Top Five Boxy Toy Cars of 2009-2010
Urban vehicles from Scion and Honda as well as newcomers Nissan and Kia are just super fun to own and drive. Why are these boxy and toy cars so popular?
First off, I believe building and marketing these cars to a younger market gives these truly modern rides more versatility, fuel economy, safety and signature style options.
Next, make sure you are willing to possibly sacrifice performance for funky, kooky or super functional design. While some of these boxy cars are super fun to drive, others aren’t so racy.
Plus, the hatchback design of boxy cars make them the perfect alternative to a sporty wagon, a boring family CUV, your father’s sedan or a subcompact dud.
Ready to drive a box or toy car? Take a ride here with my list of Top Five Boxy Toy Cars of 2009-2010:
Not much has changed from the cool 2009 to next year’s 2010 Scion model except a better standard audio system and improved integrated technology. The 2010 Scion xB 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. What could be better? The 2009 Scion xB was one of my most favorite cars to drive because of its versatility, overall excellent design and smooth performance. The second generation 2009 and 2010 models mark a more rounded shape to this boxy ride, but the curves just add to the Scion xB’s stylish good looks. As with all Scions, the 2009-2010 Scion xB can come equipment with factory tested, approved, installed and guaranteed interior, exterior and Toyota Racing Development performance accessories.
- Base MSRP: $15,750
- Fuel Economy: 28 hwy, 22 city
- Safety: Four star NHTSA rating for driver crash test
The Honda Element has been credited with helping start the “boxy” movement. Like the Scion xB, the Honda Element is has excellent overall marks, especially in versatility and safety. The 2010 Honda Element comes with an all-new “pet accommodation” system. Made especially for dogs and their owners, the equipment was designed specifically to fit inside the Element EX. Some of the equipment includes a nylon-webbed car kennel, secure restraints, an easy-to-clean rubber floor, soft floor mats, a fan, a spill-resistant water source and an extendable ramp.
- Base MSRP: $20,275
- Fuel Economy: 25 hwy, 20 city
- Safety: Five star NHTSA rating for driver crash test
Although the exterior of the 2009 Nissan Cube looks like an English cab on acid, there is still lots to love about this ultra stylish CUV. Frankly, the 2009 Nissan Cube has it all: super cool design inside and out, excellent overall performance, a super fun drive, rather good safety marks, incredible versatility and lots of standard features. Yes, the 2009 Nissan Cube is a wonder of seemingly crazy design that all works together to create one really cool-looking ride. Like Scion, the Nissan Cube also has a bevy of factory built and guaranteed accessories to customize your Cube both inside and out.
- Base MSRP: $13,990
- Fuel Economy: 30 mpg hwy
- Safety: Four star NHTSA rating for driver crash test
The 2009-2010 Scion xD looks like a super cool station wagon with its four doors and hefty hatchback. Plus, it comes with fun-to-drive performance, cool technology, versatile cargo room, lots of standard features and the ability to customize using factory-built (and guaranteed) accessories at the dealership. The 2009 and 2010 Scion xD models are practically the same except the 2010 model comes with Scion xB’s aforementioned upgraded sound system and integrated technology.
- Base MSRP: $14,800
- Fuel Economy: 33 mpg hwy
- Safety: Four star NHTSA rating for driver crash test
The 2010 Kia Soul looks almost like a toy car, yet this cool car has some good power and some overall good driving dynamics except for rather anemic acceleration even on the Sport model. The interior of the 2010 Kia Soul is not only funky and groovy, but definitely pleasing to the eye and ergonomically correct as well. Cargo space in the hatchback trunk, however, isn’t huge.
- Base MSRP: $13,300
- Fuel Economy:
- Safety: Five star NHTSA rating for driver crash test
Boxy and toy cars are really cute, really funky and really versatile. And, they can be really fun to drive. Just make sure you road test them all before buying!
Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow me! @sheryllalexande
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