Nissan Cube is one of the most recognizable compact vans on the market, whose unusual design and practicality have attracted attention for more than 20 years. However, when choosing this model, many people overlook such a critical parameter as car weight. Not only the dynamics of acceleration and braking distance depend on the mass, but also fuel consumption, suspension load, and also insurance cost in some countries. In this article we will analyze in detail the weight characteristics of all generations Cube (including rare modifications), compare them with competitors and explain how weight affects operation.

Feature Nissan Cube - its asymmetrical layout and high body, which could not but affect the weight distribution. For example, models with all-wheel drive (4WD) are 80–120 kg heavier than front-wheel drive ones, and versions with automatic transmission add another 20–30 kg. We have collected unique weight data for each generation (Z10, Z11, Z12) taking into account body type, engine and sales market, including Japanese keicar-versions that are 100–150 kg lighter than export versions.

Nissan Cube generations: weight evolution (1998–2019)

There have been three main generations in the history of the model. Cube, each of which had unique weight characteristics. First generation (Z10, 1998–2002) was the lightest - its weight varied from 850 kg for basic versions to 1050 kg for all-wheel drive modifications. Second generation (Z11, 2002–2008) gained weight due to enhanced safety and comfort, and the third (Z12, 2008–2019) became the heaviest - up to 1300 kg in top trim levels.

Reasons for weight gain:

  • 🔧 Body reinforcement to meet safety standards (Euro NCAP, IIHS).
  • ⚡ Additional equipment: climate control, electronics, sound insulation.
  • 🚗 Switch to more powerful engines (for example, 1.8-liter MR18DE instead of 1.4 liter CR14DE).
  • 🌍 Adaptation for different markets (Japan, USA, Europe) taking into account local standards.

Interestingly, the American versions Cube (2009–2014) were 50–80 kg heavier than Japanese ones due to additional bumpers and a stabilization system ESP, mandatory for the US market. At the same time keicar-modifications for Japan (with a 0.66 liter engine) weighed only 850–900 kg - almost like a subcompact class Nissan March.

📊 Which generation of Nissan Cube do you like best?
  • Z10 (1998–2002)
  • Z11 (2002–2008)
  • Z12 (2008–2019)
  • No preference

Nissan Cube weight table by generation and modification

Below is a detailed table with the weight characteristics of all major versions Nissan Cube. The data is given for "dry" weight (without passengers, cargo and fuel), since curb weight may differ by 50–100 kg depending on the configuration.

Generation Modification Engine Drive Weight, kg Market
Z10
(1998–2002)		 Base CR14DE 1.4 l FWD 850–890 Japan
4WD CR14DE 1.4 l 4WD 980–1020 Japan
Keicar CG13DE 0.66 l FWD 780–810 Japan
Z11
(2002–2008)		 1.4 CR14DE 1.4 l FWD 950–990 Japan/Europe
1.5 HR15DE 1.5 l FWD 1000–1040 Japan
1.5 4WD HR15DE 1.5 l 4WD 1100–1150 Japan
1.6 (Europe) HR16DE 1.6 l FWD 1050–1090 Europe
Z12
(2008–2019)		 1.8 (Japan) MR18DE 1.8 l FWD 1150–1190 Japan
1.8 (US) MR18DE 1.8 l FWD 1230–1270 USA
1.6 (Europe) HR16DE 1.6 l FWD 1180–1220 Europe

Please note: Weight may vary depending on:

  • 🔋 Transmission type (manual vs. variator CVT).
  • 🎨 Complete sets (for example, version Cube Custom 30–50 kg heavier than the base one).
  • 🛠️ Additional equipment (sunroof, leather interior, audio system).
💡

The lightest generation is Z10 (780–1020 kg), the heaviest is Z12 for the USA (up to 1270 kg).

