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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Unique and Capable - 2011 Nissan Juke
By nicholasr - May 19 - 8:00 amI recently traded my 2004 Jeep Liberty in for a silver SV AWD Juke. After 300 miles or so, initial impressions are that the Juke is fun to drive, very capable on icy roads and seems bigger on the inside than it actually is. The ride is smooth for a small car and road noise is minimal. I seem to be averaging 23 mpg right now while using AWD-V most of the time.
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Solid Two Person Tripper - 2013 Nissan Juke
By Charlie - April 10 - 9:44 amIt has sporty aspirations despite its ~180 turbo 4 banger and CVT. Comfortable for two people to take a road trip with their luggage, the back seats don’t fit anyone taller than 6’. Good value and reliability for the price. If I did it all over again I would still buy the car, but there are better choices if you can spare an extra $5-$10 grand.
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It Grows On You - 2012 Nissan Juke
By cappecan - March 7 - 4:19 pmI just recently purchased my Juke, and I must say it is quite a unique vehicle. The interior is very modern and 21st century, providing you with a space age feel. Seating is moderatly comfortable, however rear seating is a litte cramped as is head room. Some say the outside is hideous replicating a praying mantis or some sort of bug. This look is not for everyone, and its either a take it or leave it for most buyers. Driving it is a blast especially in sport mode. It has some pick up and go to it when you need, and the ECO mode when you want to be green. MPG is not what it should be, however you do have to remember this is an SUV.
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My 2015 Juke SV - 2015 Nissan Juke
By rjfinva - March 5 - 10:13 pm800 miles so far. The manual shift mode is great allows you to downshift without hitting the gas and run thru the simulated gears. I have run sport mode briefly, basically it kicks up the CVT 1,000 RPMs and you get a lot more torque, but the gas bill will skyrocket! I am getting somewhere around 30 mpg which is great. The seats are firm as is the ride, the tires are great. Im single and not concerned the back seat is cramped (so is the new Jeep Renegades, I picked to Juke over that for performance reasons). All in all I am happy. Waiting on y new K&N air filter to further enhance performance. I run premium gas, it does a better job and I am not concerend about the extra expense at 30 mpg.
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Fun, Fun, Fun - 2011 Nissan Juke
By Gary - February 2 - 10:00 amFirst, I love the looks of my white SL - very distinctive. Next, it is one fun drive. You can select Normal, Sport, and Eco drives with a button push. In the first two, it is a screamer. Eco is mild mannered, but will get you better gas mileage. I am 62" and am very comfortable driving. It is one of the easiest cars to drive that I have ever had. Brakes are great. Air conditioning is excellent as expected. The SL is loaded with features and an excellent value for the price. The black leather seats with red stitching and red trim features is awesome. I am an elder who likes cars and I buy a new one every couple of years. This is definitely my favorite driving car.
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Defective Timing Chain - 2011 Nissan Juke
By candu238 - December 25 - 12:42 amForget the concept of Japanese quality if you purchase a Juke; because it doesnt apply.
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NISMO WINS !! - 2013 Nissan Juke
By Happy with NISMO - December 9 - 11:53 amHave had my NISMO for about 3 years, and Absolutely NO problems with this car. I love it. Gets great gas mileage! The ONLY thing that could be improved is, it is equipped with Summer Sport tires and would be much better with All Season Tires for those who live in snow prone areas; but then a lot of new sport cars are equipped this way. (When its time to replace them, Ill get all seasons.) I get many compliments on my NISMO, because it has tons of sporty "personality".... it certainly does NOT look like EVERY other car on the road!! Everybody wants one! Mine is a 6 speed manual. I live up a very steep winding hill. Driving in in "Turbo" is an absolute blast! Great acceleration and grip. Lots of cargo space in the back. Great dealership service. Check one out!!
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Love this car - 2012 Nissan Juke
By johanjuke - October 4 - 8:28 pmIm absolutely satisfied with this car nissan did a really good job on it. At the first time I did not fell in love with the car but when I went to the dealer to test drive an altima, I checked the car more closely, and I love it the features, inside the car and outside he car are awesome, looks sporty, small, and good looking if you like different things, it is roomier enough to have 5 people and a trunk space free to load it up. If you want to get this car get the SV trim with navigation, AWD and if is possible black/red interior, and it is not going to cost you to much. Mine is black in the outside and red interior and it looks extremely cool.
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Turbo is out at 47,000 - 2013 Nissan Juke
By LMoore - August 13 - 3:56 pmSo frustrated right now. My Jukes turbo went out in warranty! Dealership wants all my service records. We call Nissan USA and start a case, they ask us why they are asking for these records. Told that we will know something by the end of the day Monday. Get a call at 4:30 telling us no, now it will be Friday. GRRRRR! This will be over a week that since the car went in. My plan was to trade in this car and get a new Nissan as soon as it was fixed but now I am not sure. I have really liked my car but certainly am not enjoying this problem getting dragged out like this.
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JUKE OUT OR GET JUKED!!! - 2011 Nissan Juke
By timbo21 - August 10 - 11:12 pmMy mom bought a 2011 Juke. It has 55000 miles and major timing chain issues and they are telling her it needs a new motor. She still has the original tires and brakes on the car, so she doesnt drive it hard. They are telling her they are not going to honor her warranty. I am reading that alot of people are having these same issue. On top of that it never got even close to the gas milage they suggested. I would say if u own one running u better trade it in while its running and if u see one used dont buy it. ITS A [non-permissible content removed]!!!!
