Saab 9-5 vs Scion XB

The Scion XB is more fuel-efficient at 29 MPG combined, against 22 MPG for the Saab 9-5. At EPA assumptions that is about $750 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)

Side by side

	Saab 9-5	Scion XB
Complaints (NHTSA)	30	47
Most reported problem	Electrical system	Air bags
Crashes and fires	1 and 3	11 and 0
Typical mileage at complaint	47,000 miles	70,000 miles
Recalls	2	0
Fuel economy, combined	22 MPG	29 MPG
City and highway	18 and 27	27 and 32
Yearly fuel cost (EPA)	$3,050	$2,300

What the numbers say

NHTSA has 30 complaints for the Saab 9-5 and 47 for the Scion XB. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.

Safety recalls on file: 2 for the Saab 9-5, 0 for the Scion XB.

Work out the fuel cost of each on your own mileage