Nissan Cube 2019: compact crossover with Japanese character - is it worth buying?

Nissan Cube 2019 is one of the most unusual and memorable compact vans on the market. This model, released in the latest generation (Z12), combines unique design, a spacious interior and efficient engines. Despite the fact that it is official Cube was not supplied to Russia; many copies were imported from Japan and the USA through parallel imports. In this article we will look at what it is Nissan Cube 2019, what its strengths and weaknesses are, and we will also give practical advice on selection and operation.

The car was positioned as a city compact van with crossover elements, but its main feature is, of course, asymmetrical rear design with huge glass and a non-standard body shape. Under the hood are time-tested engines, and in the cabin there is an unexpectedly spacious trunk and comfortable seats. However, not everything is so smooth: some technical solutions and operating features may come as a surprise to the potential owner.

Specifications Nissan Cube 2019: engines, transmission, suspension

In 2019 Cube offered with two petrol engines, both of which are familiar from other models Nissan:

• 🔧 1.8 liter MR18DE (122 hp) - the most common option. The unit is reliable, but sensitive to the quality of oil and fuel. Consumption in the city - approx. 8.5–9.5 l/100 km.
• ⚡ 1.6 liter HR16DE (109 hp) - more economical, but less dynamic. Suitable for a quiet ride. Fuel consumption - 7.2–8.0 l/100 km.

Both motors are combined with continuously variable CVT, which in Cube configured for comfort, not sport. The CVT is reliable with regular maintenance, but is susceptible to overheating and aggressive driving styles. Suspension - classic for compact vans: front MacPherson, at the rear there is a semi-independent beam. The tuning is soft, but at high speeds the buildup is noticeable.

Feature Cube 2019 — front wheel drive only. All-wheel drive, unlike many crossovers Nissan, not here. But there is something unusual for the class ground clearance - 160 mm, which allows you to feel confident on city bumps.

Options and equipment: what was offered Nissan Cube in 2019

In 2019 Cube sold in three main configurations: S, SL and Krom. The latter is the top-end and rarest on the secondary market. Let's look at how they differ:

Equipment	Engine	Key options	Features
S	1.8 or 1.6	Air conditioning, electrical accessories, 4 airbags, audio system with 4 speakers	Basic version without frills, but with the necessary minimum.
SL	1.8	Climate control, cruise control, rear view camera, leather steering wheel, 6 speakers	The optimal choice in terms of price/equipment ratio.
Krom	1.8	Leather seats, navigation, premium audio system Rockford Fosgate, LED headlights, 17" wheels	Top version with unique design and maximum comfort.

Regardless of the configuration, everything Cube 2019 equipped ESP stabilization system, anti-lock brake system (ABS) And airbags for driver and front passenger. However, side and curtain airbags were only available on the top variants.

An important nuance: the Krom configuration used unique 17-inch wheels with a non-standard bolt pattern (5×114.3), which can complicate the selection of winter tires.

Pros and cons Nissan Cube 2019: honest analysis

Like any car, Cube has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at them in detail so you can make an informed purchasing decision.

✅ Benefits:

• 🚗 Unique design — you definitely won’t lose your car in the parking lot. The asymmetrical rear window and unusual shapes make Cube one of the most memorable cars in its class.
• 💺 Spacious salon — despite the compact external dimensions, there is enough space inside for five passengers. Trunk volume 420 l (with seats folded - up to 1400 l).
• 💰 Low cost of ownership - inexpensive spare parts (many coincide with Nissan Juke And Note), economical engines, simple design.
• 🛣️ Good maneuverability — small turning radius (5.2 m) and compact dimensions make it ideal for the city.

❌ Disadvantages:

• 🔊 Noisy cabin - at higher speeds 90 km/h wind noise and the operation of the variator are heard. Sound insulation is weak even for the budget segment.
• 🔄 CVT - Reliable only with careful use. Belt life - approx. 150–200 thousand km, after which expensive repairs are required.
• 🛠️ Difficulties with spare parts — some parts (for example, taillights or suspension elements) have to be ordered from abroad with long delivery times.
• 💨 Weak dynamics - even with a 1.8-liter engine, acceleration to 100 km/h takes about 10.5 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Nissan Cube 2019 Be sure to check the service history of the CVT. If the oil has not been changed every 60–90 thousand km, the risk of breakdown increases sharply.

Prices for Nissan Cube 2019 on the secondary market: what affects the cost

Cost Cube 2019 on the secondary market varies depending on mileage, configuration and condition. At the beginning of 2026, prices in Russia look like this:

• 💲 Basic S (1.6 or 1.8) - from 850,000 to 1,100,000 rub. with mileage 80–120 thousand km.
• 💲 Mid-range SL - from 1,100,000 to 1,400,000 rub. with mileage up to 100 thousand km.
• 💲 Top Krom - from RUB 1,500,000 and above. These examples are rare and usually in excellent condition.

The price is influenced by the following factors:

• 📄 Availability of a complete package of documents (STS, PTS, purchase and sale agreement, customs documents for imported cars).
• 🔧 Service history - cars with dealer maintenance are at 10–15% more expensive.
• 🎨 Body color - non-standard shades (for example, Electric Blue or Java Metallic) may increase the cost.
• 🛡️ Availability of additional options — sunroof, premium audio system, heated seats.

⚠️ Attention: Be careful with cars imported from the USA. Some copies may have problems with electronics due to differences in standards (for example, incompatibility with Russian GPS systems).

