2009 Nissan cube Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Nissan Cube overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 Cube, and includes Nissan Cube safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

Eleven years after being introduced in its home market of Japan, the Nissan Cube makes its North American debut. This funky five-passenger wagon represents the kind of nonconformist approach to design first exhibited by the original Scion xB, and is set to take on modern-day competitors such as the Honda Element, Scion xB and, to some degree, Nissan’s own Versa Hatchback.

Shoppers who have found their way to the 2009 Nissan Cube can choose between four trim levels: 1.8, 1.8 S, 1.8 SL, and the 1.8 S Krom Edition. In case you’re wondering, 1.8 refers to the displacement of the car’s four-cylinder engine.

Given its entry-level position, you’d be right to assume that the Cube 1.8 is relatively light on luxuries. But, while it does feature basic 15-inch steel wheels, this is far from a stripped-down steel box on wheels, as evidenced by standard cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, rear privacy glass, and a two-speaker audio system with a single-disc CD player. This entry-level Cube also sports common comfort and convenience amenities like power windows, keyless entry and air conditioning. Fog lights are optional.

Slide on up to the Cube 1.8 S and you’ll avail yourself to a more generous array of standard goods, including cruise control, illuminated vanity mirrors, upgraded cloth threads on the seats, a driver’s center armrest, and an extra pair of speakers. Rear-seat passengers are afforded more comfort courtesy of a reclining backrest and a sliding feature that increases leg room. Again, fog lights are optional.

The Cube takes on a more upscale feel in 1.8 SL guise. This variant has been tricked out with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a six-speaker audio package with speed-sensitive volume, and electronic climate control. The variety of options is also more impressive, with highlights including a Rockford Fosgate sound system, steering wheel-mounted controls, XM satellite radio service, and Bluetooth hands-free calling capability. An SL Preferred Package bundles those items with fog lights and rear parking sensors.

Perched atop the Cube mountain is the 1.8 S Krom Edition, home to unique 16-inch alloy wheels, a body kit, black and gray cloth seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Some of the SL’s optional items, such as the upgraded sound system and Bluetooth connectivity, are standard on this model.

Packed under the hood of every 2009 Nissan Cube is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 122 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Nissan, like many other manufacturers, uses the latter as a means to improve efficiency, and the Cube is proof that the approach works: EPA rated fuel economy for CVT-equipped models is 28 mpg in the city and 30 mpg highway, whereas those with the six-speed stick come in at 24 mpg and 29 mpg, respectively.

Despite years of advancements, there remain those among us who are convinced that compact cars are relatively unsafe. While it’s true that a head-on collision with a Freightliner wouldn’t exactly be a battle of equals, cars like the diminutive 2009 Cube are ready for most anything encountered on the asphalt trail. In preparation for what may arise, Nissan has equipped the car with stability control, antilock brakes (with front discs and rear drums), brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, and six airbags including side curtains. Thanks in part to those features, the Cube earned top Good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and overall high marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Since the Cube is new to our shores, reliability data isn’t what you’d call abundant, but Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates have acquired enough information to confidently predict average dependability from Nissan’s newest small car.

Like the Scion xB and Honda Element, the Nissan Cube has been designed to appeal to buyers who want a small, efficient and versatile vehicle with styling that’s anything but ordinary. Even in this group, you won’t confuse the Cube with any of them. It’s quirky and unapologetically unique. That’s groovy, man.

By Thom Blackett