed at practical urban buyers. Its second generation carried the same tall, roomy profile but with updated styling and technology. When Toyota retired the Scion brand in 2016, the xB was effectively phased out along with the rest of Scion’s lineup. In the years that followed, Toyota shifted its small-car strategy toward crossovers and more modern compact models, rather than offering a direct xB replacement.

What replaced it in Toyota’s lineup

The closest contemporary substitute for the xB’s niche is the Toyota C-HR, a subcompact crossover that delivers a similar footprint with a higher ride height, more cargo flexibility, and modern safety/tech features. The C-HR was unveiled in 2016 as a 2017 model year vehicle and reached U.S. showrooms in 2017, signaling Toyota’s pivot away from boxy hatchbacks toward compact crossovers. There was no exact one-for-one replacement model for the xB, but the C-HR filled the practical crossover role that many former xB buyers sought.

How the C-HR fits the gap

The C-HR and the xB target similar consumer desires—compact size for urban use, good interior versatility, and distinctive styling—with the C-HR offering a more modern package, higher seating position, and integrated safety technology. This reflects a broader industry shift toward crossovers as the dominant segment in small-car offerings.

To illustrate the transition, consider the following milestones in Toyota’s replacement strategy:

Before the list explains the timeline of changes, and after it there’s a short summary of what those milestones imply for the market.

• 2016: Scion brand is discontinued, and remaining Scion models are phased out.


• 2017: Toyota introduces the C-HR for the U.S. market (as a 2017/2018 model year depending on region), signaling a shift from boxy hatchbacks to crossovers.


• 2018 onward: C-HR becomes the practical, modern alternative to the xB for buyers seeking a compact crossover with contemporary tech.

These milestones show how Toyota redirected its small-car strategy toward crossovers rather than pursuing a direct Scion-based successor to the xB.

• Body type: xB was a compact, boxy hatchback; C-HR is a subcompact crossover with a higher ride height.


• Powertrain: xB offered a traditional four-cylinder setup in its era; C-HR typically uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a CVT in the U.S.


• Features: C-HR includes modern safety systems and infotainment options that were not standard on late-generation xB models.


• Pricing and positioning: C-HR sits at a higher price point, reflecting its crossover positioning and feature set.


• Market strategy: The shift reflects Toyota’s broader pivot to crossovers as mainstream, volume sellers in the compact segment.

In summary, the Scion xB’s direct replacement did not exist in Toyota’s lineup. The Toyota C-HR is the closest contemporary successor in spirit and market positioning, representing Toyota’s pivot from boxy hatchbacks to compact crossovers.

Summary

The Scion xB was discontinued as part of the Scion brand shutdown in 2016. Toyota did not offer a direct replacement model; instead, it introduced the Toyota C-HR, a compact crossover that occupies a similar practical niche and reflects the automaker’s move toward crossovers in the modern lineup. The C-HR debuted for the 2017 model year and has served as the closest modern alternative to the xB for buyers seeking a small, versatile, and stylish vehicle.

What year to avoid Scion xB?

Years to potentially avoid for the Scion xB are 2008-2011 due to common issues with excessive oil consumption from the engine. The 2006 model had multiple recalls, particularly concerning the climate and exhaust systems. While other years had their own specific recalls, like 2009-2011 for power window switches and certain models for airbag inflators, the 2008-2011 oil consumption issue is frequently cited as a major drawback. 
Years to approach with caution

• 2008–2011: These models are known for having engines that can consume excessive amounts of oil. 
• 2006: This year saw multiple recalls, with owners reporting problems with the climate system, exhaust, and paint. 
• 2009–2011: Several models were recalled for issues with the power window master switch. 
• 2011: This model year had a high number of recalls and potential issues with the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system. 

This video discusses common problems with the Scion xB, including oil consumption: 53sReDrivenYouTube · Mar 9, 2025
Years that may be better

• Pre-2008 models: The first generation of the Scion xB, before the 2.4L engine was introduced in 2008, is often considered a reliable option, especially with the 1.5L engine. 
• Post-2011 models: These vehicles, starting with the 2011 model year and beyond, began using a different engine that is less prone to oil consumption issues. However, the 2011 model year itself had a high number of recalls, so it's important to check service records for any specific vehicle. 

Why did Toyota kill off Scion?

Toyota discontinued the Scion brand due to a combination of declining sales, the inability to connect with its target younger demographic, and internal redundancy with the Toyota brand itself. The 2008 financial crisis impacted young buyers' ability to purchase new cars, and competitors like Hyundai and Kia offered more appealing value propositions, making it harder for Scion to succeed. Ultimately, Scion's models were no longer compelling enough and cannibalized sales from Toyota's own entry-level cars, so the brand was absorbed into the Toyota lineup.
 

• Failed to connect with target audience: Scion was created to attract younger buyers, but it struggled to win them over in significant numbers. The vehicles were not seen as compelling enough, and the target demographic's financial limitations also played a role. 
• Internal competition: Scion's lineup became too similar to Toyota's own compact cars, such as the Corolla. Since the Toyota brand offered better resale value and brand recognition, consumers often chose the Toyota over a Scion, even when both were sold at the same dealerships. 
• Intensified market competition: Other brands, particularly Hyundai and Kia, improved their offerings with better styling, longer warranties, and stronger marketing, increasing the competitive pressure on Scion. 
• Product lineup issues: Some Scion models, like the FR-S, were praised by automotive press for their handling but lacked desired features like a more powerful engine option, which hurt sales. New models also failed to generate sufficient interest. 
• Financial strain: Declining sales and the cost of maintaining the separate brand made it a financial burden for Toyota. 

In February 2016, Toyota announced it was ending the Scion brand and folding the remaining models into the main Toyota brand, allowing them to continue to be sold as Toyotas.

Is the Toyota bB and Scion xB the same?

In the United States, the first generation bB was sold under the Scion brand as the xB from June 2003 to 2007. For the Scion xB, the front passenger area was also changed significantly with the bB's front bench seat replaced with bucket seats and the column-mounted shifter changed to a floor-mounted shifter.

What is the Toyota version of the Scion xB?

Toyota bB
The first-generation xB was a lightly modified and rebadged version of the Japanese-market subcompact Toyota bB.