If thinking outside the box is good, driving inside the box must be better. At least that’s the idea with the Honda Element and Scion xB. Along the way, they’ve attracted a wider crowd than their intended Generation Y buyers. The Element and xB are fun and practical -- a way to jazz up driving and stand apart without creating irreversible financial damage.
Scion’s parent company, Toyota, announced the end of xB production around the end of 2006, but it will be replaced with a new model in 2008. So why involve a lame duck in a comparison? Toyota intends to keep Scion cycles tight, in part to cope with the short attention spans of young buyers. Even though the xB is going away, we still see it as a competent ride.
So which is the better ride? I decided to get behind the wheel and compare them with a highly scientific formula of driving, poking and prodding. Here’s how they compare.
2007 Honda Element LX
MSRP: $18,900Engine: 2.4 liter, 16-valve, DOHC In-line 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 166 @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 161 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
MPG (city/highway): 21/25
Performance - 15/20
The two-wheel drive LX with a five-speed manual transmission makes the most of the 2.4 liter, i-VTEC engine’s 166 horsepower, and allows us to keep the revs high when necessary. Elements with automatics and four-wheel drive inspire less confidence when merging and passing on the highway. However, once up to speed, the engine delivers that typical Honda smoothness. It’s an amazing feat for a four-cylinder engine -- even better than a lot of six-cylinder engines in competitors’ vehicles.
Exterior Design - 16/20
For 2007, two- and four-wheel drive EX models feature the scratch- and dent-resistant composite body panels that match the body color. Also, in a nod to the street-tuner scene and perhaps as an attempt to sway would-be Scion xB buyers, the two-wheel drive SC edition is offered. It isn’t more powerful than the standard Element, but it tries to look the part with 18-inch wheels, special bodywork that includes body-colored composite panels and other assorted bling. Overall, the lack of any major changes to the Element is to Honda’s credit since there isn’t much to dislike, assuming the design works for you.
Interior Design - 8/10
Being a Honda, ergonomics are decent, with theater-style seating allowing the rear passengers to get a view of what’s to come. The Element boasts 64-way configurable seating, including fold-flat capability to stretch out and nap. To make the most of its generous 75 cubic feet of cargo space, the rear seats fold up to the side or they can be removed altogether. The clamshell tailgate and cargo hooks further encourage using the space to its full potential. The clamshell rear side doors, on the other hand, are a mixed blessing. Without a conventional B-pillar between the front and rear doors, loading and unloading gear from the sides is convenient. Loading and unloading passengers isn’t as handy, though, since the front doors must be open before the rear doors can operate. Unless everyone’s getting in or out, it behaves like a two-door vehicle. Not a major point of contention, but worth mentioning.
Sound System/Goodies - 6/10
Honda nicely equipped the Element LX for a base price of $18,900. The extensive list of standard features includes a basic CD player with four speakers, air conditioning, cruise control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist and traction control, tire pressure monitoring, and front side and side curtain air bags.
Driving Experience - 15/20
I’m lukewarm to the idea of using traditional SUVs for daily duties, but I understand the usefulness of having adequate room when it’s needed. The Honda Element is a great compromise, with more cargo room than a number of sport-utes, good mileage and a cool -- if no longer, more edgy -- look. Its boxiness doesn’t pose a problem in crosswinds as I first suspected. Actually, it handles well in most conditions -- if not amazingly well. Overall, compared to other small SUVs, it feels solid and composed.
Bang For Buck - 16/20
Honda moves so many units because it delivers reliability and value -- in other words, lower total cost of ownership. With fewer standard bells and whistles and a more aggressive base price, I suspect a few more people of the Generation Y persuasion would be getting into the Element. Remove the target demographic from the equation and the bang for the buck is respectable. I’d like to see a V6 option, but the Element is a solid choice nonetheless.
Overall Score - 76/100
The Honda Element represents what contemporary SUVs should aspire to be: manageable, stylish, roomy, and practical. All-wheel drive is an option, though the vehicle doesn’t pretend to be raring and ready for mud bogs and sand dunes. It does, however, succeed at its goal of being a modern, youthful, multipurpose vehicle with broad appeal.
