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2012 Scion xD

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$15,345

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Hatchback

Body style

29

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

154.7” x 59.4”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(18 reviews)

The good:

  • Lots of standard features
  • Inventive styling
  • Handling and braking
  • Gas mileage
  • Safety features

The bad:

  • Cargo dimensions
  • Awkward backseat folding
  • Turning circle
  • Can't adjust driver's seat height
  • Priced too close to better-equipped xB

2 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2012 Scion xD trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Hatchbacks for 2024

Notable features

  • Standard Bluetooth connectivity, including audio streaming
  • Standard Pioneer CD stereo with HD radio
  • Six airbags
  • Standard ABS
  • Optional Toyota Racing Development performance parts

2012 Scion xD review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The five-seat Scion xD is an entry-level car meant to compete with the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic. The Scion brand is aimed at young car buyers, and it offers a number of ways for owners to personalize their car.

New for 2012
For 2012, a new Pioneer CD stereo is standard along with Bluetooth connectivity. With the Bluetooth setup, you can stream audio to the stereo. HD Radio is also standard.

Exterior
The xD takes cues, like a boxy grille and vertical bumper portals, from the Scion xB. The headlights look similar to those on Toyota’s RAV4. Exterior features include:

  • Body-colored door trim
  • Side mirrors with integrated turn signals
  • Standard 16-inch wheels; optional Toyota Racing Development 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Chrome exhaust tip
  • Rear-window wiper

Interior
The five-passenger interior includes a 60/40-split folding backseat that can recline and adjust forward and back. A storage well sits below the cargo floor. Other places to stash things include a dual-compartment glove box and a tray below the steering wheel. On the dashboard, a single gauge integrates the tachometer and speedometer. On select MP3 players, the standard USB port enables track listings to be displayed on the stereo head unit. You can adjust the volume or skip ahead using buttons on the steering wheel. Interior features include:

  • Standard USB/iPod port also charges the device
  • Standard air conditioning
  • Standard power windows, locks and mirrors
  • Standard cruise control
  • Standard first-aid kit
  • Optional Pioneer Premium stereo with a 5.8-inch touch-screen, iTunes tagging and Pandora internet radio via a connected iPhone
  • Optional navigation system

Under the Hood
There’s just one engine available for the xD, but there is a choice of transmissions. Mechanical features include:

  • 128-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder
  • Standard five-speed manual transmission
  • Optional four-speed automatic
  • Optional TRD sport muffler, performance shocks, lowering springs and rear sway bar

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard, but they use a front disc/rear drum setup, not the stronger four-wheel-disc type. An electronic stability system with traction control is also standard. Safety features include:

  • Six standard airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows
  • Standard active front head restraints

 

Consumer reviews

(18 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior 4.7
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value 4.8
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.9
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Most Fun to drive car I've owned.

This car meets my needs--fun to drive, a small version of an SUV, efficient and gets me to where I need to go. I look forward to driving this for a long time.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Reliable, realistic and enjoyable car on a budget

I love this car so much. It has more cup holders then I know what to do with. The back seat folds down so I can fit all my camping equipment. It drives good in the rain but wish it drove better in the snow. It took me a while to adjust to the odd body shape but I love this car

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Brave little toaster

I bought my 2012 xD in 2019 with 72k miles. It's my third Scion after owning a 2006 xA and 2006 xB. This xD has a larger 1.8 liter engine from the Corolla which gives me more power than the my other Scions, but with a slight mileage penalty over those other cars. On a recent road trip to Dallas I averaged 38 mpg, while in town I typically get 28. Installed winter tires and had no problems trekking through our rough winter. The car still feels solid, no squeaks or rattles. Great deals can be had on the xD right now, they are one of the best kept secrets in the small car world!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 18 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Maintenance
24 months/25,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/unlimited distance

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