Scion xB, Nissan cube, Kia Soul Comparison

Nissan's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine develops 122 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. A cube may have Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox. With the CVT, Nissan claims a fuel-economy estimate of 28 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway–substantially beyond Scion's figures, especially in city driving. The EPA has not yet published official fuel-economy estimates for either the Soul or the cube.

Interior Comfort

The new distinctively asymmetrical Nissan cube was designed “from the inside out” to provide a “social experience.”

All three models seat five occupants. Not only is front-seat space plentiful all around, but second-row passenger room in the xB is enormous. Rear legroom is huge; and toe space greater yet. Center-mounted gauges don't suit everyone, but the digital speedometer is easy to read and others need not be consulted constantly. Storage space includes a large, wide glovebox, with a handy open compartment above. The only negative noted in an early model was a brake pedal that didn't feel quite linear.


Meant to provide a "social experience," the cube is "all about good vision; great vision." Design vice-president Bruce Campbell explained that the cube was "truly designed from the inside out." Nissan promotes the cube's "lounge" layout, said to result in a "spa-like interior."


Front occupants get immense headroom (more than in Soul or xB) and good elbowroom. Seats look basic, but are nicely cushioned. Rear side positions offer bountiful headroom and good leg/toe space, even though actual legroom is smaller than xB and Soul offer. Even the center position is tolerable. Behind the fold-down rear seats, a deep well holds luggage, but that storage area is modest.


Front occupants in the Soul enjoy tons of headroom and good elbow space. Leg space in the backseat is better than expected–an inch more than xB and 3.5 inches more than the cube. Seats aren't the classiest, but they're colorful and cushioned well. Side bolstering is moderate, and sizable mirrors help visibility.

Safety

Square business: All three uncommon crossovers seat five, have six airbags and include antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability control.

Each youthful crossover contains six airbags: front, side-impact, and curtain-type. Antilock braking also is standard, incorporating electronic brake-force distribution and Brake Assist, which can help in emergency stops. All include traction control. Electronic stability control (ESC) is standard on xB and Soul, and the cube comes standard with Nissan's (ESC version) Vehicle Dynamic Control system.


Only Scion's xB has been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The xB earned four-star ratings for each occupant in frontal crash testing, and five-star for front and rear occupants in side-impact testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the xB “Good” ratings for both frontal and side impacts.

Trim Levels

Scion xB comes in one trim level, with a choice of transmissions. The Kia Soul is offered in four iterations, and the Nissan cube is available in three levels. All can be personally accessorized.

Each manufacturer emphasizes availability of accessories, but the choice of trim levels differs substantially. Scion makes it easy, offering the xB in a single trim level, so the buyer needs to choose only a manual or automatic transmission.


Kia, in contrast, markets four trim levels: base Soul, Soul+ (Plus), Soul! (Exclaim), and Soul sport. Standard Soul equipment includes a tilt steering column, power locks/windows, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, air conditioning, and a CD/MP3 player. Soul Plus includes Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, power mirrors, and privacy glass. A moonroof and foglamps are installed on the Exclaim edition. Soul sport contains a sport-tuned suspension and rear spoiler, along with red/black interior trim.


Placed on sale in early May, the cube comes in three versions: Base 1.8, with manual shift only; 1.8 S, with either a manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT); or 1.8 SL, offered only with CVT and riding on 16-inch alloy wheels. Nissan also will offer a limited-production 1.8 Krom edition from its Specialty Vehicles Group, adding such features as integrated side sills, a unique rear spoiler, simulated rear diffuser, and 20-color interior illumination.