Car Nissan Cube is one of the most recognizable compact vans on the market thanks to its custom design and spacious interior. Produced over three generations (2002–2019), this model has gained popularity among city drivers and Japanophiles. But what lies behind the asymmetrical body lines? In this article we will analyze in detail Nissan Cube interior: from the quality of materials to the ergonomics of seats, luggage compartment and hidden “chips” that dealers are silent about.
Feature Cube - This is not only the appearance, but also the internal layout. The car was positioned as a “mobile salon” for young people, so here you will find non-standard solutions: from rotating front seats to an unusual instrument panel. Not everything is perfect, however, with some owners complaining about the noisy trim and cramped rear space. Let's figure out if it's worth buying Cube for the sake of its interior - or is it just a tribute to originality.
Interior design and ergonomics: why is the Nissan Cube so unusual?
Interior Nissan Cube is a mixture of futuristic minimalism and Japanese practicality. The center console is asymmetrical, as is the exterior design, with the instrument panel positioned toward the driver and the climate controls positioned at an unusual angle. This solution was supposed to improve visibility, but in reality it is controversial. For example, speedometer and tachometer dials located not in the center, but closer to the steering wheel - this is either convenient or annoying, depending on your habit.
The finishing materials in the basic versions leave much to be desired: the plastic is hard, and scratches easily remain on the dashboard. However, in top trim levels (for example, Cube SL) soft-touch panels and even a leather-wrapped steering wheel are used. Interesting move - interior lighting, which creates the effect of a “spaceship” in the dark. But not everything is so rosy: the owners note that over time the plastic begins to creak, especially in cold weather.
- ✅ Design advantages: unique style, good visibility, non-standard lighting.
- ❌ Cons: cheap plastic in the base, squeaks over time, inconvenient placement of some buttons.
- 🔧 Tuning: Many owners cover the dashboard with carbon fiber or replace plastic with soft linings.
- Original and stylish
- Too unusual, inconvenient
- I like it, but the materials are bad
- It doesn’t matter, the main thing is reliability
Front panel and instruments: what is convenient and what is annoying?
Dashboard Cube made in the style of an “aircraft cockpit”: the speedometer and tachometer are located in separate wells, and between them there is a small on-board computer display. Tall drivers note that panel angle It's not adjustable, which means you sometimes have to bend over to see the readings. But the instrument lighting is bright, and the fonts are large - this is a plus for older drivers.
The center console is divided into two zones: upper (audio system, climate control) and lower (gearbox lever, cup holders). The climate buttons are large, but their location takes some getting used to. For example, the temperature control is on the left and the fan speed is on the right, which is counterintuitive for many. One more nuance: in versions with CVT The gear selector is made in the form of a joystick, which not everyone likes.
⚠️ Attention: In models 2009–2014, the backlighting of climate control buttons often fails. This is not a critical breakdown, but repairs will cost 3–5 thousand rubles.
| Panel element | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Speedometer/tachometer | Bright backlight, large numbers | Uncomfortable viewing angle for tall drivers |
| Climate control | Large buttons, simple logic | Non-standard arrangement of regulators |
| Audio system | Support USB/AUX even in the database |
Weak sound from stock speakers |
Front seats: comfort or compromise?
Armchairs in Nissan Cube - this is a separate topic for discussion. On the one hand, they have good lateral support and height adjustment (in top versions). On the other hand - headrests are too hard, and longitudinal adjustment is limited due to the compact dimensions of the cabin. Owners note that after 2–3 hours of driving, their backs begin to hurt, especially if the seats are not adjusted correctly.
Interesting feature - swivel front seats (optional on some versions). They allow you to turn towards the cabin, which is convenient for communicating with passengers or having a picnic. However, the rotation mechanism becomes loose over time, and the chairs begin to play. Another nuance: in cold weather, the leather braid (if there is one) becomes slippery, which not everyone likes.
☑️ How to check the seats when buying a used Cube?
For drivers taller than 185 cm Cube may seem cramped: the ceiling is low, and the steering wheel is adjustable only for tilt (without reach). But visibility is excellent thanks to large windows and thin pillars. The passenger seat is often criticized for its lack of height adjustment - this is uncomfortable if the passenger is tall.
Back row: spacious or cramped?
Rear seats in Nissan Cube - This is the main compromise of the model. On the one hand, the interior is wider than many of its classmates (for example, Toyota Ist or Honda Fit). On the other hand - legroom is limited due to the inconvenient location of the front seats. Three adult passengers will be cramped, but two will be quite comfortable.
