I've driven the Scion xB before and found the experience to be pretty lackluster. However, most everything that the boxy xB got wrong the Nissan Cube got right. This vehicle certainly has an unconventional design that certainly will turn some heads. Nevertheless, the Cube is more endearing and more unique than similarly modeled box on wheels automobiles. It's a step away from convention and possesses a unique styling all of its own.
To begin, the Cube is billed as the utility vehicle for the urban dweller. It provides very plentiful storage space in a relatively small package. This allows the Cube to take advantage of the young urban couple market that are in need of cargo space for hauling groceries and furniture around or for their up and coming family but need a vehicle that can fit in the tight spaces of large cities.
I have never driven a vehicle this large that was so purpose built for a large urban setting. The maneuverability of the Cube was astounding considering its size and cargo capacity. I was able to hit tight corners and back in and out of parking spaces with the ease of a car.
While the car's performance leaves much to be desired, it's fitting that that Cube has a low grade engine that doesn't provide much thrust. This isn't a vehicle designed for the open highways. There are some automobiles that are multipurpose and can fill a number of roles adequately and then there are automobiles that are specialized and can perform one role exceptionally well.
The Cube is a great errand runner for urban dwellers. It gets you where you need to go comfortably, with ease and boasting plenty of cargo room. If you live in the city, do you really have the luxury of opening up and hurtling your vehicle down the busy streets?