Nissan Cube: all body, interior and trunk sizes by generation

Nissan Cube is one of the most recognizable compact vans on the market due to its unusual design and practicality. This car, especially popular in Japan and the USA, attracts attention with its non-standard proportions, spacious interior and amazing maneuverability in urban conditions. However, before buying or renting, it is important to know exactly its dimensions: the convenience of parking, luggage capacity, and even the ability to drive through narrow courtyard arches depend on them.

In this article we will analyze in detail all sizes Nissan Cube - from the first generation (Z10, 1998–2002) to third (Z12, 2008–2019), including rare modifications. You will learn not only standard body parameters, but also nuances that are often missed: for example, how actual width with mirrors (2030 mm) may complicate passage into a 2.1 m wide garage, or why clearance Cube 10 mm less than Nissan Juke, despite the visual "height". We will also compare the car with key competitors - Scion xB, Kia Soul And Honda Fit — and we’ll give practical advice on choosing a generation to suit your needs.

Dimensions of Nissan Cube by generation: comparison table

Over 20 years of production Nissan Cube has undergone significant changes in design and size. Below is a summary table with key parameters for each generation. Please note: the data is given for basic versions without taking into account optional accessories (for example, roof rails or spoilers).

As can be seen from the table, third generation (Z12) became the largest: the length increased by 22 cm compared to the first generation, and the wheelbase increased by 17 cm. This affected the space in the cabin, but made the car less maneuverable in tight yards. I wonder what Cube Krom (US version) is 25–40 mm wider and higher than the standard model, which is worth considering when choosing spare parts or accessories.

⚠️ Attention: The technical specifications often indicate the width excluding mirrors (1695 mm for Z12). However, with the mirrors open, the actual width reaches 2030 mm - this is critical for driving through narrow gates or old-style garages.

Interior and trunk dimensions: what will fit?

Main advantage Nissan Cube - this is unusual body shape, which allows you to make the most of the internal space. Thanks to the high roof (up to 1780 mm in Krom) and almost vertical pillars, the interior seems more spacious than competitors with a similar wheelbase. Let's look at the key parameters:

• 🚗 Ceiling height: 1300–1350 mm (depending on generation). A driver with a height of 190 cm will not touch the ceiling with his head even in a hat.
• 🪑 Cabin width at shoulders: 1420 mm (front) and 1380 mm (rear). Three passengers in the back seat is comfortable, but not for long trips.
• 📦 Trunk depth: 800 mm (to the backs of the rear seats) and up to 1500 mm with the seats folded. This allows you to transport long items, for example, skis up to 180 cm.
• 🚪 Doorway width: 720 mm (front doors) and 680 mm (rear). A little narrow for large passengers, but comfortable for sitting in the front seat.

Trunk volume in Cube Z12 amounts to 354 liters in standard position and 1470 liters with the rear seats folded down. For comparison: Kia Soul these figures are equal to 354/1330 l, and Honda Fit — 395/1310 l. Thus, Cube wins in terms of maximum capacity, but loses in “everyday” mode.

⚠️ Attention: In the third generation (Z12) the rear seats do not fold completely flat—there remains a step ~10 cm high. This complicates the transportation of large cargo, such as furniture. If a level loading area is important to you, pay attention to Honda Fit or Toyota Prius v.

Ground clearance and cross-country ability: myths and reality

Many buyers mistakenly believe Nissan Cube "SUV" due to its high body and high ground clearance. However, in practice, this car is intended exclusively for urban conditions. Let's look at the real possibilities:

• 📏 Ground clearance (ground clearance):
  • Z10 (1st generation): 150 mm
  • Z11 (2nd generation): 155 mm
  • Z12 (3rd generation): 160 mm (165 mm at Krom)
• 🚗 Approach/departure angles: 15°/20° (at Z12). It's worse than Nissan Juke (18°/25°), but better than Toyota Yaris (12°/18°).
• 💨 Suspension: Soft, with long stroke shock absorbers, but not intended for off-road use. When fully loaded, the ground clearance decreases by 20–30 mm.

Despite the visual "height", Cube loses even to compact crossovers like Dacia Duster (clearance 210 mm). For example, it will be difficult to overcome a 15 cm high curb without the risk of damaging the bumper. In addition, the front overhang Z12 is 850 mm - this increases the risk of “catching” the asphalt when leaving high parking lots.

🔹 Helpful tip: If you often park on curbs, install crankcase protection (article Nissan 21460-Z1200). It will not only prevent damage, but will also add 10-15 mm to the actual ground clearance.

Comparison with competitors: who is more spacious?

To objectively assess the size Nissan Cube, let's compare it with the main competitors in the compact van class. We took models of a similar price category and year of manufacture (2010–2015):

From the table it is clear that Cube - the most high And narrow among competitors. This gives an advantage in the cabin (more headroom), but makes maneuvering in a parking lot more difficult. It is inferior in length Scion xB almost 30 cm, which makes it more convenient for urban conditions.

🔹 Key Takeaway: If you need maximum trunk capacity, choose Scion xB (1900 l with seats folded). If maneuverability and cabin height are a priority, Nissan Cube will be the best option.

Practical test: will it fit Cube to your garage?

One of the most frequently asked questions from owners is "Will it fit? Nissan Cube to a standard garage? To answer this, you need to take into account not only the dimensions of the car, but also the minimum clearances for opening doors and maneuvering. Here are the key recommendations:

• 🚪 Minimum garage width: 2300 mm (for Z12 with open mirrors). If the mirrors are folded, 1900 mm is sufficient.
• 📏 Minimum length: 4500 mm (to open the trunk and front door at the same time).
• ⚡ Height: 1850 mm (including antenna or roof rails). In garages with low ceilings (< 2 m) this may be a problem.

[Схема]
│───────────────────│ 2500 мм (ширина гаража)
│   [Cube: 1695 мм] │ ← 400 мм с каждой стороны
│   │───────│       │   (зазор для открытия дверей)
└───────────────────┘