The rear row backrests fold in proportion 60:40, which is convenient for transporting long cargo. However, the folding mechanism is not the most reliable: over time, the hinges become loose and the backs begin to play. Another minus - no central armrest and cup holders for rear passengers. But there are pockets on the backs of the front seats and a small shelf behind the headrests.
- 👍 Pros: wide interior, folding backrests, good visibility.
- 👎 Cons: little legroom, no armrest, cramped for three.
- 🛠️ Tuning: many install additional cup holders or replace the rear bench with a sports one.
⚠️ Attention: Models up to 2012 do not have rear seat belt pretensioners. This reduces safety in case of accidents, especially for children.
Trunk: how much does the Cube hold and how to increase the space?
Trunk volume Nissan Cube amounts to 117 l in standard position and 420 l with the rear seats folded down. This is less than Toyota RAV4 or Honda HR-V, but larger than most B-class hatchbacks. The shape of the trunk is inconvenient: a high threshold and narrowing at the top make loading large items difficult.
To make the most of the space, owners advise:
- 📦 Fold the back row not completely, but only one back (for long loads).
- 🔧 Install additional racks for bicycles or skis on the roof.
- 🧳 Use organizers for the trunk, as there are many “dead zones” in the niches.
How do you fold down the rear seats in the Cube?
To fold the backrests, pull the lever at the base of the seat and push the backrest forward. In some versions, you must first raise the rear seat cushion.
| Competitor | Trunk volume (l) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Ist | 251–754 | More space, flat floor |
| Honda Fit | 390–1314 | Deep trunk, easy loading |
| Nissan Cube | 117–420 | High ceiling, but tight opening |
Noise and vibration isolation: how quiet is the interior?
One of the main disadvantages Nissan Cube — poor sound insulation. At speeds above 90 km/h, loud noise from the wheels and wind can be heard in the cabin, especially in versions with large wheels (17"). Owners complain that even with the windows closed, they have to speak in a raised voice on the highway.
The problem is partially solved by additional noise, but this requires disassembling the interior. The most problematic areas:
- 🚗 Gender: noise from the transmission and road surface penetrates through it.
- 🪟 Doors: thin metal and weak seals allow wind noise to pass through.
- 🔧 Wheel arches: without additional processing, the impacts of stones can be heard.
If you plan to drive frequently on the highway, install sound insulation on the arches and doors. This will reduce the noise level by 20-30%.
In the 2015–2019 models, noise insulation improved slightly thanks to tighter door seals, but the problem remained relevant. For comparison: in Toyota Aqua or Honda Jazz The interior is noticeably quieter even without modifications.
Interior tuning: how to improve Nissan Cube?
Many owners Cube They are tuning the interior to correct factory defects. Popular improvements:
- 🔧 Replacing plastic: covering the dashboard with carbon fiber or Alcantara.
- 🎨 Backlight: installation of LED strips under seats or in door cards.
- 🛋️ Armchairs: replacement with sports ones (for example, from Nissan Silvia).
- 🔊 Audio system: installation of a subwoofer and improved speakers.
One of the most popular tunings is steering wheel replacement to sports (for example, from Nissan 350Z). This not only improves handling, but also adds dynamism to the interior. Many also install keyless entry And heated seats, if they are not included in the basic configuration.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing the front seats with non-standard ones, it may be necessary to reflash the airbag control unit. This is expensive (from 10 thousand rubles) and not always legal.
Tuning the Cube's interior is not only about beauty, but also about correcting factory defects. The main thing is not to overdo it with modifications, so as not to lose the unique style of the model.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Cube interior
❓ Is it possible to install a sunroof in a Nissan Cube?
Yes, but it's a complicated procedure. There is no standard hole in the body for the hatch, so you will have to cut the metal and strengthen the frame. The cost of work is from 50 thousand rubles. Alternative: tinting the front windows for better interior lighting.
❓ Why is there so little rear legroom in the Cube?
This is a design feature: the front seats are installed on special guides that “eat up” the space. In later versions (after 2014), the problem was partially solved due to the changed shape of the backrests.
❓ Which salon is better: Cube or Honda Fit?
Honda Fit more practical: it has a larger trunk (up to 1314 l), better sound insulation and ergonomics. But Cube wins in terms of original design and interior width. The choice depends on priorities: functionality or style.
❓ Is it possible to sleep in a Nissan Cube?
Theoretically yes, but it’s inconvenient. With the seats folded, the length of the flat surface is about 160 cm, which is short for a person of average height. Many owners remove the front passenger seat to create more space.
❓ Which Cube trim levels have a leather interior?
Leather braided seats were available in top versions Cube SL (2010–2014) and Cube Krom (2015–2019). In basic configurations, fabric or combined trim was used.