Kia
Soul
Owner report available
Nissan
Cube
Owner report available
Kia Soul vs Nissan Cube
The short answer
Based on available data, the Kia Soul comes out ahead of the Nissan Cube on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Soul
Overall
Mixed to negative sentiment, heavily dependent on model year and engine. The vehicle is consistently praised for its practicality, including exceptional interior roominess, good fuel economy, easy maneuverability, and overall value as a basic, economical transportation appliance. Long-term owners of specific years (e.g., 2011, 2020) report high satisfaction with minimal repairs and reliable service.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a single "best" version. Positive long-term reliability is anecdotally reported for the 2011 model year and for the 2020+ models with the 2.0L engine (non-turbo), provided they avoid the major engine failure issues.
Known issues
- Catastrophic engine failure (knocking, stalling, seizure) often preceded by excessive oil consumption: very frequent across 2010-2020 models. Linked to recalls and extended warranty programs.
- Excessive oil consumption/burning: recurrent, noted as a common precursor to major engine issues.
- Transmission problems: includes laggy acceleration, harsh clunking between gears (particularly 2nd to 3rd), "searching" for gears, and general lack of refinement. 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 Kia Soul is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Nissan Cube, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Nissan Cube 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 Kia Soul or the Nissan Cube?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Kia Soul and the Nissan Cube. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Kia Soul or the Nissan Cube?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Kia Soul is classed as a Crossover, the Nissan Cube as a Station wagon, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Kia Soul or the Nissan Cube?
The EPA rates the 2025 Kia Soul at 30–31 mpg combined and the 2014 Nissan Cube at 27–28 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Kia Soul or the Nissan Cube?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Kia Soul than the Nissan Cube. See the known issues comparison above.