Nissan Cube: body, trunk and interior dimensions - full analysis

Car Nissan Cube is one of the most recognizable compact vans on the market thanks to its unusual design and practical layout. Its asymmetrical shapes and "cubic" geometry not only give the car a unique look, but also influence the interior space. If you are planning a purchase or are simply interested in technical characteristics, model dimensions play a key role: maneuverability in the city, passenger comfort and load capacity depend on them.

In this article we will analyze in detail the sizes of all generations Nissan Cube (including Z10, Z11 And Z12), compare them with competitors like Toyota bB or Honda Element, and also give practical advice on choosing a modification. We will pay special attention ground clearance, trunk volume and the nuances of parking in cramped conditions. If you care not only about numbers, but also about their impact on daily operation, read on.

Dimensions of Nissan Cube by generation: comparison table

Model Nissan Cube was produced in three main generations, each of which had unique dimensional characteristics. Below is a comparison table with key parameters. Please note that the data may vary slightly depending on the sales market (Japan, USA, Europe) and equipment.

Generation	Years of manufacture	Length, mm	Width, mm	Height, mm	Ground clearance, mm	Wheelbase, mm
Z10 (1st)	1998–2002	3 720	1 660	1 730	150	2 430
Z11 (2nd)	2002–2008	3 830	1 670	1 740	155	2 530
Z12 (3rd)	2008–2019	3 980	1 695	1 760	160	2 530
Z12 (USA)	2009–2014	3 980	1 695	1 780	165	2 530

Important: American version Z12 (2009–2014) had an increased ground clearance (165 mm versus 160 mm in the Japanese specification) and a slightly modified suspension to adapt to local roads. This is worth considering when purchasing used copies from the USA.

As can be seen from the table, with each generation Cube became longer and wider, but at the same time retained a compact wheelbase. This made it an ideal choice for urban environments, where maneuverability is often more important than size. However, the increase in height (up to 1,780 mm in the American version) could create problems when entering some underground parking lots with height restrictions.

External dimensions: what affects the convenience of parking?

One of the key questions when choosing Nissan Cube — how easy it is for him to park in the city. Despite the compact wheelbase (2,530 mm), body width (up to 1,695 mm) and height (up to 1,780 mm) can create the illusion of bulk. Let's consider the nuances:

• 🅿️ Length 3,980 mm (y Z12) is comparable to Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, but due to the vertical walls, the car visually appears larger. In practice, this does not interfere with parking in standard spaces (the length of a parking pocket is usually 5–6 meters).
• 🚪 Width 1,695 mm - this is 10–15 cm more than most hatchbacks in the class B. You should be careful when opening doors in narrow yards, especially if there are other cars parked nearby.
• ⚠️ Height 1,760–1,780 mm may become a problem in parking lots with low ceilings (standard limit is 1,800–2,000 mm). Always check the signs before entering!

⚠️ Attention: Owners Nissan Cube Z12 Often faced with the fact that the car does not fit in height into some automatic car washes. Before visiting the car wash, check the maximum height of the portal (usually it is indicated at the entrance).

To make parking easier in Cube third generation provides:

• 🔄 Rear view camera (in top trim levels).
• 📏 Parking sensors (optional for US market).
• 🔁 Small turning radius — 5.3 meters (thanks to electric power steering).

Internal dimensions of the cabin: comfort for passengers

Despite its external compactness, Nissan Cube famous for its spacious interior thanks to high seating And flat floor. Let's look at the key parameters:

• 👥 Ceiling height — up to 1,300 mm (in the front part of the cabin). This allows passengers up to 190 cm tall to sit without bending.
• 🪑 Distance between rows of seats — 850 mm (at Z12). This is enough to comfortably accommodate the rear passengers' legs, even if tall people are sitting in front.
• 🚗 Cabin width — 1,450 mm (at the shoulders). Three people in the back row will sit cramped, but two people will be quite comfortable.

Feature Cube — asymmetrical interior layout. For example, in the third generation back row of seats moved closer to the left side (for the Japanese market), which creates additional legroom on the right side. In the American version this asymmetry is less pronounced.

