2008 Scion xB: Which Would You Choose?

I like the RAV4, but I've become bored with Toyotas (owned three in eight years), so it's the CR-V for me. I actually like its styling, and it has a nice balance of size, utility, economy, and value.

If I HAD to buy a crossover (and I most certainly wouldn't) and within the price constraints you've given, I'd get a Tuscon (65cf,24mpgc,$16,995) or Santa Fe (78cf,22mpgc,$21,145). Hyundai's value is hard to beat.

I'll take a Subaru Forester, thanks.
65 cu. ft.
25mpg combined (with a 5mt)
Base price 21K.

I was just about to say, "Where's the Forester?" boxermike beat me to the punch (pun intended)! :o)

I'll definitly take the xB. Cheapest price with lots of space and among the best MPG.

I think I'd take the RAV4 or the CR-V.
 
OT: Isn't the University of Phoenix an online diploma mill?

I think, based upon price point and vehicle shape, you should include the Chevy HHR in there....maybe the PT Cruiser as well (is that still being made?)...
 
And soon, the MINI Clubman :)
 
Joe
 
P.s. I'm waiting for another post on the M3...I have some pertinent information about the engine failure, obtained from Roundel magazine.

joefrompa, I was thinking the exact same thing. When I saw the title of this post, the HHR was the first thing that jumped into my mind in term of similarities to the Scion xB.
The HHR has slightly less space, slightly better fuel economy, and costs about the same with the same type transmission transmission.
 
HHR 63.1 ft^3 25mpg(comb)

I was thinking about putting the HHR on there, along with the Rondo and 09 Vibe/Matrix. But Kia measures cargo volume differently and I could get combined fuel economy for the Vibe. So I just kept it to xB vs crossovers.

xB is my choice, I hate tall SUVs, the xB is the lowest of them all. The xB got the utilities of a SUV/wagon, drives like a car, perfect.

Forester.

SAAB 9-3 SportCombi

I would say the Forester, or the Mazda5 or Rondo. The HHR is quite the looker too, though, so I'd say the best thing is that there's a lot of choice for practical vehicles nowadays.

After reading through the list, I would likely buy another Subaru Legacy wagon. Mine has 70 cubic feet of cargo space and get 25 mpg in normal driving so it's right in the middle of this bunch.
 
I don't see any advantage to the high seating position so I will stick with a car that has the guts to call itself what it truely is.... a wagon :)

Thought provoking post, Mr. Riswick. I personally like the character, price, and styling of the Outlander, but I recognize it's not as refined as the CR-V or RAV, nor does it use very impressive materials. C/D's Feb issue has a good comparo of nine of the SUVs in the segment, a good read as a point of reference, for anyone interested.

Based on that spec chart the Scion seems to be the best deal, but it has center mounted gauges and thats a deal killer for me.
 
My top 3.
1. Mitsubishi Outlander
2. Ford Escape
3. Honda Element (not mentioned, but it should be up there)

I bought an Outlander and the cargo space was one of the top considerations. The Outlander has the biggest cargo space behind the second row in the class, which is how I use it 99.99% of the time.
The low loading floor, raised, sliding and reclining second row and the roof height makes it very roomy for bulky items. The cargo is quite deep too (behind the second row) so overall very useful. Not to mention the split tailgate, that is absolutely great.
I would trade few mpg any day for better performance and this is why I ruled out any I4. As for the price, very important too, but the way I look at it is the bang for the buck more than the price itself. No other SUV in this class could beat the Outlander in this category either.
Perhaps one of the most important criteria for me is the design and this is where the Outlander had a huge head start.
Before the Outlander came out, my choice was the RAV4 V6 Sport (the best engine in the class), but the Outlander had me at "Hello" and the rest is history.

Center mounted gauges are very easy to adjust to, it quickly becomes natural in a couple weeks. And with the thousands you saved, you could always add the gauges yourself.

@ daytona 500 - the Escape? Really? Based on... available rebates? The rig dates back to 2000 and is mild with a V6, I can't imagine it with a four.

I'll take a CX-7 thanks, all others fail.

alpha01,
 
Yes that's right I would choose the Escape. My dad rented one this summer and it was really nice. Good build quality, nice handling and power, plenty of space and its comofortable and stylish. The fact that's its considerably cheaper than the others is just a bonus.
 
To me the rest on this list dont matter that much. The RAV4 gets expensive quick, the CR-V is ugly, Rogue is boring, Murano and Edge are too expensive. I will say the VUE is nice, I should have ranked 2nd along with the Escape.

Sure, Saab/CX-7/etc. are nice, but we're talking $16k here. Might be better to limit choices to base Rav4/CR-V $$ (say $22,000). Out of that group, I'd lean towards the xB. I don't like the CR-V's looks, and the Rav4 doesn't do enough to make me want to pay the extra $$, since it has the same engine (I have no need for AWD).

I think this lists just shows what every sensible person already knows--wagons are a far better value than crossovers and SUV's.

I'd like to submit the Rondo in this comparison as well.

You can get a base, not that I would recommend getting a base CX-7 for 19,995.