How weight affects dynamics and fuel consumption

The mass of a vehicle is directly related to its overclocking, braking way And fuel consumption. For example, Nissan Cube Z12 with engine MR18DE (1.8 l, 122 hp) accelerates to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds in the front-wheel drive version and in 11.2 seconds in the all-wheel drive version - the difference is due precisely to the weight (1150 kg vs. 1250 kg).

Effect of mass on key parameters:

  • ⛽ Fuel consumption: every extra 100 kg increases consumption by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km. For example, Cube Z11 1.5 (1000 kg) consumes 6.2 l/100 km in the city, and the 4WD version (1150 kg) already consumes 6.8 l/100 km.
  • 🚦 Braking distance: A heavy car takes longer to brake. With a weight of 1200 kg, the braking distance from 100 km/h increases by 2-3 meters compared to the 900 kg version.
  • 🔄 Suspension wear: shock absorbers and springs on Cube Z12 are designed for a load of up to 1300 kg, but with constant overload (for example, 5 passengers + luggage), their service life is reduced by 30–40%.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to frequently transport heavy loads (for example, for a small business), pay attention to permissible gross weight (indicated in the PTS). For Cube Z12 it is 1650–1700 kg, which means: with a vehicle weight of 1200 kg, you can load a maximum of 450–500 kg (including passengers).

Let's compare Cube with competitors in terms of power-to-weight ratio:

  • Toyota bB (1.5 l, 109 hp, 1050 kg) - 104 hp/t vs. Cube Z11 1.5 (103 hp, 1000 kg) - 103 hp/t.
  • Honda Fit/Jazz (1.5 l, 118 hp, 1060 kg) - 111 hp/t (beats Cube by dynamics).
  • Scion xB (2.4 l, 158 hp, 1250 kg) - 126 hp/t (the most powerful in the class).
💡

To reduce fuel consumption on the heavy version Cube, use the mode Eco Mode (available on Z12 with CVT) and maintain tire pressure between 2.2 and 2.4 bar.

Fully loaded Nissan Cube weight: what you need to know

Curb weight (weight of empty vehicle) and gross weight (maximum permissible) - two key parameters that are often confused. For Nissan Cube the difference between them is 400–500 kg, which is critical when planning transportation.

Total weight calculation:

  • 👥 Passenger weight: 5 people × 75 kg = 375 kg.
  • 📦 Luggage weight: up to 200–250 kg (depending on the configuration).
  • ⛽ Fuel weight: 40 l × 0.75 kg/l = 30 kg.
  • 🔧 Spare wheel + tools: ~20 kg.

Example for Cube Z12 1.8 FWD (curb weight 1180 kg):

1180 кг (авто) + 375 кг (пассажиры) + 200 кг (багаж) + 30 кг (топливо) + 20 кг (запаска) = 1805 кг.

This exceeds the permissible gross weight (1700 kg) by 105 kg! Therefore, when fully loaded, you will have to reduce luggage or the number of passengers.

⚠️ Attention: Overload Nissan Cube more than 10% of the permissible mass leads to:

  • 🔥 Overheating of the brakes (risk of brake fluid boiling).
  • 🛞 Accelerated wear of wheel bearings and shock absorbers.
  • 🚨 Deterioration of controllability (especially at high speeds).

How to reduce the weight of a Nissan Cube: practical tips

If you are not satisfied with the performance or fuel consumption of your Cube, you can optimize its weight. Even reducing weight by 50–100 kg will give a noticeable effect:

  • 🔄 Improved acceleration by 0.3–0.5 seconds to 100 km/h.
  • ⛽ Reduced fuel consumption by 0.2–0.4 l/100 km.
  • 🚗 Increased steering maneuverability and responsiveness.

Ways to reduce weight:

☑️ Checklist for making Nissan Cube lighter

Done: 0 / 5

The most effective modifications:

  1. Replacing wheels: Standard steel wheels weigh 7–9 kg each, while alloy wheels weigh 5–6 kg. Savings: 16–24 kg.
  2. Removing the spare tire: A full-size spare wheel + jack weighs 20–25 kg. Instead you can carry run-flat tires or repair kit.
  3. Lightweight exhaust system: replacing the standard muffler with a forward flow one (for example, Tanabe or HKS) will save 5–8 kg.

