Overview

The Nissan Cube is a compact multi-purpose vehicle that was first introduced to the North American market for the 2009 model year. While new to the U.S. market, the vehicle is actually in its third generation, after its debut in 1998. Nissan has made few changes to the Cube for the 2011 model year -a new integrated navigation system is part of the SL Preferred Package and the 1.8 S Krom Edition. XM Satellite Radio is now part of the 1.8 S Krom Edition, and there is one new exterior color known as Golden Ginger.

The Nissan Cube is offered as the Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8 S and Cube 1.8 SL, as well as a specialty variant in the Cube 1.8 S Krom Edition. The standard 1.8 model features cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, 15-inch steel wheels, and more. The upgraded 1.8 S gains body-colored exterior mirror and upgraded interior appointments, including premium cloth upholstery, cargo area light, iPod interface, steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth phone connectivity and more. The 1.8 SL features XM Satellite radio, Nissan Intelligent key, aluminum trimmed pedals, and more. The range-topping Krom Edition is noted by its exclusive sport body pieces, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a custom interior with exclusive black and gray seats, premium audio system, and more.

All models of the Nissan Cube share the same 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that is rated at 122 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the entry-level models, with Nissan's "Xtronic" continuously-variable transmission (CVT) standard on upgraded models. All Cube models are front-wheel drive. The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 2011 Nissan Cube between 25 mpg city, and 31 mpg highway, depending on driveline.

The 2011 Nissan Cube 1.8 starts with a base price of about $15,000 and tops out with the Cube 1.8 S Krom Edition, which starts around $22,000.