2011 Nissan Cube vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The Kia Soul is possibly the top rival to the Cube; it has a boxy but slightly more conventional appearance that many might prefer to the Cube's especially quirky look.

Relative to the Cube, the Soul is the driving enthusiasts' choice; it handles well even if it doesn't have a lot of power.

The Soul isn't as refined as the Cube, though.

At about 157 inches long, the Nissan Cube lands, size-wise, with the last-generation Scion xB.

The xB introduced for 2008 is quite a bit larger and heavier than both the Cube and the last xB, but it doesn't feel any roomier.

The xB does, however, feel heftier and might be a bit more stable on the highway, but its fuel economy isn't as good as the Cube's.

Visibility is also an issue in the xB.

Scion's smaller xD is sized very closely with the Cube, but it doesn't have nearly as much backseat space or cargo room.

Yet another option is the Chevrolet HHR; though larger than the Cube, the HHR feels more cramped inside, and the HHR's tired retro design and rental-car interior is less likely to appeal to young fashionistas.