Overview & Reviews

Small hatchbacks and crossover SUVs typically prioritize mundane things like practicality and fuel economy. But these days, there are choices on hand to satisfy car shoppers with more whimsical leanings. One of the more dramatic examples of this is the Nissan Juke.

This four-door cross between a hatchback and small crossover SUV comes with no shortage of personality. It all starts with the Juke's polarizing styling. Some find it sporty-looking and distinctive, while others have compared it to a horned lizard. We'll leave it to you to form your own opinions. But with endearing attributes such as brisk performance and sharp handling, you may find yourself falling for this funky ride.

Current Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke is similar in size to some of Nissan's other small cars such as the Cube and Versa. But its taller profile and available all-wheel drive can also make it seem similar to some small crossover SUVs.

Under the skin, the Nissan Juke packs a few surprises. A small 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, but thanks to turbocharging, it cranks out a strong 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The Juke Nismo is equipped with the same engine, but here it has been tuned to produce 197 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices are either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). With the optional all-wheel-drive system, the CVT comes standard.

There are four trim levels for the Juke: base S, well-equipped SV and SL, and the sport-themed Nismo. Standard equipment on the entry-level S model includes 17-inch wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system. The midrange SV adds a sunroof, keyless entry/ignition, automatic climate control and configurable drive settings (the Juke's "I-Con" feature).

The Juke Nismo is slightly more powerful and also has a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels with summer tires, unique exterior and interior styling details, and front sport seats. A Navigation package with a touchscreen interface, a rearview camera and a Rockford Fosgate sound system is optional for the SV and Nismo. The SL reverts back to the SV's equipment but comes standard with the options listed above, plus leather upholstery and heated front seats.

In reviews, we've found that the Nissan Juke is very fun to drive. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is energetic and is capable of brisk acceleration. With the available I-Con driving settings, the driver can also vary the engine and CVT's responsiveness greatly. Get the Juke on a serpentine stretch of road and it's in its element, happily shooting from corner to corner thanks to its sporty suspension tuning and big (for a car this size) tires.

On the downside, the Juke does give away some practicality in its quest for style and performance. On rougher pavement, the Juke feels a little stiff-legged compared to its family-oriented rivals. The cabin also fills with a fair amount of wind and road noise on the highway, though most buyers should find it tolerable enough.

There's also a cargo-capacity deficit to deal with, since the Juke has much less room behind the second row than most other small crossovers or wagons you might consider. Additionally, its sloping roof line translates into tight headroom for backseat passengers and poor outward visibility.

Ultimately, though, young drivers (or the young at heart) who are less concerned with practicality than having fun should find a lot to like in the Nissan Juke.

Used Nissan Juke Models
The Nissan Juke debuted for the 2011 model year. The Nismo arrived for 2013, as did a revised Navigation package that added a rearview camera and Rockford Fosgate audio.

User Reviews:

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  Love Nissan, LOVE my Juke! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By jenngotjuked - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I traded in an 06 Jetta for my Juke and I am SOOOO happy I did. This car is super fun to drive and is very comfortable to travel in. I like the looks, the features and so far the performance. Ive had my Juke now for going on 3 weeks and its proven to handle pretty well on compact snow and ice. I LOVE this car!

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  Nissan compensation - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By sec2011juke - May 25 - 9:31 am

  Juke owners seem to mostly be in agreement that their cars are not getting the mpg numbers that were advertised. Mine should be getting 30mpg highway and it it does well to get to 23.5. MANY other auto makers have had models with this problem and they have compensated owners for the problem. WHY is Nissan refusing? Dealerships Ive spoken to say they get regular complaints about the Juke mpg; the internet is loaded with customer compaints. I was advised to call the 1-800-Nissan1 by my dealership to try to get some compensation. When I called, I was told that there is NOTHING offered to resolve this problem. [non-permissible content removed].

