Honda
Element
Owner report available
Nissan
Cube
Owner report available
Honda Element vs Nissan Cube
The short answer
The Honda Element offers power, while the Nissan Cube excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Honda Element if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Nissan Cube if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Element
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment among long-term owners, characterized by deep affection for the vehicle's unique practicality, durability, and versatility. The Element is consistently praised for its cavernous, configurable interior with a flat, rubberized floor, exceptional cargo capacity (including the ability to hold bicycles upright), and easy-to-clean surfaces ideal for pets, outdoor gear, and work materials. Its boxy design is celebrated for providing excellent outward visibility and a distinctive appearance.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" model year or trim. Owner discussions reference vehicles from 2003 through 2011 without singling out a specific year as superior, though the 2011 model is noted as the final year produced.
Known issues
- Engine misfires (codes P0302, P0303): recurrent issue linked to ignition coils, spark plugs, or more serious internal problems like valve issues or head gasket failure. Frequency: recurrent.
- Oil consumption/burning: very high oil consumption (2-3 quarts in 500 miles) reported in some high-mileage examples, often accompanied by knocking. Frequency: recurrent.
- Overheating/cooling system problems: coolant overflow, suspected cracked block or head gasket failure, particularly in high-mileage vehicles. Frequency: recurrent.
Cube
Overall
Sentiment is polarized, with a strong divide between owners who cherish the vehicle's unique character and practicality and those who have faced significant mechanical failures. A dedicated group of owners expresses deep affection for the Cube's boxy design, excellent visibility, easy ingress/egress, surprising interior space, and utility as an economical urban commuter. Many report trouble-free ownership with high mileage (over 150,000 miles/241,000 km).
Best version to buy
Manual Transmission Models (any year): Unequivocally recommended over CVT-equipped models due to pervasive and severe reliability concerns with the automatic transmission. The 6-speed manual is specifically praised for making the car feel more responsive ("a blast") and for eliminating the primary failure point.
Known issues
- CVT Transmission Failure: Complete failure requiring replacement, slippage, whining noise, lack of acceleration, error codes. Very frequent concern, cited as the model's primary weakness. Frequency: very frequent.
- General CVT Reliability Concerns: Anxiety over long-term durability, reports of shops refusing service, advice against fluid changes by some mechanics. Frequency: very frequent.
- Rear Door Latch Failure: A known defect causing the rear hatch door to become inoperable; repair cost estimated around $400+. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Nissan Cube is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Honda Element, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Honda Element is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda Element or the Nissan Cube?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Honda Element and the Nissan Cube. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Honda Element or the Nissan Cube?
The Nissan Cube seats more passengers than the Honda Element on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Honda Element is classed as a SUV, the Nissan Cube as a Station wagon.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda Element or the Nissan Cube?
The EPA rates the 2011 Honda Element at 20–22 mpg combined and the 2014 Nissan Cube at 27–28 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda Element or the Nissan Cube?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Nissan Cube than the Honda Element. See the known issues comparison above.