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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  Awesome car! - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By lianamcl - June 2 - 8:10 pm

  Ive had my 2012 Juke for 16 months and have 26,000 miles already! Its cute, sexy, and out performs anything Ive owned to date. Traded in a 2000 Wrangler and was really afraid Id be disappointed... NO WAY!! I love it!

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  So cute and fun to drive - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By lindaw2 - May 1 - 8:30 pm

  Just got my pearl white SL AWD Juke today. It is replacing a 2008 Rogue. So far I think it is adorable. The only negatives I notice so far are the seats are firmer than the Rogue and there is no middle console for storage. Love the nav and the back up camera as well as the climate control. Fun to drive and my husband likes it too!!

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  My fun little turbo-juke - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By Frank V - March 30 - 5:01 am

  I love my little juke - it flies along very nicely. Still aclimating myself to the cameras and using them for parking. Its a tiny car but, I have to repark to get it straight, when I use the cameras. reverted back to the mirrors. Mileage is awesome. This is a one-person car so the back seats rarely get used.

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  False advertising/Fuel Economy - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By dbucolo - March 14 - 2:14 am

  I purchased this vehicle strickly on Gas Mileage, I traded a 2007 GMC Yukon that had Flex fuel capabilites and fuel adjustment that got 22 miles on the HWY. The Juke gets 23 at best. I turn off the Air, set on Econo mode and stay at 70mph to acheive 23. I cross the desert and have a 3 hour drive every week. The city is 18 at best. I hate the fact that I got rid of a 5.4 engine and much more comfort for a 1.6 and only get a few miles to the gallon better, this is a huge dissapointment and Nissan should be sued for false advertisement!

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  fun to drive, just dont watch the gas guage - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By mick3613 - February 18 - 11:29 pm

  The juke is alot fo fun to drive. Its very manuverable and has loads of power. You pay dearly for the powr it produces though. The epa ratings are extremely off. The sad truth is real life city ratings are 19-21 and if you drive very conservatively you may get 25-27 on the highway. Poor gas mileage and the high octane fuel recommendation makes this one rather expensive to drive. The rear seats are useless for adults, only very small poeple will fit back there.

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  PERFECT CAR - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By miguel13 - February 4 - 7:06 pm

  Sheehy nissan manassas sold me a new juke perfect car AWD good in gas power everything wath i need in one car

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  20000 miles - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By pheonixunc - January 19 - 12:57 am

  I traded in Nissan cube for the frog as soon as it came out early October 2010 and put over 20000 miles on it. Since then, it has sufferred from ignited "engine check lights" until recent recall measure from Nissan. Other than that, it is full of lovely features for the price, unique style, great performance and cool fuel economy. Solid handling is very attracting point to me especially on corners even against strong wind. Thank you NISSAN for making 21st century Datsun!!!

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  Best for the $$$ - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Brett - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Best AWD compact for the price! Traded in my 07 Pathfinder SE for the Juke SL AWD and I love it more already! Already getting 30+mpg in a fun to drive vehicle.

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  fun to drive, just dont watch the gas guage - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By mick3613 - October 27 - 10:30 am

  The juke is great in town and nimble in traffic, but the horrid gas mileage and the need for premium gas makes it fairly expensive to operate. We average 19-23 on a mix of highway and small town driving. best we have achieved on the highway @ 60 mph was 26. Thats a far cry from the 32 the epa sticker promised. The seats are well bolstered and ok for short trips but are a little too hard for long trips. the back seats are useless for tall adults. No headroom and limited legroom. I am 6.0 tall and my head hits the roof and legs are jammed against the front seat. The only cabin light is in the front so the back seat and cargo area is really dark at night.

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  Awesome Car - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Ram - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Saw it for the first time and fell in love with this sporty looking cross mini SUV