Nissan Cube Black is not just a car, but a style statement. The uniquely designed compact van, released between 2009 and 2014, still attracts attention thanks to its extraordinary appearance and practicality. The black body color emphasizes the futuristic lines of the car, making it even more expressive on the road. But is it worth buying? Cube in black today? In this article we will analyze all the nuances: from technical characteristics to tips for caring for a dark body.
Model Nissan Cube was aimed at young buyers and urban residents who value originality and functionality. Black color is one of the most popular among owners, but it requires special treatment: any scratches and chips are visible on the dark surface. We've analyzed owner reviews, the used car market and technical data to help you make an informed decision.
Technical characteristics of Nissan Cube Black: what's under the hood?
Beneath the unusual appearance Nissan Cube hides a time-tested platform. The basic equipment for the American and Japanese markets was equipped with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine MR18DE power 122 hp. This motor is known for its reliability, but it also has weaknesses - for example, sensitivity to oil quality. A variator works in tandem with it Jatco CVT7, which, with proper maintenance, lasts a long time, but is afraid of overheating.
A version with a 1.5-liter engine was also offered in Japan HR15DE (109 hp), which is more economical, but less dynamic. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 7.5–8.5 l/100 km for the 1.8-liter version - a good indicator for a car of this class. Suspension Cube soft and comfortable, but at high speeds the rolliness is noticeable due to the high body.
- 🔧 Engines: 1.5L
HR15DE(109 hp), 1.8LMR18DE(122 hp) - ⚙️ Gearbox: variator Jatco CVT7 or 6-speed manual transmission (rare)
- 🛣️ Drive: front (FWD)
- ⛽ Fuel consumption: 6.8–8.5 l/100 km (depending on driving style)
An important nuance: the Nissan Cube CVT requires an oil change every 60,000 km, and not 100,000 km, as the manufacturer claims. Neglecting this rule leads to jerks and a reduction in the service life of the gearbox.
- 1.5L (economical)
- 1.8L (more powerful)
- I don't care
- I don't know
Design and interior: why is the black Cube so popular?
Appearance Nissan Cube - its main advantage. Asymmetrical headlights, a sloping rear and bubble windows make the car recognizable at first glance. The black color enhances this effect: the car looks more aggressive and stylish, especially when equipped Krom with chrome elements. However, a dark body also has a downside: even minor defects are visible on it, and in hot weather the interior heats up more.
Interior Cube no less original. The dashboard is located in the center, and not behind the steering wheel - this is unusual, but you quickly get used to this solution. The finishing materials are simple but high quality. There's plenty of space inside thanks to the high roof and flat floor. Trunk volume 250 l can be increased to 1180 l, folding the rear seats (they fold in a 60:40 ratio).
| Characteristics | Nissan Cube (base) | Nissan Cube Krom (top) |
|---|---|---|
| Body color "Black" | Additional option (+$300–$500) | Included as standard |
| Wheels | 15" steel | 16" light alloy |
| Audio system | 4 speakers, CD/MP3 | 6 speakers, Bluetooth, USB |
| Climate control | Air conditioning (manual control) | Automatic climate control |
Owners note that the black interior (available in Krom) looks stylish, but requires regular cleaning - dust and lint on dark seats are immediately noticeable. But this finish fades less in the sun compared to light-colored options.
Pros and cons of the Nissan Cube in black: an honest analysis
Like any car, Nissan Cube Black has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at them in detail so you can evaluate whether this car is right for you.
Benefits:
- 🚗 Unique Design: stands out from other compact vans, the black color adds solidity.
- 💺 Spacious interior: The high ceiling and flat floor ensure comfort even for tall passengers.
- 🛠️ Reliable engine:
MR18DEwith proper maintenance it works300,000+ km. - 💰 Low cost of ownership: cheaper to maintain than many European analogues.
- 🅿️ Convenient parking: compact dimensions (
3980×1695×1760 mm) and good visibility.
