Compact hatchback Nissan Cube with its recognizable design and non-standard body geometry, it has long become a cult car for urban environments. However, when choosing such a car, many potential owners wonder: what kind of car does it have? ground clearance and how does it correspond to Russian roads? Unlike classic crossovers, Cube was originally positioned as a city car, but its high seating position and short overhangs create the illusion of off-road capabilities.
In this article we will look at real ground clearance figures for all generations Nissan Cube, including rare modifications for the Japanese market. You will learn how to correctly measure ground clearance, what factors influence its decrease over time, and what ways to increase clearance exist without compromising handling. We will also compare Cube with main competitors - Kia Soul, Scion xB And Toyota bB - to understand how practical it is on bad roads.
Official Nissan Cube ground clearance data by generation
Manufacturer Nissan never advertised ground clearance Cube as its key advantage, which is why official data is often contradictory. For example, the technical specifications for the European market indicated clearance 150 mm, while Japanese sources called the figure 160–165 mm for the same models. The difference is explained by different measurement methods: in Japan, clearance is often measured to oil pan, and in Europe - to the lowest point (for example, front bumper).
Let's look at the numbers by generation:
- 🔹 First generation (Z10, 1998–2002): 155–160 mm. Lowest ground clearance of all Cube, which is explained by the focus on the youth audience and the sporty nature of the model. The suspension here is softer, but the clearance is minimal.
- 🔹 Second generation (Z11, 2002–2008): 160–165 mm. A slight increase due to modified body geometry and higher springs. All-wheel drive versions (
4WD) had 5–10 mm more clearance. - 🔹 Third generation (Z12, 2008–2019): 150–155 mm (officially), but real measurements of the owners show 145–150 mm under load. This generation has become the “lowest” due to the emphasis on dynamics and efficiency.
I wonder what Nissan Cube for the American market (2009–2014) had a breakthrough 152 mm according to the passport, but in fact it rarely exceeded 140 mm when fully loaded. This is due to more stringent requirements for safety and other suspension settings.
- Less than 140 mm
- 140–150 mm
- 150–160 mm
- More than 160 mm
- I don't know
How to correctly measure the clearance of a Nissan Cube: step-by-step instructions
If you are planning a purchase Cube or you already own it, it is important to be able to measure the ground clearance yourself. Official data often does not coincide with reality due to suspension wear, wheel replacement or modifications. Here's how to do it right:
- Place the car on flat area (no slopes). It is better to use a viewing hole or a lift, but smooth asphalt will do.
- Check the tire pressure - it should meet the manufacturer's recommendations (usually
2.0–2.2 barfor Cube). - Measure the distance from the ground to the lowest point:
- 📏 Front: Usually this is the crankcase guard or front bumper.
- 📏 Middle: engine sump or exhaust system components.
- 📏 Rear: rear axle (all-wheel drive versions) or muffler.
It is important to consider that measurements must be taken without passengers or cargo, and then repeat with a full load (for example, 4 people + luggage). The difference will show how much the suspension sags. For Cube third generation drawdown can reach 20–30 mm, which is critical for bad roads.
Prepare a ruler or caliper with a depth gauge
Make sure the car is on a level surface
Check the tire pressure (indicated on the sign in the doorway)
Measure the clearance at three points: front, middle, back
Repeat measurements with full load -->
Factors that reduce Nissan Cube ground clearance over time
Even if your Cube was purchased with factory clearance 160 mm, after a few years of operation this figure may be reduced by 15–25 mm. This is due to several key factors:
- 🔧 Wear of springs and shock absorbers: over time, the springs “sag” and the shock absorbers lose their rigidity. This is especially noticeable after 80–100 thousand kilometers.
- 🚗 Replacing wheels with non-standard ones: larger diameter discs (e.g.
R17instead ofR15) or low profile tires (45instead of60) reduce the clearance by 10–20 mm. - ⚠️ Vehicle overload: regular driving exceeding the permissible weight (for Cube this is ~400 kg) leads to deformation of the elastic elements of the suspension.
- 🛠️ Homemade improvements: installation of non-original silent blocks, spacers or “lowering” springs can reduce the ground clearance to 120–130 mm.
Cars operated in Russian winter conditions are especially hard hit. Reagents and salt accelerate the corrosion of suspension elements, and constant collisions with speed bumps complete the job. For example, owners Cube second generation often complain about cracks in rear springs after 5–7 years of operation, which leads to uneven sagging of the body.
What to do if the clearance decreases unevenly?
If one side of the car has sunk more than the other, this may indicate:
1. Spring breakage (crack or deformation).
2. Shock absorber wear on one side.
3. Damage to silent blocks or suspension arms.
In such cases, urgent diagnosis is required, since uneven ground clearance impairs controllability and can lead to skidding at high speed or uneven tire wear.
Comparison of Nissan Cube ground clearance with competitors: who is more practical?