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  My Fun Ride - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By traderguy17 - May 14 - 5:05 pm

  I tested the JUKE on Sunday 1/3/11 and loved the acceleration. I traded my 2009 Dodge Caliber which I had been trying to get more kick in acceleration. The JUKE convinced me to trade. I enjoy showing off for now and trying to slow down. It is difficult to do when you constantly see the others way in your back view mirror.

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  Finally not a cookie-cutter body type - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By msbeanz - April 24 - 6:14 am

  Love at first test drive, love the quick throttle repsonse, never drove a car that was actually fun to drive ! this makes me excited for my daily 52 mile round trip to work. I sold my 06 Mazda 3i to get this Juke SV & it was the best sale I have ever made ! very smooth ride, quiet & the MPG is awesome ! similar size gas tank compared to my Mazda 3 & I seem to be using less gas in the Juke, so I have to wonder, all you reviews that said it gets horrible MPG do you never take it off the sport mode & drive like a maniac ? I love how the bullfrog body is like no other manufacturers out there, & it fits all my needs as a 4-dr since I plan on having kids somedays. motorcycle-like interior is cool!

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  Bionic Frog - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By warpedscout - April 3 - 5:46 pm

  I purchased my Juke a few days ago and have been pleasantly suprised by this car. I have been wanting a Mini since they came out again but too many maintenance issues (Transmissions going out) and having to take it to a BMW dealership for service (1 1/2 hours away). The styling is love or hate but in my opinion very cool!! If you drive it right and keep premium fuel in the vehicle your will get good mileage (K&N air filter will help also). I am currently getting about 27 MPG just tooling around enjoying the car. Seating is good for my family and the interior is comfortable and fun.

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  2011 Juke - 4 months later - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By uwe2 - March 18 - 4:27 am

  Now that I drove my Juke for almost 4 months, I wanted to share an updated review. I still like the car a lot - a lot of bang for the buck, no doubt about it (see favorite features). However, I dont know what Nissan was smoking when they averaged the car at 25-27 MPG - driving a mix of highway and city, and not pushing it, I get 20.4 MPG. Had a rattling noise from under the hood, which turned out to be a loose screw - dealer fixed it for free. I still belief the car is lacking some 30 or so horses. Hope aftermarket parts will be available sometime soon to address that (and maybe improve gas mileage in the process).

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  So much fun - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By cherokeegirl71 - March 8 - 10:37 am

  I have liked the look of the Juke since I first saw it in 2011. Have had mine now for almost 2 months. I average 29.2 mpg in economy mode, which blows my jeep out the water. Sport mode is addictive. The ride is comfortable, I love all the bells and whistles. It handles well, responds to steering and foot pedals quickly. It is fun to drive, the reaction of a sports car with the safety of an SUV. There is not a lot of cargo room, but enough for a trip to the grocery store. Drop the seats down and lots of room.

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  "Dont Watch the gas gauge is Right!" - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By speedboat2 - March 5 - 2:03 am

  Other reviews regarding poor gas mileage is what I found to be true. Fun car to drive, especially with the turbo that all models have, but gas mileage is bad. Alot of plastic parts inside that I can see not lasting the lie of the vehicle.

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  Update to Fun, Fun, Fun - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Gary - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for a few weeks now. First a correction, it only has 5 gears when you shift the CVT in NORMAL mode, not six. Second, I am getting better mileage than earlier. I am getting 23-25 mixed and I got 30+ with mostly highway. My guess is that you can get 30+ on a level highway easily. Still love it. Motor Trend ranked it as a finalist in SUV of the Year, but it lost out to a $70+k Porsche. The Porsche cant be this much fun.

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  2012 juk gas mileage - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By lexiw6 - February 18 - 11:01 pm

  Ive had my 2012 nearly a year. One of my main decisions was the gas mileage and the unique look. I love my car, it is fun to drive, however I am extremely disappointed in the mpg i drive mostly in town and get about 22mpg. When driving the hwy she gets about 24-25. I would like to find out how some others get a much better gas mileage.