2013 Nissan cube: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2013 Nissan cube is a smaller lineup: Nissan dropped the previous Base trim, leaving S and SL. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with no redesign or major mechanical upgrade.
About the 2013 Nissan cube
3rd gen (2009-2014 U.S.), late-cycle year with no redesign or refresh.
Nissan positions the cube as a small city-friendly wagon for people who want practicality without bland styling. The big draw is its unusual shape paired with real usefulness: upright seating, a roomy lounge-like cabin, flexible rear seat, easy parking, and a side-hinged rear door that helps in tight spaces. It stands out less for speed or luxury than for personality, visibility, and clever everyday space in a compact footprint.
The S becomes the entry model, with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, Bluetooth, cruise control, a sliding and reclining rear seat, and the cube’s unusual side-hinged cargo door. The SL is the more comfort-focused version, adding a standard continuously variable automatic transmission, push-button start, automatic climate control, automatic headlights, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
What changed, by category
2013 Nissan cube specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 122 hp | 122 hp |
| Torque | 127 lb-ft | 127 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.5 in | 35.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Headlights | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Subwoofer | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Tilt Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2013 Nissan cube redesigned?
No. The 2013 Nissan cube carries over without a redesign or mid-cycle refresh. Its main update is the removal of the previous Base trim.
Which trims does the 2013 Nissan cube have?
The 2013 Nissan cube lineup consists of S and SL. Nissan dropped the previous Base trim, making the S the entry model.
How is the 2013 Nissan cube different from the 2012 model?
The 2013 cube has a simpler two-trim lineup because the Base model was dropped. Fog lights also changed from standard to optional on the SL, while the rest of the vehicle largely carried over.
What is the difference between the 2013 Nissan cube S and SL?
The S is the practical entry trim, with Bluetooth, cruise control, power accessories, and a sliding and reclining rear seat. The SL adds a standard continuously variable automatic transmission, push-button start, automatic climate control, automatic headlights, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Is the 2013 Nissan cube a major upgrade over the 2012 model?
No. The 2013 cube is not a major upgrade over the 2012 model. The main differences are the smaller trim lineup and optional rather than standard fog lights on the SL.