2011 Nissan Cube Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$14,740 to $21,640

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.3

avg user rating

(8 reviews)
2011 Nissan Cube Preview summaryImage

Love it or hate it, the 2011 Nissan Cube sure won’t be mistaken for anything but what it is. This odd-looking, five-door, five-passenger compact hatchback wagon has been roaming the U.S. for some three years now and shows just what an up-ended refrigerator on wheels can accomplish. Available in four trims, the base 1.8, 1.8 S, 1.8 SL, and the top-of-the- line 1.8 S Krom Edition, this uniquely styled wagon offers plenty of passenger room, decent cargo space (58 cubic feet with the rear seats folded), an efficient yet almost potent four-cylinder engine, responsive continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a surprisingly plush ride. Unique touches, including a shag-topped dashboard and twenty different shades of interior lighting, complement a fair number of standard gadgets and gizmos. Alas, handling is not a strong point for the Cube, nor will it endear itself to those who like to travel in the fast lane, not to mention the fact that its seats have been described by a couple of reviewers as tolerable only for midrange journeys. Meantime, only Scion’s xB, the original wheeled refrigerator, matches the Cube’s unique look, but a number of other competitors, including the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and the Kia Soul might appeal a bit more to the traditionalists of the driving world. Finally, the Cube is offered in front-wheel-drive configuration only.

Only one engine, a 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4), is available to the 2011 Cube. Two transmissions, however, including a standard 6-speed manual transmission in the base 1.8 and 1.8 S and a silky CVT that’s standard in the 1.8 SL and 1.8 S Krom Edition, each allow this spunky engine to put out 122 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. The CVT can also be dropped into the 1.8 S as an available option. Gas mileage with the I4 is an EPA-estimated 20/30 mpg for the stick-shift trims and 27/31 for those trims equipped with the CVT, not bad for a wheeled appliance.

Although not bursting at the seams with standard features, the 2011 Cube sports enough doodads to keep driver and passengers content, if not enthralled. The base 1.8 trim level, for example, boasts such standard appearance features and creature comforts as 15-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, reclining and sliding rear seats, remote power door locks, power windows and mirrors, tilt-wheel steering, simulated alloy dash trim and air conditioning. Entertainment, meanwhile, is provided by a single-CD player with auxiliary MP3 capability and two speakers. To this, the 1.8 S trim adds standard premium cloth upholstery, steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, and the single-CD player with integrated MP3 player and six speakers.

Moving to the upper-midlevel Cube 1.8 SL, meantime, gains standard 16-inch alloy wheels, rear vent ducts, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Finally, the top-shelf 1.8 S Krom Edition, as befits its elevated status, boasts a standard chrome grille, rear spoiler, rear-view camera and simulated alloy trim on the center console, dashboard and shifter knob. Additionally, this flagship Cube trim carries a set of seven Rockford Fosgate speakers, including a subwoofer, as well as a memory-card-based navigation system with voice directions and real-time traffic updates.

The Interior Design Package, with carpeted floormats, a shag dash topper and front door bungees, is optional across the lineup, while such goodies as 15- and 16-inch wheel upgrades, an Aerodynamic Kit Package, and an Exterior Accent Package are available to the 1.8 S trim and above. The 1.8 SL, meantime, is also eligible for the SL Preferred Package with push-button ignition, Nissan’s Intelligent Key system, a rear-view camera, and Rockford Fosgate speakers.

The 2011 Cube may look a little odd, but safety-wise, it’s as solid as they come. Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), as well as traction and stability control, are standard for this nifty hatchback, as are front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection. All trims sport a remote antitheft alarm, while the 1.8 SL and 1.8 S Krom Edition also come equipped with dusk-sensing headlights. The 1.8 SL trim gains front fog/driving lights with the optional SL Preferred Package.

The 2010/2011 Cubes' unique design seems to generate a love-it/hate-it mentality among owners. In any case, owners find too few front armrests and lots of wind noise, especially on the highway, to be worthy of negative comment, while long-haul seat comfort also comes in for a share of owner criticism. Additionally, this hatchback presents a somewhat lofty stance that owners say helps visibility but leads, as well, to some occasionally disconcerting steering and body-lean issues in sharp corners. However, this squared-away Nissan draws more yeas than nays from owners, mainly for its roomy cabin, smooth and quiet CVT, convenient maneuverability in tight places and laudably pleasant ride.

Published May 31, 2022 by Eric Tallberg

User reviews for 2011 Nissan Cube

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User rating:
by Dei H
Mar 17, 2023
Very nice && yet unique shape . I love it hope to get it very soon . Mar 17, 2023
by Shelly A
Apr 23, 2021
It was missing the Shag rug on the Dashboard. :( The FM part of the stereo didnt work and neither did the Bluetooth. It was overpriced by about $10000.Apr 23, 2021
by Diana C
Feb 13, 2021
This is a awesome vehicle its perfect for me I especially love the manual Transmission which saves even more gasFeb 13, 2021

2011 Nissan Cube Pricing

Original MSRP
$14,740 to $21,640
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 2

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: .95 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.7 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.93

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 18.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: .95 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.7 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: drivers seat · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.47

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 18.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Telematics

Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full · Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: .95 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.7 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: drivers seat · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Keyless ignition: push-button start · Multi-function remote: Intelligent Key · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.47

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 18.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 8

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: .95 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.7 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: drivers seat · Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.47

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 18.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 8

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

See all trims (4)