It's been a really long time since the Scion xB->ke1337 made any headlines. Last time it happened it was when the company showcased the Riley Hawk Skate Tour, an xB that pays homage to America's 1970s van culture, at the 2014 SEMA Show->ke216. Before that, Scion->ke79 launched a rather dull xB Release Series 10.0 at the 2014 New York Auto Show->ke226. Come 2015 and the boxy compact gained nothing new except for a standard backup camera.

But arguably the biggest news about the xB is that Toyota->ke88 decided to pull the plug on the 12-year-old wagon->ke143 at the end of 2015. Not exactly surprising given xB sales fell for the third consecutive year in 2014, hitting an all-time low since its launch in 2003. Once Scion's most popular model in the U.S., the xB sold roughly 16,600 units last year (down from more than 60,000 examples in 2006).

I can definitely see why Scion wants to axe the wagon, but it turns out the xB will get a nice send-off with yet another special-edition->ke2041 model. Dubbed 686 Parklan Edition, the limited-edition compact is the result of Scion's cooperation with 686, a snowboarding and technical winter apparel company, and aimed at buyers seeking "a unique combination of fashion and function." Keep reading to find out what that means.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Scion xB 686 Parklan Edition.

Exterior

The first thing that catches the eye when looking at the 686 Parklan Edition's exterior is the custom livery. The wagon is finished in Cocoa Bean Metallic, a dark, metallic brown color Toyota enthusiasts might know from the Avalon. The hue isn't available with the 2015 model year xB. The dark color is accented with bright-red stripes on the front bumper and tailgate trim above the license plate. The same shade of red, which is identical to the color seen on 686's logo, adorns the side mirrors.

The xB also received a set of custom 16-inch wheels painted gloss-black and fitted with the 686 logo on the hubcap. The side mirrors, rear license plate garnish, and the door handles are also gloss-black. In all, the custom exterior suits the xB quite well, while the Cocoa Bean colors enhances the wagon's beefy fenders and bold front bumper.

Optionally, the xB can be equipped with bespoke Inno cargo box and roof rack system, enabling it to carry snowboards and other winter gear.

Interior

Inside, the 686 Parklan Edition features quilted, camo-style seats with zippered back pockets. The driver's seat also comes with a smaller, zippered storage pocket on the left side. Each wagon gets all-weather floor and cargo mats with the "686" logo. Everything else is standard xB business. Unfortunately, Scion didn't say if this special edition model benefits from extra standard equipment.

However, the xB's laundry list of standard features does include a backup camera system, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, a multi-information display for the instrument cluster, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, sporty front seats, 60/40-split rear seats, and a six-speaker, Pioneer audio system, so expect to find these in this limited-edition model as well.

Drivetrain

Motivation for the 686 Parklan Edition comes from the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine found in all xB models. The four-pot cranks out 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, which travels to the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Fuel economy is estimated at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined regardless of the gearbox selected. Charging from 0 to 60 mph in the xB takes about 7.5 seconds, while top speed sits at only 124 mph.

Safety

Like the standard xB, the 686 Parklan Edition employs six airbags, three-point seatbelts front and rear, and the Star Safety System consisting of features such as stability control, traction control, anti-lock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard.

Prices

The xB 686 Parklan Edition is priced at $19,685, not including the $795 delivery fee. This sticker makes it $1,770 more expensive than the base xB, but $1,530 less expensive than the Release Series 10.0. Production of the 686 Parklan Edition will be limited to only 686 units.

Competition

Kia Soul

About the same size as the xB, the Soul also employs a boxy design focused on practicality rather than performance. Redesigned for the 2014 model year, the compact gained updated sheet metal, a revamped interior, and a choice of two engines. Base models use a 1.6-liter four-cylinder rated at 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque, while top versions feature a 2.0-liter unit generating 164 horses and 151 pound-feet of twist. Both mills mate to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Though it's a bit more powerful than the xB with the 2.0-liter engine, the Soul offers less cargo space (61.3 cubic feet versus 69.9) and fewer standard features. On the other hand, it can return up to 31 mpg on the highway.

Find out more about the Kia Soul here.

Conclusion

Granted, the xB is far from being sporty and its fuel economy isn't mind-blowing. Moreover, its transmission choices are rather dated and prevent it from achieving better performance. However, the xB continues to be a reliable and dependable wagon, as well as pretty nimble in tight cities. Despite its drawbacks, the xB will be missed and Scion just had to give it a proper send-off. The 686 Parklan Edition seems to be the perfect limited-edition to send the boxy wagon into the history books, despite not getting any drivetrain updates. Maybe it's time Scion introduced some sort of customizing program for its lineup, as the Parklan Edition proves the brand has plenty of good ideas up its sleeve.