Road Test: 2010 Scion xD

Scion really has a good idea going with its “mono spec” pricing and tons of factory-approved and installed “accessories" on its 2010 Scion xD. Why is it worth looking at Scion xD?

Scion just builds great cars with lots of flexibility, zippy performance and advanced safety features at an affordable price. For 2010, Scion’s five-door xD urban subcompact is a good choice at a base MSRP for $14,800 (manual transmission) and $15,600 (automatic transmission).

Not much has changed from the 2009 model year for the Scion xD. While the MSRP only increased $150, 2010 models now feature way cool new audio systems and standard electronic stability control (ESC), which is a safety feature the government has required on all vehicles starting in 2011.

Why do you want to buy a “mono spec” Scion and then add accessories at the dealership? Here are some benefits:

• Buying accessories from the car maker directly as in Toyota Racing Development (TRD) performance products means each product is designed and tested right alongside the vehicle giving factory accessories better engineering.
• Factory-made accessories are usually covered under your car’s existing warranty.
• Dealerships have trained and certified professionals who install each accessory. Plus, labor costs are usually covered in the accessory’s price.)

2010 Scion xD Exterior

Size wise, the 2010 Scion xD can be comparable to the funky Nissan Cube and the toy-like Kia Soul. Fortunately, the 2010 Scion xD looks more sporty than these two newcomers in the urban subcompact category.

To me, the 2010 Scion xD looks like a super cool station wagon with its four doors and hefty hatchback. However, the car’s wide stance, pointy nose, menacing grille, narrow back windows and sculpted side doors make for a more sporty look than your typical family wagon. The addition of a matching rear spoiler accessory really takes the 2010 Scion xD to a more racy level.

The 2010 Scion xD comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, three standard wheel cover options and lots of wheel and cover accessories to further customize your new 2010 Scion xD.

Some other exterior accessory items include an upgraded front grille, fog lights, paint protection film on hood and fenders and rear wind deflectors.

2010 Scion xD Interior

For such a tiny look on the outside, I was surprised by all the room inside the 2010 Scion xD. Leg and head room is exceptional for this urban subcompact hatchback.

Personally, I found the black-on-black interior of the 2010 Scion xD is cool, especially the dash’s textured plastic. Although I wasn’t too excited about the non-telescoping steering wheel, I did enjoy the driver’s cockpit thoroughly.

For the dash, I found the three large knobs to control air climate is simple and handsome. I also loved the built-in steering wheel controls, deep wells for mobile devices and cups, along with a handy stick shift that fit perfectly in my right hand.

I was very confused about Scion’s newfangled audio system for 2010. Even after driving the 2010 Scion xD for a few days, I still could not figure out this jumble of a system (see more about the new audio system below). The four-way silver control button was too touchy to change while driving and the tiny buttons for other options were annoying and unreadable to my myopic eyes.

The seats aren’t overly comfortable for a full-sized woman such as myself nor plush for long road trips. However, I can certainly see how younger (and thinner) people will enjoy the cloth seats. The rear seats have plenty of leg room and even move back and forth and recline.

Cargo space is enhanced by the nice hatchback space. Even with the rear seats up, there’s plenty of room for a shopping trip to the grocery store. And, by moving the second row seats completely forward and then folding them forward, the 2010 Scion xD provides tons of cargo room versatility. The 60/40 rear seats collapse easily and almost completely flat.

The 2010 Scion xD now comes standard with a six-speaker, 160-watt Pioneer audio system, which includes AM, FM, CD, USB, iPod, iPhone and USB connectivity. The system’s “advanced sound retriever” (ASR) has a subwoofer with RCA output.

Scion also offers an optional Alpine premium audio system with the same features as the Pioneer audio system. The Alpine system, however, includes a 4.3 inch color touch panel, HD Radio technology and RCA outputs in both the front and the rear. (The Alpine system also comes “ready” for an optional back-up camera and navigation system plus there’s an optional plug-in navigation unit available.)

2010 Scion xD Performance

I don’t remember being thrilled the last time I drove a Scion xD. This road test, however, I was completely enamored with the 2010 Scion xD.

My 2010 Scion xD came with a 1.8 liter, automatic transmission, four-cylinder engine, which gets a whopping 33 mpg highway. Overall, I found the drive to be quite zippy with excellent handling, suspension and braking.

Plus, I just LOVED the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) exhaust and its truck-like growl on my customized 2010 Scion xD. The TRD shocks gave the 2010 Scion xD a more smooth, yet more controlled ride. Overall, my customized 2010 Scion xD was a complete pleasure to drive even though I’m a middle aged mother who, according to research data, shouldn’t like such hip and modern vehicles.

2010 Scion xD Safety

The 2010 Scion xD has lots of standard advanced safety features such as electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes, electronic brake assist and traction control. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration awarded the 2010 Scion xD with four stars in front driver, front passenger and rollover crash testing. The vehicle received five stars in side driver and side passenger tests.

2010 Scion xD Trim Levels, Packages & Options

The 2010 Scion xD comes in one trim level. New car buyers choose exterior color and transmission type only. Standard features on the 2010 Scion xD are plentiful, including power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors as well as remote keyless entry, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, traction control, tire pressure monitor system, advanced air bags, cruise control, first aid kit and tilt steering wheel with built-in steering wheel controls for audio system. All 2010 Scion models include a $670 delivery, processing and handling fee.

2009 Scion xD Release Series 2.0

For its final limited edition for 2009, Scion is offering just 1,600 “electric wasabi green” vehicles. Unique interior modifications include four-in-one interior lights, illuminated door sills and silver-accented seat fabric. Some of the interior upgrades include Pioneer’s touch screen Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) head unit with flash memory, voice recognition and Bluetooth connectivity. In addition, the AVN system comes with USB, SD card, iPod connectivity, satellite radio, rear view camera, HD Radio (ready). If the parking brake is engages the system also plays iPod videos. By downloading freeware software, Scion’s AVN system can transfer personal and destination information to the head unit via SD card or USB memory device. A color-keyed rear spoiler is available as an option.

Still considering a 2010 Scion xD? Make sure you test drive one with TRD performance accessories. Drive on, Scion!

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow me! @sheryllalexande