Against 407 other 4-cyl cars rated 2013–2015, the xB trails their 27.3 mpg average by 3.3 mpg, about $193 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2004, the 1.5L 4-cyl (2004–2006), does 28.7 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.4L 4-cyl (2008–2015), 24: $262 a year apart.
Every Scion xB engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 26.7 / 31.7 | 2004–2006 | $1,338 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 22 / 27.4 | 2008–2015 | $1,600 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Kia Soul gets 26.3 mpg, the Subaru Impreza 30.7 mpg and the Honda Fit 36 mpg, next to 24 mpg for the 2015 xB. The xB costs the most of them to run: $533 a year more than the Honda Fit.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2015) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2013–2015 | +$193 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,482 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2015 Scion xB gives up 5 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 22 in the city, $323 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2015) | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (23%) | Typical for its type |
How the xB changed over the years
The xB peaked in 2005 at 29 mpg (27 city, 32 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2015 at 24 — 5 mpg apart, or $276 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2015 car does 24.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2014 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2013 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2012 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2011 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2010 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2009 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2008 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2006 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2005 | 27 / 32 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2004 | 27 / 32 | 1 | $1,324 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 11 EPA ratings of the Scion xB — 2 engines across 2004–2015. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,482. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2015 Scion xB get?
24 mpg combined, 22 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2004 the xB has averaged 25.3 mpg.
Is the 2015 xB more efficient than the 2014?
About the same: 24 against 24 mpg combined.
Which xB year has the best gas mileage?
The 2005, at 29 mpg combined (27 city, 32 highway).
Does the xB get better gas mileage than the Kia Soul?
No: 24 mpg for the 2015 xB against 26.3 for the 2016 Kia Soul, about $140 a year more to run.
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