Parameter	Z10 (1st)	Z11 (2nd)	Z12 (3rd)
Ceiling height (front), mm	1 250	1 280	1 300
Legroom (front/rear), mm	1 020 / 800	1 040 / 830	1 050 / 850
Interior volume (according to the passport), l	2 350	2 450	2 500

Interesting fact: in Cube Z12 The front passenger seat can be folded down "table", which increases usable space for transporting long loads (for example, skis or surfboards). This feature is especially appreciated among active users.

⚠️ Attention: On models with a panoramic roof (Z12 for the USA) the ceiling height in the cabin is reduced by 20–30 mm. If you are taller than 185 cm, please check before purchasing to see if it will be too tight for you.

Trunk capacity: how much does the Cube hold?

One of the main trump cards Nissan Cube — practical trunk with a non-standard shape. Thanks to the high ceiling and flat floor, you can transport bulky items here that won’t fit in a regular hatchback. Let's look at the numbers:

• 📦 Standard volume (up to window level): 270 l (Z10) → 350 l (Z12).
• 🚪 With rear seats folded down: up to 1,100 l (y Z12).
• 🛏️ Cargo Length (with seats folded): 1,600 mm - enough to transport a mattress or bicycle.

For comparison: Toyota bB trunk volume is 258 liters, and Honda Element - 740 l (but at the same time Element much longer and heavier). Cube Finds a balance between compactness and load capacity.

Important details:

• 🔧 In the trunk Z12 there is a hidden compartment under the floor (15 cm deep) where you can store tools or a spare tire (in versions with dokatkoy).
• ⚖️ Maximum trunk load — 200 kg (indicated in the instruction manual). Exceeding can lead to sagging of the rear suspension.
• 🔌 Some versions have a socket 12V in the trunk - convenient for connecting a refrigerator or compressor.

Make sure the rear seats fold flat (no protrusions)

Check the condition of the trunk seals (they often wear out due to moisture)

Estimate the height of the loading opening (at Z12 - 70 cm from the ground)

Check the operation of the trunk lock (in Z10 The microswitch often breaks) -->

Ground clearance and cross-country ability: myths and reality

Clearance Nissan Cube - a topic for debate. On the one hand, 160–165 mm (at Z12) seem sufficient for the city, but on the other hand - short wheelbase And front wheel drive limit cross-country ability. Let's figure out what we can do Cube:

• 🌧️ Urban conditions: ground clearance allows you to overcome curbs up to 15 cm high and drive through snow up to 20 cm deep (with winter tires).
• 🏔️ Light off-road: on a dry dirt road or gravel road the car behaves predictably, but if one wheel gets into a hole, traction problems are possible.
• ❄️ Winter operation: due to high center of gravity Cube prone to slight roll when cornering. It is recommended to use tires with a load index of at least 91T.

For comparison: Suzuki Jimny ground clearance 210 mm, and Toyota RAV4 - 195 mm. Cube loses to them in terms of geometric maneuverability, but wins in maneuverability and efficiency.

⚠️ Attention: In models Z10 And Z11 the front bumper has a low point (only 120 mm from the ground). When driving onto steep ramps or parking with your nose to the curb, the risk of damage is high. B Z12 This problem was partially solved by raising the bumper by 20 mm.

If you plan to drive on dirt roads, consider installing crankcase protection (especially for versions with automatic transmission, where the oil pan is located low). It will also be useful to increase the clearance with spacers for springs (up to +30 mm), but this will require wheel alignment adjustment.

How to check the real ground clearance?

Measure the distance from the bottom of the front bumper to the ground when fully fueled and with a load of 2-3 people. B Z12 it must be at least 140 mm. If less, check the springs and shock absorbers for wear.

Comparison with competitors: who is more spacious?

To objectively assess the dimensions Nissan Cube, let's compare it with the main competitors in the class of compact vans and minivans. Please note that some models (eg Honda Element) are positioned as crossovers, but are close in size to Cube.

Model	Length, mm	Width, mm	Height, mm	Trunk, l	Ground clearance, mm
Nissan Cube Z12	3 980	1 695	1 760	350	160
Toyota bB	3 695	1 660	1 615	258	155
Honda Element	4 280	1 810	1 700	740	180
Kia Soul (1st)	4 105	1 785	1 610	340	160
Scion xB	4 200	1 750	1 630	410	155

From the table it is clear that Cube loses Honda Element in carrying capacity, but wins in compactness. Compared to Toyota bB it's roomier and taller, making it more versatile for family use. Kia Soul And Scion xB closer in size, but inferior in original design and internal ergonomics.

