Buyers who want a car that’s as cool as it is reliable and safe have limited options. The Scion xB and Nissan Cube both fit in the “outside the box” category, but when compared to each other, the Scion xB offers more for buyers than just good looks.
Value
The 2012 Scion xB with automatic transmission starts at an MSRP of $17,250, while the Nissan Cube 1.8S starts at an MSRP of $17,580. That’s already a $330 advantage for the xB, an advantage that continues to grow when you dig deeper. On U.S. News rankings for “Affordable Small Cars,” the Scion xB comes in 11 spots ahead of the Cube and ahead of other competition including the MINI Cooper, Fiat 500 and Toyota Matrix. A review from edmunds.com noted, “Rest assured, for those who are so hip they're square, the xB still has undeniable appeal." Also, adding to the value is the plethora of standard features found on the xB that are absent or extra on the Cube, including standard power exterior mirrors with turn-signal indicators, an exterior temperature gauge, a Pioneer audio system with HD Radio™ and Bluetooth® technology.
Performance and Comfort
The Scion xB continues to dominate when it comes to everyday driving. The xB comes standard with a 2.4-liter powerplant with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence capable of 158 hp and 162 lb/ft of torque. The Cube, on the other hand, comes with an inferior 1.8-liter mill that puts out only 122 hp and 127 lb/ft of torque. Those horses make a huge difference during everyday driving and even more when merging onto the highway. With the Scion xB coming in both longer and wider than the Cube, xB passengers will appreciate the extra space – 13 extra cubic feet of passenger volume compared to the Cube, which translates into more rear legroom, headroom and shoulder room.
Safety
While both the xB and Cube are extremely safe vehicles and have been named “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, only the xB comes standard with the STAR Safety System™, which incorporates Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and the Anti-Lock Brake System that features Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution. All brakes aren’t created equal; only the xB uses standard four-wheel disc brakes, compared to the front disc/rear drum combination found on the Cube. The Cube also uses smaller, 15-inch wheels compared to the 16-inchers found on the xB. For added peace of mind, the xB comes standard with the Scion Service Boost, a complimentary maintenance plan for two years or 25,000 miles that covers all oil changes and other routine maintenance plus 24-hour Roadside Assistance.
The Scion xB continues to be the choice for those who want a cool ride but don’t want to sacrifice power and value to get it. Stop by today and take the 2012 Scion xB for a test drive.
