I am considering getting an xB. Found this site and I think I accidentally posted to a region rather than to the xB owners so I'm trying this again.

Why did you choose the xB over a vehicle like the Element? I haven't driven the xB yet but have tested the Element. Would love to hear your take.

Thanks!

 

For me, the biggest reason was the fact that in order to get in the back of an Element, the front door has to be opened before the rear door. If someone's sitting in front, that also means their seatbelt has to come off, since it's on the rear door.

 

Do you want more than two windows that go down? Then don't get an Element. They only have those minivan vents in the back...

 

For me price was a consideration - I didn't really want to drop that much on an Element.

They both have their high points but for me, after I drove both, I decided the xB was for me. Plus I'm really not interested in the plastic composite panels or even the fully painted, it does nothing for me.

 

The Element and the xB are not comparable vehicles.

The xB a subcompact station wagon, based on the Echo (Toyota's econobox platform.

The Element is a crossover-type compact SUV, like the CR-V (which is an all-around better car, IMHO).

The Element costs thousands of dollars more than the xB.

The Element gets much worse fuel economy than the xB.

In addition, the Element, despite its form factor, has a load limit of a ridiculous 675 pounds. Four adult Americans could easily exceed that, even without baggage.

R

 

Well, I don't know about "not comparable" as once I decided to buy a new car my top two choices were the Element and the xB. I think they can rightfully be compared for their similar boxy styling.

That being said, I chose the xB on fuel economy and price point. The xB is rated at almost 10mpg higher than the Element.

Just my two cents.
-V

 

Have you ever seen an Element modded? I've seen maybe 1.

The Element just doesn't have the "it factor." I personally bought the xB, because it was so different. On top of that, I'm a poor college student with a girlfriend (which means I'm broker than broke). The xB came with all the options that I "needed" and I didn't have to pay more for it. Insurance was cheap for it. Gas mileage is amazing. I can also throw 3 snowboards and 2 friends in it and hit the slopes if I want to. It's front wheel drive, so it does ok in the snow. I can also fit my 2 brothers and my dad in it without anyone complaining of not having enough leg room (my dad is 6'2" and my brothers are 6'5" and 6'6"). I've also been able to do most of my modding myself due to the "basicness" of the box. If you can put legos together, then you can work on the box. Ok... not quite, but close.

 

xB is a fun car. Soccer Moms drive Elements. marketed to different demographics.
xb is much more economical, no comparison. I never considered an Element because it's out of my price range and MPG is too low.

 

you can modify a xB so much easier that a element, and still look good. the element is a honda, nuff said. And of course, as for many people, it looks differ!!!

 

i considered selling my xb after my car accident (not my fault) to get an element for practical purposes, but i couldn't get over the fact that it was running the same engine as an accord (2.4l) which translates into low mpg .. i had a 2000 accord (same engine) and it was getting 20mpg!

i'm currently get 30mpg in my xb with a manual in city and in freeway driving..

for me, the xb was practical enough that I can add a roof rack when i was feeling adventrous and also had a lot of stares at it (good stares i mean) from people.. .. not sure where you live , but in CA, gas is reaching $3.60 a gallon, but the xb only requires 87 octane so it's not as bad...

Test drive an xB and feel the differece.. like others have already said, they are both catered to different people, but you'll be amazed at the amount of use in the box!

Good luck on your search

 

The Element is TOOOOO curvy!

 

I don't like how the element looks plus it's larger in size than the xb. living in manhattan, i just wanted a small and reliable car that i could park almost anywhere. that's why i chose the xb.
- sh00k

 

Prior to the box I looked at the Element, Santa Fe, and CRV coming off a Suburban. My take on the element was if you do a lot of hauling it would be nice, but it only seats 4. I have two kids and a wife and usually another traveler. I wanted 5 seats. If you are a big camper, the seats with the moon-roof over them would be fun, and the fold out of the way seat is good for gear.

For ride preference I preferred and bought the Santa Fe. It rode much better than the Element and had 5 seats. I had the 6-cyl and AWD and when gas became a factor I ran across my box. Liked the room for passengers, style, and MPG. So here I am.

 

IMO- I bought the xB because it has 4 real doors, price, mpg.

I really liked the tow rating on the Element, the back window can open but the tailgate stays shut, more power.

In hind sight I probably would have gotten the Element if I knew my actual gas mileage was going to be 28mpg on the xB.

I like my xB it just isn't all that as far as mpg for how I drive and where I live. It has been trouble free and a great commuter car.

 

The Element is a great vehicle, and I considered it. I went with the XB instead because of the lower price and better mpg.

 

dont like the elemnts styling
the windows all roll all the way down in the xB
Toyota reliability
gas mileage

and my wife really liked it

 

after most of us have agreed the price point and gas mileage were major factors the third thing i noticed when i call my insurance company was the huge difference in my insurance premiums over a 6.12 and 24 month period so after waying eerything involved i opted for the xb

 

I never even considered an Element. I bought the xB because that is what I wanted.
1. I never could get over how STUPID the Element looks with those ridiculous plastic body panels. I know the newer ones are all painted, but I still don't like the appearance.
2. The Elements just don't have their own distinctive "style". To me, it's just an ugly-looking CRV. The xB screams "style". Even to those that don't like them, the xB is still very noticeable and instantly recognizable as a Scion.
3. You will NEVER find another enthusiast group as tightly knit as Scion!
4. Scion REALLY does appreciate its loyal customers and enthusiasts and goes a LONG way to prove it. When was the last time anyone ever heard of Honda sending anyone anywhere? Scion flew 300+ of us to South Beach from all over the U.S., put us up in one of the finest hotels in Miami, and put on one of the greatest events known to man, all to celebrate the upcoming release of 2 new vehicles. You'd be hard-pressed to get Honda to even give you a second thought, let alone anything else!

 

i love the xB cause i can sit in the back seat more comfortabley than in the front seat of most cars...keep in mind i'm 6'2"

 

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made a good point. tall people have got no problem in this box, its a unique and distinctive vehicle that is a "one of a kind" on the road without any mods, but they help too . Second, the price and fuel economy is outragious (good outragious...), at least 25mpg street if you drive like a madman, or up to 30+ if you drive like a civilized human! plus, take this baby on the highway and never stop at a gas station! now, most econ-cars are small, cheap feeling and very, truthfully, lame. this car comes compete, that means with EVERYTHING, for about 15k. But you dont get a "cheap, uncomfortable" feeling, it feels sturdy, safe and comfortable, because it is. If you think you like this car, then you love it. nobody typically says, "well... its aight...". you get either "ew wtf is that?!" or "booya!". now, becase you are in a scion fourem there is gonna be people taking sides (cough always with xB cough) but in all honestly we all bought this car for the same reason; Its cheap, its cool, its comfortable, it looks unique and its a toyota.