Operation and Maintenance: What to Pay Attention to

Nissan Cube 2019 — an unpretentious car, but there are several nuances that are worth considering:

🔧 Scheduled maintenance

• 🛢️ Changing the engine oil - every 10,000 km (synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40).
• ⚙️ Changing the oil in the variator - every 60,000 km (original liquid NS-2 or NS-3).
• 🔥 Spark plugs - every 100,000 km (original - NGK IFR6A11).
• 🔋 Battery - serves about 4–5 years, but in cold weather it can discharge faster due to a weak generator set.

🚨 Typical problems and their solutions

Owners Cube 2019 We often encounter the following problems:

• 🔊 Creaks in the suspension - usually associated with wear of stabilizer links or bushings. Solution: replacement with polyurethane analogues.
• 💡 Burnt out lamps in headlights - due to poor sealing of the optics. Solution: install LED lamps with improved ventilation.
• 🔌 Electrical problems — the power window control unit most often suffers. Solution: re-soldering the contacts or replacing the block.

Condition of the variator (is there any jerking during acceleration)

Paint integrity (especially on the roof and rear arches)

Air conditioner operation (a common problem is freon leakage)

Condition of brake discs and pads (wear should be even) -->

Alternatives Nissan Cube 2019: with whom to compare

If you are interested in the concept Cube, but I would like to consider analogues, pay attention to the following models:

Model	Pros	Cons	Price (resale)
Nissan Juke (2019)	More dynamic, all-wheel drive, modern design	Less space in the cabin, stiffer suspension	from RUB 1,200,000
Toyota Ractis (2019)	More reliable, better sound insulation, hybrid version	Boring design, more expensive to maintain	from RUB 1,500,000
Honda Freed (2019)	Spacious interior, reliable engines, all-wheel drive	High price, difficulties with spare parts	from RUB 1,600,000

Cube beats competitors thanks to unique design and low cost of ownership, but loses in dynamics and comfort on the highway. If you need a stylish city car with a spacious interior - Cube great choice. If the priority is reliability and maneuverability, it is better to pay attention to Toyota Ractis or Honda Freed.

Owner reviews: real operating experience

To form an objective opinion about Nissan Cube 2019, we analyzed reviews from Russian owners. Here's what they say:

✅ Positive feedback:

• 👍 «Invisible machine — in traffic jams it slips everywhere, parks anywhere. The trunk holds more than it looks!” — Alexey, Moscow.
• 👍 «During the year of operation, not a single serious breakdown. Only oil, filter and pads. For its age, it’s a great option.” — Igor, St. Petersburg.
• 👍 «Design is something! Everyone turns around and takes pictures. It's a pleasure to drive." — Maria, Ekaterinburg.

❌ Negative reviews:

• 👎 «The variator began to kick after 100 thousand km. I had to change the oil and filter - it cost a pretty penny.” — Dmitry, Novosibirsk.
• 👎 «It's cold in winter — the stove heats up weakly until the engine warms up. At -20°C this is a problem.” — Oleg, Krasnoyarsk.
• 👎 «Shumka is terrible. On the track it feels like you're riding a motorcycle." — Anna, Kazan.

Most owners are satisfied Cube, but note that the car is not suitable for everyone. It's ideal for youth, creative people or those who value individuality, but not for families with children or lovers of long trips.

What do they say about Cube abroad?

In the USA and Japan Nissan Cube It is considered a cult car among fans of JDM culture. It is often tuned by installing sports suspension, wide wheels and bright optics. In Japan Cube even participates in drift competitions in the kei car class, despite the front-wheel drive!

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about Nissan Cube 2019

🔹 Is it possible to install gas equipment on Nissan Cube 2019?

Technically yes, but there are some nuances:

• 🔧 For 1.6 HR16DE 4th generation gas equipment is suitable, but engine power will decrease by 5–10%.
• ⚠️ On 1.8 MR18DE It is not recommended to install HBO with a variator - there may be problems with overheating of the CVT.
• 💰 Installation cost - from 50,000 rub., payback - approx. 80,000 km mileage

🔹 What is the real fuel consumption Cube 2019?

The consumption declared by the manufacturer often differs from the real one. According to owner reviews:

• 🏙️ City Cycle (1.8) — 9.5–11 l/100 km (in winter until 12 l/100 km).
• 🛣️ Route (90 km/h) — 6.5–7.5 l/100 km.
• ⛽ 1.6 liter version more economical for 1–1.5 l/100 km.

Consumption depends on driving style and fuel quality. On 95 gasoline the engine runs more stable than 92nd.

🔹 Which tires are best to choose for Nissan Cube 2019?

Recommended sizes:

• 🔄 Standard size — 195/60 R16 (for S and SL trim levels).
• 🔄 For Krom — 205/50 R17.

Best options by season:

• ❄️ Winter — Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 or Michelin X-Ice North.
• ☀️ Summer — Continental PremiumContact 6 or Yokohama Advan Sport.

Avoid tires that are too wide - this will increase fuel consumption and stress on the suspension.

🔹 How often should you change the oil in the variator? Nissan Cube 2019?

Official regulations - every 90,000 km, but in Russian conditions it is better to reduce the interval to 60,000 km. Signs that it's time to change the oil:

• 🔴 Jerks during acceleration.
• 🔴 Humming or vibration at speed 40–60 km/h.
• 🔴 Darkening of the oil (checked with a dipstick).

Use only original fluid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 or NS-3. Analogs may cause damage.

🔹 Is it possible to tow a trailer on Nissan Cube 2019?

Technically yes, but with caveats:

• 🚛 Maximum trailer weight — 600 kg (without brakes) or 900 kg (with brakes).
• ⚠️ The variator does not like heavy loads — towing reduces its resource.
• 🔧 Requires towbar installation and electronics check (may require matching block).

For regular towing Cube not suitable - better consider Nissan X-Trail or Qashqai.