2012 Nissan Cube Review
Price Estimate: $2,676 - $4,043
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Reasonable performance
- smooth ride
- ample passenger space
- easy to park
- generous standard features list
- unique customization opportunities.
Cons
- So-so handling
- less cargo capacity behind the rear seats than rivals
- below-average fuel economy
- disappointing interior materials
- excessive wind noise at high speeds.
What’s new
The 2012 Nissan Cube returns with only minor changes, including a new front passenger seat armrest on S and SL models and standard keyless ignition/entry on the top-of-the-line SL. A new limited-edition Indigo option package adds a number of high-end features to the midrange S model.
Edmunds says
The 2012 Nissan Cube is a reasonably versatile and spacious little wagon, but its far-out styling may prevent many from discovering its virtues.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
8 listings
- 134,176 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 27 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- Matt-N-Az Auto Sales (152 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Allentown, PA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (27 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JN8AZ2KR8CT254970
Stock: 254970
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-26-2025- $4,995great price$2,111 below market
- 126,863 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 27 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- Zac's Auto Sales (294 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Mansfield, OH
Visit Zac's Auto Sales online at www.zacsautosales.com to see more pictures of this vehicle or call us at 419-747-9227 today to schedule your tes...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (27 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JN8AZ2KR2CT250123
Stock: 4600
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-27-2025
Vehicle overview
In a world where we're too often forced to choose between items that are stylish or those that actually work, the 2012 Nissan Cube is one of those rare exceptions that manages to do both. That's because once you get past the Cube's adventurously styled exterior, this is one very likable little wagon. In fact, its roomy passenger cabin, smooth ride and affordable sticker price are enough to expand its appeal far beyond the 20-something first-time car buyers its designers at Nissan were hoping to attract.
Among the Cube's notable strengths are the comfortable ride, rear seats that both slide fore and aft and recline for greater comfort, and a long list of desirable features, including options unexpected in a car at this price point, like a navigation system and rearview camera. Weaknesses include anything to do with serious cross-country travel, like uninspiring handling, elevated amounts of wind noise at high speeds and significantly less cargo capacity behind those rear seats than you'll find in some competitors.
Overall, we like the Nissan Cube because of its metro friendliness, but it's certainly an acquired taste. For a more traditional take on a small wagon (or hatchback, if you prefer), you could check out the sportier Chevrolet Sonic, the more versatile Honda Fit or the Nissan Versa. There's also the Scion xB, which offers a much larger cargo hold. We also strongly recommend the Kia Soul, which, like the Cube, offers boxy yet distinctive styling but boasts advantages in cargo space and fuel economy.
Still, the 2012 Nissan Cube deserves credit for delivering a comfortable, practical package that's perfectly suited to a crowded urban environment, in a shape that makes a city car seem kind of cool. Apparently style and practicality aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.
Performance & mpg
The front-wheel-drive Nissan Cube is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that puts out 122 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on base and S models, while a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is available as an option on the S and is standard on the SL.
In performance testing, a Cube with the CVT went from zero to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds -- a fairly quick time for a subcompact car. EPA-estimated fuel economy, however, is pretty mediocre for a subcompact at 27 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined with the CVT automatic and 25/30/27 with the manual.
Safety
The 2012 Nissan Cube's list of standard safety features includes antilock brakes (disc front, drum rear), stability and traction control, front-seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Cube earned the top rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests.
Driving
The 2012 Nissan Cube isn't designed to burn up the road, but its 1.8-liter engine and excellent CVT automatic still deliver peppy performance. The relative soft suspension provides an excellent ride but somewhat uninspiring handling, though this balance should suit most buyers just fine. The boxy shape that creates the roomy interior also makes for noticeable amounts of wind noise at higher cruising speeds.
Interior
The interior of the Cube is every bit as unique as the exterior. From the headliner and speaker grilles that mimic the ripple effect of a pebble dropped into a still pool to the 20 different colors of mood lighting, it's a safe bet that you and your passengers will have never seen anything quite like it.
