2006 Scion xA: Road Test
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2006 Scion xA ▼
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- MSRP: $12,780 -$13,580
- Invoice: $12,140 -$12,900
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Our road test for the 2006 Scion xA includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Scion xA from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Scion xA, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Scion xA help you decide if a 2006 Scion xA is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4.4 |
Automatic-transmission test car took a leisurely 10.6 sec 0-60 mph, showed marginal midrange power for passing and hill climbing. Manual-transmission xA feels a tad livelier, offers better passing response, but shift action rubbery.
FUEL ECONOMY
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.7 |
Test xA with manual averaged a laudable 33.3 mpg in mostly city driving. Automatic model averaged 28.0-30.5 mpg in mixed driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
Annoying small-car chop on expansion joints and broken pavement at highway speeds, but soft chassis settings cope well with bumps and ruts at city speeds.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Typical front-drive small car, with early, marked cornering lean, modest grip from skinny tires. Tidy size and quick, responsive steering ease parking, but lightweight xA wanders in gusty crosswinds and in wakes from big trucks. Braking good in normal driving, but test car's simulated emergency stops not impressively short.
QUIETNESS
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Engine emits moderate boom above about 4000 rpm, but xA cruises comfortably at 60-70 mph. Stout-feeling structure with seemingly ample sound-deadening minimizes coarse-pavement tire thrum. Wind noise modest, too.
CONTROLS
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
Gauges and warning lights in central dashtop pod aren't angled toward driver; may be too small and distant for some eyes. Toyota-typical steering-column stalks, simple climate controls. Audio units easy to adjust while driving.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
High-profile body positions occupants comfortably upright, but leaves six-footers with only OK head and leg space. Seats better shaped than the small-car norm, but seem a bit thin on padding and have limited rearward travel. Tilt steering wheel may not rise high enough to clear some drivers' legs. Good sight lines, though rear headrests narrow views directly aft and over the shoulder.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Narrow bench with short cushion and backrest is cozy for two adults, especially with front seats set far back. But it's OK for shorter trips, thanks to fine under-seat foot room. Entry/exit demands some twisting, but little crouching.
CARGO ROOM
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4.7 |
Not much without dropping the rear seatbacks, which fold fairly flat but require removing headrests. Otherwise, about six grocery bags is the limit. Cabin storage comprises modest-size glovebox, small front-door map pockets, and two dashboard cubbies, one of which lights up behind a translucent cover.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
The Scion brand is Toyota's youth-oriented offspring, and the xA has been its least-popular model. Standard antilock brakes and available side airbags are laudable safety bonuses in this class. But Scions are seldom discounted, while larger rivals like Ford Focus are, thus matching or beating xA for outright dollar value.
Total Score
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 47 | 45 | 52 |
Total Score: 46
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