2014 Nissan Cube details

2014 Nissan Cube

The 2014 Nissan Cube is a boxy, 5-passenger front-wheel-drive (FWD) car classified as a small station wagon by the EPA. Competitors include hatchback or 5-door versions of the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, and Hyundai Accent, as well as others including the Scion xD and even Nissan's own Versa Note.

The Cube joins the small cast of other boxy compact vehicles such as Scion xB and Kia Soul, but still manages to stand out from them. Whereas those rivals have taut, angular lines, the Cube's symmetry is softened with rounded edges. And then there are the windows, big orbs of glass that make the Cube look like it jumped to life from a cartoon. The rear-left window especially stands out, as it gives the appearance of wrapping around the corner of the car. Rounded lights front and back complete the square-meets-circle motif. The Cube's rear door swings out toward the left instead of rising vertically like a hatchback.

The 2014 Nissan Cube is powered by 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft. A six-speed manual comes standard, while a CVT (continuously variable transmission) can also be had. Fuel economy is a middling 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the stick, while opting for the CVT increases efficiency slightly to 27/31 mpg.

In performance testing, a Cube with the CVT went from zero to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds an average time for a subcompact car. EPA-estimated fuel economy, however, is pretty mediocre for a subcompact at 28 mpg combined (27 city/31 highway) with the CVT and 27 combined (25/30) with the manual.

Standard features include a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth phone connectivity, an iPod interface, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls and keyless entry. Optional features include a touch-screen navigation system, a rearview camera, a Rockford Fosgate audio system, a USB port, satellite radio, automatic climate control and push-button start. Auto writers say the Cube offers a good amount of standard and available features and that the climate controls are well-placed and simple to master.

All Cube models come standard with dual front, front side and full-length side curtain air bags, antilock brakes (disc front, drum rear), in addition to traction and stability control systems.A rearview camera is optional on the SL trim.


The Cube's ride comfort is better even than some of the nicer sedans and crossovers in the economy market. What there is and this probably comes as no surprise is quite a bit of wind noise at highway speeds. Otherwise interior materials betray the Cube's sub-$20,000 price tag, although all the styling touches will probably distract you from that for a while.