Disadvantages:
- 🖤 Problems with black body: scratches, chips and dust are more noticeable than on light-colored cars.
- ⚙️ CVT: requires careful handling and regular oil changes (every
60,000 km). - 🛣️ Noise: at higher speeds
100 km/hWind noise is heard due to the high body. - 💸 Spare parts: Some parts (for example, headlights or bumpers) are more expensive due to their non-standard shape.
- 🔄 Low liquidity: on the secondary market Cube has been on sale longer than popular hatchbacks.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Nissan Cube Black used, be sure to check the condition of the variator. If you feel jerking or hesitation when accelerating, this is a sign of wear. Transmission diagnostics will cost 3 000–5 000 ₽, but will save you tens of thousands on repairs.
Comparison with competitors: why did you choose the Cube and not the Scion xB or Kia Soul?
Nissan Cube was not the only compact van on the market. Its main competitors are Scion xB (Toyota), Kia Soul And Honda Element. They all offered unconventional design and practicality, but each had its own characteristics. Let's compare them based on key parameters.
| Parameter | Nissan Cube (2010–2014) | Scion xB (2008–2015) | Kia Soul (2010–2013) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L (122 hp) | 2.4L (158 hp) | 1.6L/2.0L (122–142 hp) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.5–8.5 l/100 km | 9.0–10.0 l/100 km | 7.0–8.0 l/100 km |
| Trunk volume | 250–1180 l | 210–700 l | 354–1370 l |
| Used price (2026, Russia) | 500 000–800 000 ₽ | 600 000–900 000 ₽ | 550 000–950 000 ₽ |
| Unique Feature | Asymmetrical design, central panel | Side sliding doors (on some versions) | LED interior lighting |
Why Cube? It is cheaper to maintain than Scion xB, and more original than Kia Soul. However, if dynamic overclocking is important to you, it is better to take a closer look at xB with a 2.4-liter engine. But for practicality Cube beats both competitors thanks to a more spacious interior and convenient loading.
If you choose between Nissan Cube And Kia Soul, pay attention to the condition of the suspension. U Soul problems with shock absorbers are more common, and Cube — with silent blocks of front levers.
How to choose Nissan Cube Black on the secondary market: buyer's checklist
Buying used Nissan Cube requires care. The black color of the body can hide defects, so inspection should be especially thorough. Here's what to look for:
Check the thickness of the paintwork on the roof and hood (traces of body repairs are often hidden there)
Start the engine when cold - there should be no knocking or vibrations.
Make sure the CVT shifts gears smoothly without jerking
Check the operation of the air conditioner (in Cube compressor often fails)
Inspect the door seals - they may dry out and let water in -->
Pay special attention CVT. Ask the seller to provide receipts for oil changes at the checkpoint. If not, be prepared for additional costs. Also check:
- 🔦 Electrician: in Cube Sometimes the on-board system malfunctions (for example, the instrument lighting does not work).
- 🚪 Rear doors: their opening mechanism becomes loose over time.
- 🔥 Temperature sensor: if it's lying, the engine may overheat.
Average price Nissan Cube Black on the secondary market in 2026:
- 💰
2010–2011:450 000–600 000 ₽(with average mileage120,000–150,000 km) - 💰
2012–2014:600 000–850 000 ₽(mileage up to100,000 km)
⚠️ Attention: Don't buy Nissan Cube with mileage over200,000 km, if there is no service history. At this point, the variator and suspension will most likely require major repairs, which will cost150 000–250 000 ₽.
Caring for a black body: how to maintain a presentable appearance?
Black color is stylish, but also troublesome. On a dark body Nissan Cube any scratch or speck of dust catches the eye. To ensure your car always looks well-groomed, follow these tips:
- Washing 2 times a week. Use special shampoos for dark cars (for example, Sonax Brilliant Shine or Meguiar’s Gold Class). They contain wax, which adds extra shine.
- Polishing once every 3 months. Black paint fades quickly. Polish with abrasive particles (for example, 3M Rubbing Compound) will help remove minor scratches.