If you need maximum trunk space, check out Honda Element, but be prepared for higher fuel consumption (from 10 l/100 km versus 6–7 l for Cube). For urban use Nissan remains one of the most balanced options.

Practical advice on choosing a modification

Upon purchase Nissan Cube it is important to consider not only the dimensions, but also complete set, supply market (Japan/USA) and year of manufacture. Here are the key recommendations:

• 🚗 For the city: choose Z12 with automatic transmission and ground clearance of 160 mm. It's more maneuverable Z10 and more economical Honda Element.
• 🏡 For family: pay attention to versions with interior paneling (optional for the Japanese market) and rear seats that fold into a table.
• 💰 Budget option: Z11 (2002–2008) are cheaper to maintain, but inferior in safety (no side airbags).

Pay special attention to the following nuances:

• 🔋 In American versions Z12 more powerful generators are installed (110 A versus 80 A in Japanese), which is useful when installing additional equipment.
• 🔄 B Cube for USA used stepless variator CVT, which is more reliable than a classic “automatic machine” in Z10/Z11.
• 🛠️ Check the status rear shock absorbers — they often “sag” when the trunk is overloaded.

If you are buying used Cube, be sure to check:

1. Condition pendants (knocks when passing speed bumps).
2. Job electronics (in Z12 The multimedia system often glitches).
3. Integrity windshield — its replacement is expensive due to its non-standard shape.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Is it possible to install on Nissan Cube gas equipment?

Yes, but with reservations. In the trunk Z12 There is enough space for a cylinder with a volume of up to 50 l, however:

• 🔧 Re-registration with the traffic police (in Russia) will be required.
• ⚖️ The weight of the cylinder (20–25 kg) will reduce the load capacity.
• 🔥 It is recommended to install a multivalve with a leak sensor.

B Z10/Z11 There is less space, so the cylinder will have to be placed in the spare wheel well (which is not always safe).

❓ What is the maximum weight that can be transported in Cube?

According to technical specifications:

• 🚗 Gross weight (Z12): 1,650–1,750 kg (depending on engine).
• ⚖️ Load capacity: 400–450 kg (including passengers).
• 📦 Trunk load: no more than 200 kg (otherwise the rear axle will sag).

When overloaded, shock absorbers and wheel bearings suffer. To transport heavy loads, it is better to use a trailer (maximum trailer weight is 600 kg).

❓ Will it fit? Nissan Cube for tall people (height 190+ cm)?

B Z12 tall drivers and passengers will be comfortable thanks to:

• 👑 High ceiling (1,300 mm at the front).
• 🪑 Adjusting the steering wheel according to reach (but not height!).
• 🚗 Possibility to move the seat back by 25–30 cm.

However, in Z10/Z11 There is less legroom (about 1,020 mm), so people taller than 185 cm may feel cramped.

❓ Which tires are best to choose for Cubeto increase ground clearance?

To increase the ground clearance by 10–15 mm without changing the suspension, you can install tires with a profile height:

• 🔄 Standard for Z12: 195/60 R15 (diameter 600 mm).
• ⬆️ Alternative: 205/65 R15 (diameter 625 mm, +12.5 mm ground clearance).
• ⚠️ Important: tires are larger 205/70 R15 may touch the arches when the steering wheel is turned completely.

Also check compatibility with disks: standard bolt pattern - 4×100, hub diameter - 60.1 mm.

❓ Is it possible to transport to Cube refrigerator or washing machine?

Yes, but with reservations:

• 🧊 Refrigerator (up to 1,600 mm high) will fit with the rear seats folded down. The width of the cargo compartment is 1,100 mm.
• 🧺 Washing machine (standard 60x60 cm) will fit if its height does not exceed 85 cm (otherwise it will hit the ceiling).
• 🔧 Use belts and anti-slip mats to secure the load.

B Z10/Z11 The trunk is smaller (270–300 l), so transporting large equipment will be more difficult.