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:

• 

  Just bought our Second Juke - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By Marty - January 18 - 7:06 pm

  Jukes are an absolute blast to drive, so we just purchased our second, a 2016 new with 1000 dealer miles on it. We didnt even take it for a test drive, since it is essentially the same car as our 2012 Juke. BIG MISTAKE!!! For some reason, this one is a DOG when you step on the gas. We alerted the dealer and they are going to take a look. We suspect possibly bad gas from sitting on the lot for so long, but unsure until they check it out. Crossing our fingers that this car will be as fun and worry free as our first Juke, once we get this initial hiccup straightened out.

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  3 Years Juke - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By jukedriver - January 1 - 3:05 pm

  Got my Juke in January 2011. I must say, it got my where ever I needed to go, didnt break down, and it has ample space for what I need to transport (e.g. 8 cases of beer ;-)

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  We. Brought. It. For. My. Wife. She. Loves. It - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By Shawn - December 31 - 4:15 am

  If u got a large family its not for that it built. For. Only. Two. People but over all. We. Love it

• 

  Reliability So Far - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By roxygrl - December 10 - 5:14 am

  Had the Juke for a month so far. Traded in my Nissan Rogue. So far so good I am finded the seats to be a little firm and stiff. Has sufficient pickup and seems to do well on gas.

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  Does NOT give more than 27mpg - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By 2011juke - November 22 - 3:03 pm

  This is a great compact car to drive but it is an expesive car to drive. Starting with : Takes Supreme GAS, although the dealers will tell you that it is optional. My driving is 90% hwy, always on the ECO setting, and i coast as much as i can to get the best milage that i can, which is 27mpg. I just took it in for the fuel recall now im getting 25mpg!!!!!!

• 

  Like the frog - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By roesch - September 10 - 6:37 am

  Although we wanted a SV model,we found none available without many add ons so we ended up with a Juke S FWD with a spoiler, which I think adds to the over-all look. We traded my wifes car, a Vibe, because she finds the frog look attractive. As most of our driving is in the city, we both like the quick ease this car offers as it zips into small parking spaces. The construction is solid, as is the ride, and we find the quiet interior enhances the sound system. The FWD gives us some extra space in the back, and while not a large as the Vibe, most of the time we do not need a larger storage space for our gym gear and groceries.

• 

  Best mix of hatchback and CUV - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By elgac - July 15 - 5:12 am

  Ive had my Juke for 7 months and just over 8000 miles now. I absolutely love how the car drives, Im averaging 27mpg, and I havent had any problems with it. It is small (like Honda Fit small), but I knew that the first time I got in, and a roof rack has solved all my space needs. Ive upgraded to 225/60R17 tires which gave it around 1" of lift, bringing the ground clearance to 8". It cant handle rocks like an Xterra, Jeep, or other body on frame SUV, but dirt and sand are no problem at all. I just wish the aftermarket would get behind the Juke, because Im betting a tune will do wonders for both power and efficiency... and it needs undercarriage protection.

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  Awesome car, but dont expect Nissan to have parts - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By jaypep - June 23 - 11:34 pm

  The car is amazing. While the interior is lacking in some specifics (back seats arent faux suede like the front seats, interior lighting is almost non-existent, storage lacking for front seats) the exterior aesthetics are awesome. LED DRLs, though they turn off when the headlamps are turned on, skirting to make it look lower, 18" alloy rims specific to the Nismo and a reimagined spoiler. The drive is amazing in a 6 speed MT and the car handles wonderfully on mountain roads. The only real downside is that Nissan cosmetic parts are backordered for upwards of 5 months on these puppies, and Nissan doesnt seem to assist their customers when its brought to their attention.

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  2012 Juke Recalled - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By todd_r - June 19 - 12:03 am

  The juke is fun, unique shaped. I like the Juke overall. It is speedy when needed, etc. The original sticker and ads say 37mpg in big numbers and words. No matter if is in eco or turbo mode(default setting), the MPG is 25 on the highway(70 degrees outside and no ac on, no rain, all highway no traffic lights), and 20 in the city. Read the fine print on the window stickers of all Nissans. The fine print says 21. The car has 19,000 and requires new tires. Most tires last 40k Well, as far as factory support, I took it in for a factory recall. The timing chain is to be replaced. This requires an oil drain and refill the oil. This an oil change without a new oil filter. No free filter included.

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  Juke is no joke... - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Go Cards - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a very well designed vehicle - peppy, solid, and fun! Does not feel as if you are driving a smallish vehicle - feels substantial. Steering is a bit numb - but I also have a Mini so that is probably not fair...and the premium stereo does not really sound premium, again compared to the Harmon Kardon in Mini. Well pleased overall - the goodies you can get on this ride for under $25, unreal!