Join guest host Elizabeth Kreft as she reviews the 2010 Nissan Cube. While the Cube’s design may not appeal to all, it obviously is doing something right as it enters its second year stateside. In Elizabeth’s video review, you’ll hear about it all, from the ripple theme design to how the ’10 Cube handles in the urban, DC environment.

We tested the 1.8L 4-cylinder model with the Xtronic CVT that produces 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. While the power may be lacking, the fuel economy makes up for it with averages of 27 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. To add to the appeal of the person on the move or the family who doesn’t want to splurge on a luxury SUV, the 60/40 split of the rear seats and recessed back hatch floor space make the Cube a great vehicle for those who have kids, groceries, sporting goods and/or backpacks to stuff into one vehicle.

For the functionality, fuel economy, and a price tag of $20,170 including three package upgrades, we’re sure the Nissan Cube will continue to gain fans in the States.

We recently had a chance to test one of the latest small crossovers to hit the American auto market, the 2009 Nissan Cube.  While the Cube has been an iconic vehicle in Japan for almost a decade, this is the first time it has landed stateside.  The Cube  features styling that provides functionality while maintaining its own original identity.

True to Nissan style, the interior controls are well-thought out and easy to use. The interior design can be personalized from the dash to the lighting. For a better idea of how of you can give your Cube a more personal touch, check out www.nissancube.us. Thanks to the exterior boxy design, the interior provides good head space, with ingress/egress in both the front and back seats proving easy, even for those with ample height. Then the asymmetrical windows and side hinged cargo door gives an eye-catching design paired to utility function.

The 2009 Cube comes standard with Nissan’s 4-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.  Both CVT and manual transmissions are available.  The CVT we tested got 28 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

For starters, the Cube will be offered in three models: base, S, and SL.  However, in a few months, Nissan will be offering the Chrome model, which will be higher end with more customization options.  For the mid-range S model, like we tested, with a few personalizations will probably end up costing around $16,000, but base price starts at $13,990 for the ’09 Cube.