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 It - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Richard - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had my juke for 4 weeks now it is a blast to drive. The Turbo has very little lag and the car handles well. I am 66" tall and have no problem taking it on road trips. the gas mileage is closer to 20 MPG than 30 MPG. It is difficult to drive slow

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  Peppy and Fun - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By Rich Arthur - January 3 - 9:47 pm

  Love my Juke for its pep and maneuverability. The turbo has great pick up and the traction is great for a small car in the snow. If I had to improve on anything it would be the lack of s center console for storage and the climate control. Always too hot or cold and the defroster is not the greatest. Overall, its a fun ride!

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  Amazing car - 2014 Nissan Juke
  By mltabarez - December 25 - 8:06 am

  I nicknamed it "The Ugly Duckling" because my first instinct was to NOT buy it. However, my husband and son fell in love with it and I agreed because its a Nissan (this is our 5th Nissan) and a manual (I hate automatic cars). My husband drove it exclusively for the first month until I tried it out. I refuse to give it back! Ive been driving for more than 40 years and this car is the BEST Ive ever driven. It has incredible power, amazing maneuverability, and is good on gas. There are NO blind spots. Really grabs the road.

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  Luve our new Juke - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By robbie30 - December 18 - 7:37 pm

  Dont think the Juke is for everyone but for us it was the right car. Just my wife and I now so did not need a lot of room and wanted a fun car. Not a week goes by that someone does not approach us and ask about the car. I think it handles great and lot of options. For the price dont think you can beat it.

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  Great looking vehicle but lots of cabin noise - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By NoPigtails - December 15 - 5:09 pm

  I test drove a couple of Jukes and really liked them. However they seemed to have a lot of road noise. This was the only reason I did not buy one. I would also like for the "pigtail" on top to go away. I think the "pigtails" on the top of vehicles looks dorky.

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  2011 Juke - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By ilady2020 - December 8 - 10:03 pm

  Love my new car. So fun to drive. Love the crossover convenience but in a sportier package. Drawbacks: not seeing the gas mileage as expected. smaller cargo areas and storage areas in general. love all the options.

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  One Happy Juke Grandma! - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By Evangelist Tabace Burns - December 8 - 7:27 am

  Do your research! Once I drove a Juke I was not surprised by the few things Because I already knew about it....from my research.

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  Gun Metallic Juke - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By pavlova - November 7 - 12:52 pm

  Had three BMWs and three SAABs. Wanted something unique and suv-like that wasnt huge or a gas guzzler. The Juke fit the bill. Knew I wanted a turbo after having my SAABs. Researched cars for quite sometime and narrowed my choice down to two, a MINI and the Juke. After test driving both vehicles, the Juke won me over. Love the unique styling and handling.The AWD was a feature I wanted for the winters in the northeast. Its the perfect size for our family of three,my husband,myself and our Rhodesian Ridgeback. The heated leather seats are comfortable and supportive. It isnt a luxury car but I wasnt looking for a luxury car.

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  New Owner - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By bmilburn - July 21 - 2:03 am

  So far jury is out. Several issues I am concerned about. Gas mileage averaging 23mpg. At this point lower than advertised. Today took vehicle to dealer for cargo rattle. Set up appointment and leaving dealer gas gauge dropped to zeroe flashing and check engine light came on. Vehicle is at the dealer now and it will be interesting to see how dealer/Nissan handle this. Fun car to drive but I am a little concerned. I will respond with feebback on how this turns out as I am a major airline pilot and focused on the technical side of things. I am hopeful this is a minor bump in the road.

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  Ugly to some, but I love it! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Garry - July 3 - 2:00 am

  One distinctive little mover! Ok, since I am 55+ years old the purchase was not a "mid-life" thing. I was looking for something small and economical for "my" car, but something with the guts to survive in the I95 corridor. Can you say, "Juke TURBO"? I fear no merge lane, winding back road, or even the Cross-Bronx in this tight, agile, little car. Dont get me wrong, I am not the guy doing 1100 miles an hour in the left lane but I am not the guy doing 45 in the right lane. Safe, FUN to drive, and relatively comfortable. Driving in the snow should be interesting though. Well see. All in all, just what I was looking for!