The 2014 Consumer Report reliability survey results are in. The company conducted a survey of over 1,078,000 vehicles and supplemented the findings with some of the test cars and truck that Consumer Reports purchase. What is the most reliable 2014 model year car you can buy according to Consumer Reports? It’s the 2014 Scion xB. Did you see that one coming?
Actually, the most reliable brand was Lexus and the second was Toyota, which includes the Scion division. The xB is Scion’s second most popular model (behind the tC coupe). Although, the 1,190 units sold in September 2014 will not break any records. And the sales are down when compared to last year.
The current (second generation) xB is in its seventh year on the market, and Scion had the time make the car as reliable as possible. It’s still powered by the 2.4L four cylinder that makes a respectable 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The power goes to the front wheels via a 4-speed automatic, and this boxy hatchback gets a not-so-great 22 MPG city and 28 MPG on the highway.
It does not use turbocharging, a continuously variable transmission, or other fancy new technologies. It uses tried and true parts to ensure reliability, although you do pay for it in fuel economy.
The 2014 Scion xB starts at $16,970 before destination. It won’t bother you with a buggy new infotainment system and should serve you for many years.
Check out this fun and informative TFLcar video where the Scion xB goes up against some of its competitors: Fiat 500L, Kia Soul, and Nissan Cube.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011.