Tuning example Cube Z11 1.5:

element Standard weight Light weight Savings
Discs (4 pcs.) 32 kg 20 kg 12 kg
Spare wheel 22 kg 0 kg 22 kg
Rear seats 18 kg 0 kg 18 kg
Battery 15 kg 10 kg (lithium) 5 kg
Total — — 57 kg
What happens if the car is too light?

Excessive lightening (for example, removing all soundproofing materials) can lead to:

- increased noise level in the cabin,

- deterioration of thermal insulation (in winter the interior will cool down faster),

- body vibrations at high speeds.

Optimal weight saving is up to 10% of curb weight (for example, 100–120 kg for Cube Z12).

Weight Nissan Cube vs. competitors: who is lighter?

In the compact van class Nissan Cube It's not the lightest, but it's not the heaviest either. For comparison, let's take models of similar size and power:

Model Years of production Engine Weight, kg Power, hp HP/t ratio
Nissan Cube Z12 2008–2019 1.8 l MR18DE 1180–1270 122 96–103
Toyota bB 2005–2016 1.5 l 1NZ-FE 1050–1100 109 99–104
Honda Fit (Jazz) 2007–2013 1.5 l L15A 1060–1120 118 105–111
Scion xB 2007–2015 2.4 l 2AZ-FE 1250–1300 158 120–126
Kia Soul 2009–2013 1.6 l Gamma 1160–1220 124 102–107

Conclusions:

  • 🏆 The easiest: Toyota bB (1050 kg) - 50–100 kg lighter Cube.
  • 💪 The most powerful: Scion xB (158 hp) - the best power-to-weight ratio.
  • ⚖️ Balanced option: Honda Fit - lightweight and economical.

If dynamics are critical for you, pay attention to Scion xB or Honda Fit. If space and original design are more important - Cube remains one of the best choices despite the slightly higher weight.

Frequently asked questions about Nissan Cube weight

❓ What is the weight of the Nissan Cube with CVT?

The CVT adds 20–30 kg compared to a manual transmission. For example:

  • Cube Z11 1.5 FWD with manual transmission: 1000 kg → with CVT: 1020–1030 kg.
  • Cube Z12 1.8 FWD with manual transmission: 1150 kg → with CVT: 1180–1190 kg.
❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer with a Nissan Cube?

Yes, but with restrictions:

  • Maximum trailer weight without brakes: 450 kg.
  • With brakes: up to 900 kg (for Cube Z12).
  • The total weight of the road train must not exceed 2500 kg.

⚠️ When towing a trailer weighing more than 700 kg, it is recommended to use transmission cooler to protect the variator from overheating.

❓ How much does the Nissan Cube body weigh separately?

Weight of the “naked” body (without engine, transmission, interior) for Cube Z12 is approximately 350–400 kg. This is 10–15% heavier than competitors (for example, the body Toyota bB weighs ~320 kg) due to reinforced design for safety.

❓ Does weight affect the resource of the variator?

Yes, and very significantly. CVT JF011E, installed on Cube Z12, designed for loads up to 1300 kg. For continuous overload (e.g. towing a trailer or transporting heavy loads):

  • The service life of the variator belt is reduced from 150,000 km to 80,000–100,000 km.
  • The risk of oil overheating increases by 2–3 times.

🔧 Recommendation: during intensive use, change the oil in the variator every 40,000 km (instead of the standard 60,000 km).

❓ What is the weight of the Nissan Cube with a hybrid installation?

Officially hybrid versions Nissan Cube did not exist, but in Japan there were experimental models based on Z11 with the system Hybrid Synergy Drive (analogue Toyota Prius). Their weight was 1150–1200 kg - 150–200 kg heavier than standard versions due to batteries.