
The Cube has a few small rivals, but none of them are quite as exaggerated and...cubic.
The smaller Scion xD is sized very closely with the Cube, but it doesn't have nearly as much backseat space or cargo room.
At about 157 inches long, the Nissan Cube is about the same size as the last-generation Scion xB.
But the current xB is quite a bit larger and heavier than both the Cube and the last xB, yet it doesn't feel any roomier.
The xB's heftier driving feel and better stability on the highway are positives, but its real-world gas mileage isn't as good as the Cube's.
The Kia Soul is probably the top rival, as well as the driving enthusiasts' choice; it handles well even if it doesn't have a lot of power.
One weakness for the Soul remains interior refinement.
We can see some other shoppers--if they're willing to spend a bit more--looking at the also-quirky MINI Cooper Clubman.
With its hinged rear doors, it's a 'utility coupe' of sorts, and but also makes the right statement for the fashion-conscious.
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Quick Specs | |||
For those motivated by style and fashion—yet still needing a healthy dose of practicality—the Cube hits the right buttons; practical types might find it hard to get past some packaging issues, though. |
The name rings true: this Kia has a Soul, with fun road manners and tall-wagon practicality baked into its kicky shape. |
Trendy or odd, the Scion xB jams plenty of space and versatility into its compact footprint. |
It's not as much fun as its styling suggests, but the 2012 Scion xD has a low base price and offers lots of accessories. |
MSRP From | |||
$14,980 | $13,900 | $16,300 | $15,345 |
Gas Mileage | |||
25 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | |||
Small Station Wagon | Small Station Wagon | Small Station Wagon | Subcompact Cars |
Style Name | |||
5-Door Wagon I4 Manual 1.8 Base | 5-Door Wagon Manual Base | 5-Door Wagon Manual (GS) | 5-Door HB Manual (GS) |
Drivetrain | |||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
5-Door Wagon | 5 Door Wagon | 4 Door Wagon | 4 Door Wagon |
Transmission | |||
Manual | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2012 Nissan Cube vs. 2012 Kia Soul | 2012 Nissan Cube vs. 2012 Scion xB | 2012 Nissan Cube vs. 2012 Scion xD |