Unlike many cars that try for an edgy-looking interior, all this attention to form doesn't get in the way of function. Gauges and controls are simple and straightforward to use. Front seats offer good comfort in everyday driving, but leave something to be desired on long trips. The rear seats offer abundant head- and legroom, even for taller passengers. With the seatbacks of the 60/40-split rear seats in their upright and locked position, there are just 11.4 cubic feet of cargo room, but dropping them gets you a reasonably flat load floor and a healthy 58 cubic feet of space.
2012 Nissan Cube models
The 2012 Nissan Cube is a five-passenger compact wagon that's offered in three trim levels, including base, S and SL.
The base Cube comes equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, deep-tinted rear privacy glass, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, full power accessories and a CD stereo with two speakers. Stepping up to the S trim level gets you upgraded cloth upholstery, driver and front passenger armrests, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system with a USB/iPod interface. The top-of-the-line SL adds 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, keyless ignition/entry and automatic climate control.
Options include the Preferred package available on the SL that bundles foglights, a touchscreen navigation system, a rearview camera and an upgraded six-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with satellite radio. A new Indigo Limited Edition package offered on the S trim level adds 15-inch alloy wheels, distinctive cloth seat trim and all the contents of the Preferred package except the foglights. A variety of personalization accessories, including an aerodynamic body kit and 20-color ambient interior lighting, are also available.

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Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
Owners of the 2012 Nissan Cube consistently appreciate its impressive interior spaciousness. Tall passengers find it comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom, even surpassing expectations for a car of its size. The Cube's practical design facilitates easy entry and exit, making it suitable for drivers of varied heights, including those over 6 feet tall. The cabin layout receives high marks for its quirky yet functional design, enhancing the overall driving experience with eye-catching aesthetics that invite compliments. Cargo flexibility also stands out, with the versatile rear seats allowing for increased storage space when needed, such as fitting larger items or accommodating weekend getaway gear. The fuel efficiency noted by many owners, often exceeding 30 miles per gallon on the highway, impresses those using the Cube for commuting or frequent trips. Additionally, the Cube’s turning radius and compact dimensions facilitate navigating tight city streets and parking in smaller spaces, adding to its urban-friendly character. The Cube delivers an unexpectedly pleasant ride quality, earning it loyalty among drivers who value comfort and convenience in a unique package.
Common Issues
Owners of the 2012 Nissan Cube frequently report concerns about its handling in windy conditions. The boxy shape, while adding to interior spaciousness, makes the Cube susceptible to being pushed around on the highway, particularly in strong crosswinds. This susceptibility leads to noticeable vehicle instability, making highway journeys less than enjoyable for some drivers. Wind noise at higher speeds is another common complaint, as the aerodynamics create significant cabin noise over 65 mph, demanding frequent radio volume adjustments to compensate. In terms of reliability, several owners have expressed frustration with the CVT transmission, citing premature failures and costly repairs as major drawbacks. The interior also attracts critiques, with some drivers noting that the plastic panels scratch easily, which can detract from the overall cabin finish. Lastly, while the gas mileage generally meets expectations, some drivers feel it falls short of the optimistically advertised figures, offering less efficiency than competitors in its segment.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
Everyday drivers of the 2012 Nissan Cube often express unexpected satisfaction with its day-to-day functionality and reliability. Many appreciate the Cube's spaciousness and comfortable ride, which make it a delightful companion for both city driving and longer trips. Its excellent visibility and easy maneuverability in tight spaces cater well to urban environments, where it thrives as a practical and versatile vehicle. Despite a few concerns with highway stability and noise, many drivers commend the Cube's city fuel efficiency and the reliability of its engine when properly maintained. The fun, quirky design adds a touch of personality to the driving experience, often turning heads and sparking conversations. Even though the quirky design elements are polarizing, they contribute to the car's unique charm. While some mention issues with plastic panels and the CVT transmission, others regard their Cube as a dependable vehicle, eager to tackle daily commutes with ease. The Cube stands as a testament to balancing stylish design with everyday utility, inviting drivers to enjoy the ride despite a few rough edges.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$131/mo for Cube 1.8 Base
Cube 1.8 Base
vs
$156/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2012 Nissan Cube has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #19 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#19 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$407/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Frequency
0.99x/yr
vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Severity
15.4%
vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
There are no recalls for the 2012 Nissan CubeWarranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Nissan Cube Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(72%)
4(18%)
3(6%)
2(1%)
1(3%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
3.75 out of 5 stars3andg, 02/02/2011
2011 Nissan Cube 1.8 S 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
We purchased this car as a third car for commute purposes.