2006 Scion xB
MSRP: $14,030Engine: 1.5 liter, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 103 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 101 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm
MPG (city/highway): 30/33
Performance - 15/20
If you stumble upon an xB Release 3.0 edition at the dealer, don’t mistake it for a 3.0 liter. The uniqueness of the 3.0 edition is limited to little more than cosmetics, and it still has the standard 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. If that doesn’t sound like much, you’re correct. The VVT-i variable valve timing is no substitute for supercharging or a turbo, but keep the revs up and the xB feels better-endowed than its 103 horsepower and 101 lb-ft of torque. The Vehicle Stability Control and traction control allow exploration of the xB’s surprisingly decent handling without capping the fun too early. When you do pull in the reins, the ABS brakes are up to the task. I was impressed by their feel and fade resistance relative to other vehicles in this class, and one of my biggest peeves, the front-end plow, was minimal under hard braking. The shifter left me a little disappointed: Without the optional TRD shift kit, it felt less precise than other Toyota products, and the throws were longish, making it somewhat of a challenge to maintain revs in the power band between gears.Exterior Design - 17/20
With the crosshairs set for Generation Y buyers, Toyota realized that the Scion should be sold in a way that would appeal to its demographic, and not to the demographic that buys Camrys and Land Cruisers. Scion relied heavily on the internet for attracting customers, and once they were in the showroom, sales pressure was virtually nonexistent as cars sold at the advertised price. Since the typical owner is inclined to modify the Scion inside and out, Scion embraced that tendency and offered personalization options straight from the factory.Interior Design - 6/10
When Scion states that the xB has room for five, it doesn't mean five defensive linemen. Still, the packaging allows you to schlep four of your moderately proportioned buddies across the city or leave one behind and road trip comfortably. They’ll benefit from theater-style seating, which will keep them perched a little higher than the driver. A curious feature is the off-center control panel on the dash. Scion designed the remaining space in front of the steering wheel for storage, and I’ll admit I got used to that in no time.Sound System/Goodies - 5/10
I hope you have a steady right foot, because cruise control isn’t available on the xB, and neither are front or rear side air bags. A high note is the standard six-speaker Pioneer CD sound system, which produces decent sound for a vehicle in this price range. At least, for many owners, it’s adequate until they save enough for the thousand-watt multimedia center that they’re inclined to install.Bang for the Buck - 17/20
Despite the omission of cruise and extra air bags, your money is still well-spent. The base price of $14,000 includes the aforementioned CD audio system, safety and traction control, ABS, and air conditioning. That’s nothing short of remarkable for the money. Watch out, though: You’ll have to exercise restraint with the options if price is a priority. You can add nearly $10,000 to the sticker if you check every option.Driving Experience - 18/20
Successfully escaping the branding of a “Cute Ute,” the Scion xB has a look only an owner could love. It has an edgy, urban design that hasn’t jumped the shark -- Toyota’s pulling it from the market before that becomes a possibility. The xB doesn’t promise ungodly performance, even though it is great to work the little four-cylinder for all it’s worth, and whip it around curves and corners. Obviously, that cuts into the credible gas mileage, but it’s a small price to pay. Best of all, it gives Generation Y buyers a chance to make a statement with new wheels instead of suffering the indignity of a lame hunk of junk.Overall Score - 78/100
Proving that Toyota did its homework to avoid a Chevy Nova-like error in branding, Toyota gave its youth-targeted brand a cool name that happens to signify exactly what it is: "Scion" means the descendant of a successful family. The xB bridges the gap between coolness and modest means.and the winner is…
The Scion xB. Close scores for two vehicles with different missions. Both are standouts with attention-getting designs that happen to be extremely practical. No doubt this attracted many of the baby-boomer owners in addition to the intended buyers. Each offers fit finish and materials that are among the best in their class. Reliability is also a shared strong suit. Both are a snap to maneuver in the city and nice on long-distance drives. Behind the wheel, little differences gave xB the edge as a more connected, fun-to-drive vehicle. The Element is a terrific choice for anyone who ventures off pavement now and then, and desires the utility of an SUV without the requisite headaches. The xB is at home on pavement, where 90% of us spend 90% of our time. Even with my gripes regarding the gearshift, the unavailability of some choice equipment and its announced demise, the Scion xB is still the box that rocks.Resources:
http://autos.aol.com/
http://automobiles.honda.com/
http://www.scion.com/showroom/xb/gallery/
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