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:

• 

  Dont Let the Face Turn You Away! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By JKP - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Put the bold styling of the Juke aside (you will either like it or not - very subjective), Nissan has delivered an excellent product. Purchased for my kids, I have driven the car for 900 miles. Ive had numerous Acuras, Hondas, Porsches,and GM products - and while Im not saying the Juke is a Porsche (nor does it cost as much), the driving experience is excellent. The engine accelerates eagerly, the transmission (my first CVT) works great, the XM and Nav are implemented flawlessly (better than our MDX), and the torque vectoring AWD pushes the car through twisty mountain roads. Its the combination of all elements, finely implemented, that puts a smile on ones face.

• 

  Nice Car , still need more time to evaluate - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By kevin poirier - July 3 - 8:56 am

  Do your work on pricing...there is more room than you think

• 

  end of ownership review - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By zoolander1 - June 17 - 11:01 am

  This is an update to an old review. I sold my juke after 2.5 yrs and 42k miles. I think the car is priced right for what it is. MPG is nowhere close to estimated; I observed 25.1 average with 90% highway driving. I had the engine replaced for free for a defective cylinder at 31k mi and I learned to live with a grinding noise coming from the AC that the dealership never figured out.

• 

  2 yr/35,000 mile update - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By zoolander1 - May 24 - 2:37 am

  After driving this car for 2 years I thought itd be fair to update my ownership experience. I still like the car, I dont think I love it anymore. Its a fun car, but thats it. When you want to have fun, it delivers, when you want to just drive, it lacks a bit. I went to the dealership for a "check engine" light and they replaced my engine. The A/C makes a split second grinding noise the dealer cant figure out/reproduce. The trust factor is gone, I dont think I want to keep this car past manufaturers warranty. I cant get over 27 hwy mpg. Ive tried it many ways, on many roads, on the AZ flat desert and cant. Its got a lifetime MPG of 25.8

• 

  Juke - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By terri25 - February 14 - 3:10 am

  I have had the juke for 3 months ,I bought it new ,it has 5,300 miles on it ,air went out ,its in the shop now because there is black stuff inside the tail pipe and it would not crank.what to do ,what to do ,i have cried for 3 days