The styling is polarizing - my wife loves it, I hate it.
Regardless of the style, the car is a paragon of packaging efficiency - lot of room in a small package.
The car moves well and keeps up with traffic on both the city and highway. The car is very smooth, but there is a tradeoff in handling due to the smooth ride and tall … structure.
The S has very useful comfort features standard - including bluetooth and iPod connection.
Up to about 70 mph, the car is pretty quiet; however, there is a noticeable increase in noice after 70.
This is a great car if one needs a practical commuter car.
Amazing!!!!!
5 out of 5 starsstevenejb, 02/04/2011
2011 Nissan Cube 1.8 SL 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
I purchased my Nissan Cube in June 2010 from Lee's Summit Nissan.
I have enjoyed the vehicle ever since bringing it home, but recently you have won me over as a lifetime customer!
I live in Kansas City and we've had two major winter storms recently with the latest being a blizzard that dumped over 12" of snow in my area.
Everyone I work with was getting stuck and calling for friends with … 4x4 vehicles to take them home.
I got in my Cube and drove right home, up hills, through snow drifts, over ice, and on roads packed with several inches of snow. The Cube was amazing! The traction was outstanding and the vehicle felt secure on the roadway. This vehicle is awesome all around!
I absolutely LOVE my cube
5 out of 5 starsRubixxx, 03/03/2016
2010 Nissan Cube 1.8 S 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
This is my first car. I spent months car shopping. I test drove a Nissan Altima, Kia Soul, and VW Bug all at the same dealership and decided to go to a different dealership because none of them were for me. I told the seller that I wanted something small with lots of space and he automatically brought me over to the Cube. I had been looking at a cube online for months, but was hesitant. … After test driving it, there was no doubt that it was the right car for me.
It's quirky, yet cute. I feel like I'm less likely to get hit on the road because it's hard to miss the box. Lol.
Pros: comfortable seats, plenty of space throughout entire vehicle, rides smoothly (city wise), great speakers, controls on steering wheels, gorgeous interior and exterior.
Cons: Gas mileage is good, but it could be better, very noisy once you hit about 65+ and sounds like you have a window down, you get blown around a bit when on the highway while passing big vehicles, Windows can be hard to see out of when backing up at night with no street lights around.
It has a few cons, but they aren't too major. I LOVE this car and never get tired of driving it. There's a good chance that I'll buy another once its time for a new car.
BUYER BEWARE!
2 out of 5 starsSPent, 05/02/2016
2010 Nissan Cube 1.8 S 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
Go to the Nissan Consumer Affair website and read the article regarding the extended warranty placed on their vehicles with the CVT transmissions. They are fully aware that they are ALL failing! This has been going on since 2003, beginning with the Rogue. My transmission failed after owning the 2010 Cube for only 2 years. Nissan refused to replace the transmission and now I am stuck … either paying $4000 for a replacement, or buying a new car. Nissan refuses to recall the CVTs due to it "not being a safety issue." Tell that to my children who were scared to death when we were almost struck in traffic because my transmission failed while driving! You press the gas pedal, the car does nothing. Thank you Nissan, for providing me with the worst car & customer service I've ever had. I will never buy another Nissan.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Nissan Cube, so we've included reviews for other years of the Cube since its last redesign.
2012 Cube Highlights
1.8 Base
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,980 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $131/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.4 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Cube include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover17.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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