| Model year | 2009 |
| Make | Nissan |
| Model | Cube |
| Style | 1.8 S 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl CVT) |
| Base MSRP | $15,690 |
| Options on test vehicle | None |
| As-tested MSRP | $16,385 |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine type | Inline-4 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 1,798cc (110 cu-in) |
| Block/head material | Aluminum/aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 9.9:1 |
| Redline (rpm) | 6,400 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 122 @ 5,200 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 127 @ 4,800 |
| Transmission type | Continuously variable automatic |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | Forward = 2.561-0.427:1, FD = 5.473, R = 2.689 |
| Suspension, front | Independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs |
| Suspension, rear | Semi-independent, torsion beam, coil springs and integrated stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Speed-proportional electric-assist rack-and-pinion power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 18.4:1 |
| Tire brand | Toyo |
| Tire model | A20 |
| Tire type | All-season |
| Tire size, front | P195/60R15 87H (33 psi) |
| Tire size, rear | P195/60R15 87H (33 psi) |
| Wheel size | 15-by-6 inches front and rear |
| Wheel material | Steel with wheel covers |
| Brakes, front | 11-inch ventilated disc |
| Brakes, rear | 11.7-inch drum |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 6.0 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 9.7 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 15.2 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 17.2 @ 78.9 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 9.3 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 31 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 124 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 61.8 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.80 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 40.8 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 74.3 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 71.0 |
| Acceleration comments | Unlike some other vehicles with a four-cylinder/CVT setup, this Cube "lights off" quickly and the engine rpm ramps up to near-redline by about 40 mph. Very linear acceleration, good throttle response and the engine doesn't feel burdened or as if it's about to throw a rod. Pretty quick and an outstanding job integrating a CVT -- but Nissan has always done a good job with CVTs. |
| Braking rating | Good |
| Braking comments | Remarkably fade-free stops, with the shortest coming on the fifth stop from 60 mph. Some forward pitch, but nothing too terrible or unexpected. Straight, steady stops all. Pedal effort is appropriately moderate: not too soft nor too hard. |
| Handling rating | Good |
| Handling comments | Skid pad with VDC on uses throttle to mitigate understeer. With VDC off, the limit is predictably discovered to be understeer, but there's a slight ability to rotate the Cube by lifting off the throttle. Good balance, decent steering weight (despite EPS). In the slalom, late-acting VDC does a good job of reducing the Cube's tendency to oversteer after two left-right transitions. Soft suspension causes some yaw delay/gain, but the steering is quick and friction-free. Pretty sporty results despite soft feel and boxy appearance. |
| Elevation (ft.) | 421 |
| Temperature (°F) | 52.8 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 2.8 S-SW |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 27 city/33 highway/29 combined (est.) |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 22 worst/39 best/28 average |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 13.2 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 2,829 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | N/A |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 51/49 |
| Length (in.) | 157.5 |
| Width (in.) | 66.7 |
| Height (in.) | 65.0 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 99.6 |
| Track, front (in.) | 58.1 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 58.3 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 33.4 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 42.4 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 35.5 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 42.6 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 40.2 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 52.2 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 52.4 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 11.4 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 58.1 |
| Free scheduled maintenance | Not available |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard front and rear |
| Knee airbags | Not available |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Standard tire-pressure monitoring |
| Emergency assistance system | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not available |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not available |
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