2009 Nissan cube 4-door Wagon

Inside, the Cube's designers clearly put efforts into creating a unique and stylish space. Rounded shapes, interesting textures and a headliner and speaker covers that recall the ripples caused by dropping a pebble in a lake create a cabin that exudes high fashion. Aesthetics aside, the five-passenger Cube makes the most of its compact exterior dimension with an impressively roomy interior. Head and shoulder room is ample in all seating positions. Leg room is good too, especially in the rear seats, which recline and slide several inches fore and aft, helping balance the space requirements of passengers and cargo.


In terms of exterior design, the 2009 Nissan Cube both embodies and defies the implications of its name. Its shape is generally cube-like, most notably when viewed in profile. Yet, the angles of its body are softened with curved corners, round fenders and head and tail lights that look like elongated ovals. The most interesting feature is an asymmetrical rear section that features wrap-around glass on one side and a body-color pillar on the other. Buyers looking to enhance the Cube's visual impact can choose from a host of exterior accessories or opt for the super-stylish factory-modified Krom edition.

Notable Standard Equipment

Notable Optional Equipment

Standard features found on the base 2009 Nissan Cube include a two-speaker audio system with auxiliary input, air conditioning, power locks with remote entry and 15-inch steel wheels. The S trim adds a four-speaker audio system, body color mirrors and cruise control. SL models get automatic climate control, a six-speaker audio system with iPod interface, automatic headlights and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Krom trim offers a Rockford Fosgate audio system with subwoofer, 20-color interior lighting package, steering wheel audio controls and a body kit with rear spoiler. Standard safety features include stability and traction controls, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and six airbags.

There are few options offered for the Nissan Cube, requiring buyers to move up to the next-higher trim level to add equipment. The exception is the Preferred Package, offered for the SL trim, that adds a six-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, rear parking sensors, XM Satellite radio, keyless entry and engine start and fog lights. Fog lights are also offered for the base and S trims. Small businesses might appreciate the special-order Cargo option, offered for the base Cube, which deletes the rear seats, armrests, cupholders and seatbelts, transforming the Cube into an efficient delivery vehicle.

There is one engine offered for the 2009 Nissan Cube, a 1.8-liter four cylinder rated at 122 horsepower. Power is acceptable for a small, inexpensive and fuel-efficient car, but those who value rapid acceleration may be disappointed by the Cube's performance. On base and S trims, a six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is optional on the S Trim and standard on SL and Krom trims. The CVT does a good job in maximizing the engine's output and actually offers better fuel economy than the manual transmission, but some buyers may be put off by the way the engine seems to race under hard acceleration.

1.8-liter in-line 4
122 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
127 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/30 (CVT), 24/29 (manual)