To understand how much Nissan Cube adapted to Russian roads, we compare it with the main competitors in the class of compact hatchbacks with a high seating position. All data is given for basic versions with tires 185/60 R15:
| Model | Ground clearance (mm) | Drive type | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Cube (Z12) | 145–150 | Front/Full | Compact, maneuverable, original design | Low clearance, poor sound insulation |
| Kia Soul (2010–2019) | 160–165 | Front | Large trunk, reliable suspension | Less dynamic, high cost of spare parts |
| Scion xB (2008–2015) | 155–160 | Front | Spacious interior, good visibility | Weak engine, rare spare parts in Russia |
| Toyota bB (2005–2016) | 170–175 | Front/Full | Highest ground clearance, reliability | Outdated platform, high fuel consumption |
As can be seen from the table, Nissan Cube loses to competitors in terms of ground clearance, especially Toyota bB, which was originally developed taking into account bad roads. However Cube wins in compactness And controllability, making it more suitable for tight urban environments. For example, the turning radius is Cube is only 4.6 m against 5.2 m at Kia Soul.
If you often drive on dirt roads or slushy snow, pay attention to Toyota bB with all-wheel drive. Its ground clearance 175 mm and crankcase protection make it the most “passable” in this class.
Ways to increase Nissan Cube ground clearance: what can be done?
If the factory clearance Cube is not enough for you, there are several ways to increase it. However, let's consider the main methods:
- 🔧 Installing spacers: the most budget option. Spacers made of polyurethane or aluminum are installed between the body and springs, increasing ground clearance by 20–30 mm. Cost: from 3,000 rub. per set.
⚠️ Attention: spacers increase the load on shock absorbers and silent blocks, reducing their service life by 20–30%. Not recommended for cars with mileage of more than 100 thousand km.
- 🔄 Replacing springs with reinforced ones: springs from Nissan Juke or Kia Soul can add 15–20 mm ground clearance It is important to choose the stiffness so as not to impair comfort. Cost: from 8,000 rub. for a couple.
- 🚙 Installation of larger diameter wheels: transition from
R15onR16with high profile tires (eg205/60 R16) will add 10–15 mm lumen. But this may require boring the arches. - 🛠️ Complete replacement of the suspension with a lifted one: comprehensive tuning with the installation of long-stroke shock absorbers and springs (for example, from Nissan Note). Ground clearance will increase by 30–40 mm, but the cost will exceed 50,000 rubles.
The most safe way — a combination of spacers (15–20 mm) and high-profile wheels. This will give an increase of up to 25–30 mm without critical damage to controllability. However, even in this case, it is recommended that after modifications wheel alignment, since changing the suspension geometry affects the wheel alignment angles.
An increase in ground clearance by more than 30 mm requires mandatory modernization of the brake system and steering rods. Otherwise, the risk of premature wear or even breakage during sudden maneuvers increases.
Myths and reality: debunking misconceptions about Cube clearance
Around Nissan Cube There are many myths circulating, especially regarding its cross-country ability. Let's look at the most common ones:
- 🚗 Myth 1: "Cube is an SUV"
Reality: despite the high body and short overhangs, Cube does not have all-wheel drive (except for rare versions
4WDfor Japan), nor differential locks. His cross-country ability comparable to Lada Kalina - no more. - 🔧 Myth 2: “Clearance of 160 mm is sufficient for Russian roads”
Reality: 160 mm is minimum acceptable clearance for comfortable driving around the city. On roads with potholes or dirt roads, this clearance is often not enough. For example, a standard speed bump has a height 70–80 mm, but at a speed of 40+ km/h the dynamic clearance decreases by 30–40 mm.
- 💨 Myth 3: "Lowering the suspension improves handling"
Reality: for Cube understatement below 130 mm leads to loss of directional stability due to the high center of gravity. The car begins to roll more when cornering, and the shock absorbers work to the limit.
Another misconception is that Cube with all-wheel drive (4WD) behaves much better in the snow. In fact, the all-wheel drive system in Cube It is connected only when the front wheels slip and has no locks. Essentially this is "pseudo-all-wheel drive", similar Suzuki Jimny earlier versions.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Cube ground clearance
Is it possible to install crankcase protection on the Cube so as not to reduce ground clearance?
Yes, but standard protections (for example, from Nissan Juke) will reduce the clearance by 10–15 mm. The best option is aluminum protection 4–5 mm thick with “cutouts” for low points. It will add strength without significant loss of ground clearance.
What is the minimum clearance allowed for driving around Moscow without the risk of damaging the car?
For Moscow and other large cities with more or less smooth roads, the minimum safe clearance is 140 mm. However, keep in mind that in parking lots with high curbs or in yards with holes, even 150 mm may not be enough. Optimally - 150–160 mm.
Is it true that a Cube with a ground clearance of 150 mm will not drive through snow 20 cm high?
It depends on the type of snow. Loose snow 20 cm high Cube will overcome without problems due to the short wheelbase and high body. But compacted or wet snow of such a height will become an obstacle - the car will begin to “bubble” and the wheels will slip.
Which tires are best to choose to increase ground clearance?
The best option is high profile tires, for example:
185/65 R15(will add ~5 mm ground clearance compared to standard185/60 R15)195/60 R15(will increase the clearance by ~7 mm, but may require boring the arches)
Avoid low profile tires (45–50), since they will reduce the ground clearance by 10–15 mm.
Is it worth buying a Cube if I drive on dirt roads a lot?
If the primers are smooth and dry - yes, Cube will handle it. But for regular driving on rough country roads or forest paths, it is better to consider Toyota bB, Suzuki Jimny or even a used crossover. Cube is not designed for such conditions - its suspension and transmission will quickly fail.