- Application of a protective coating. Ceramic coating or "liquid glass" (Willson Silane Guard) will protect the paintwork from UV rays and chemical reagents.
- Parking in the shade. The black body heats up more, which speeds up the fading of the paint. If you don't have a garage, use a cover or sunscreen.
To remove deep scratches you can use touch-up pencil (For example, Touch-Up Paint from Nissan). But if the damage is serious (down to the ground), it is better to contact a body shop. The cost of local repair of one part will cost 5 000–15 000 ₽.
What are the dangers of a car wash with brushes for a black Cube?
Brushes on touchless car washes leave micro-scratches that look like cobwebs on a black body. Over time, this leads to clouding of the varnish. It is better to wash your car by hand or use a pressure washer without brushes.
Tuning Nissan Cube Black: how to make the car even more stylish?
Nissan Cube - an excellent base for tuning. The black body color allows you to experiment with accent details. Here are some popular modifications:
- 🎨 Screws and stickers: Contrasting stripes (for example, red or blue) on a black background look aggressive. Popular stickers in the style JDM (Japanese tuning).
- 🔥 Sport kit: front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser from Stillen or Nismo will give the car a sporty look.
- 💡 Light: LED illumination of the underbody or interior (for example, Philips LED Daylight) will highlight the futuristic design.
- 🎵 Audio system: replacing the standard radio with Pioneer AVH-X5900BHS with support Apple CarPlay and installing a subwoofer in the trunk.
- ⚙️ Suspension: springs Tein S.Tech or H&R will lower the car to
30–50 mm, improving controllability.
The cost of tuning varies from 20 000 ₽ (cosmetic changes) to 300 000+ ₽ (complete rework with changes in technical characteristics). Remember that any modifications to the engine or suspension may affect the life of the vehicle.
The most budget-friendly way to transform Nissan Cube Black — Install LED DRLs and tint the taillights in a smoky color. It will cost 5 000–10 000 ₽, but visually the car will look more modern.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about Nissan Cube Black
❓ How much does insurance (MTPL/CASCO) cost for a Nissan Cube in black?
Cost of MTPL for Nissan Cube (1.8L, 2010–2014 onwards) in 2026 is 4 500–6 000 ₽ depending on the region. CASCO will cost 30,000–50,000 ₽/year, since black color is considered more risky (it is more likely to be stolen and damage is more often visible). A discount is possible when installing an alarm system with auto start.
❓ Is it possible to repaint a Nissan Cube from black to a different color?
Yes, but it's expensive. A complete repainting will cost 80 000–150 000 ₽ (depending on the quality of materials and complexity of work). Vinyl wrapping will cost less - from 30 000 ₽. Please note that after repainting the car may lose value when sold.
❓ What kind of oil should I pour into the Nissan Cube engine and variator?
For engine MR18DE synthetic oil recommended 5W-30 (For example, Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 or Idemitsu Zepro Eco Medalist 5W-30). For CVT - only original Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 (article KLE52-00004). The oil change in the variator should be carried out every 60,000 km, not 100,000 km, as they say in the manual!
❓ What is the resource of the Nissan Cube engine and variator?
With proper maintenance, the engine MR18DE walks 300,000–400,000 km. The variator lives less - 150,000–200,000 kmif you change the oil on time. The main enemies of the gearbox: towing, aggressive acceleration and off-road driving. If the variator starts to “kick”, get ready for repairs (80 000–120 000 ₽).
❓ Where is the best place to buy spare parts for Nissan Cube?
Original spare parts can be ordered from official dealers Nissan (expensive, but quality guaranteed). A more budget option is online stores like Exist.ru, Autodoc or JapanParts. For the variator, take only original parts! Analogs (for example, ATP or Febi) often fail. Average prices:
- Headlight:
15 000–25 000 ₽ - Front arm silent block:
1 500–3 000 ₽ - Timing belt (set):
5 000–8 000 ₽