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:
Showing 21 through 30 of 155.00-
Great car with big appetite - 2011 Nissan Juke
By markuslycus - September 21 - 2:18 pmLike everything about the car but the fuel economy. I do almost all 95% HWY driving on 90% flat roads, and have driven 1500 mi. I average 26.80 mpg. My driving is done on all 4 lane roads, while driving 55-65 MPH. I always drive with fuel conservation top priority. I was expecting to get at least 35 mpg, not 26.80mpg.
-
Fast and fuel - 2011 Nissan Juke
By EL - September 12 - 2:00 amI am a MOPAR man by far. I have a Chrysler Congest TSI and a Dodge Cummins so figured Id add one more turbo to the mix. This car caught my eye when I saw it for the 1st time and the turbo power! The look of the car is a head turner. I have had 95% good compliments on the car. It handles great and has a lot of get up and go. MPG is around 30@55mph. I have the S/AWD and has about the same pep as the SV with out all the nice features but I figured the features are one more thing to go wrong as cars do when they age. Plus it would just be something to brag about and this car brags for its self. But dont get me wrong the features are nice and one of a kinda. Over all great car. Time will tell
-
timing belt broke at 64k and nissan wont honor - 2011 Nissan Juke
By cm57 - September 4 - 8:38 pmNissan juke is an engineering flawed mess. Everybody is having the same issue we had. The timing belt snaps at a mile after the warranty ends. 60k. Then Nissan wants 7000 dollars for a new engine. It is happening to everyone all over the country. Do your research folks. We have already gotten a lawyer and are having to go a big legal mess to get Nissan to stand behind their flawed design and product.
-
Super sporty. - 2013 Nissan Juke
By Big Ron - August 3 - 2:19 pmThis is a great small crossover. Fast in sport mode good on gas nice ride and is so Koop looking .
-
Okay, but Ill never own another one - 2011 Nissan Juke
By cobraboy1 - June 28 - 9:08 amI bought this car to get me something with good gas mileage that was different with all wheel drive and standard bluetooth. And a sub compact size with a good fun-to-drive ratio. And it had to have a sticker of under 22k Overall its an okay vehicle, but Ive been talking to people (nissan techs - to remain nameless) whove all said to trade it in after the warranty is up. That is enough for me to say I wont own another one again, but overall its not terrible. The major complaints are three: 1. MPG is not what was promised 2. Gas tank is only about 11 gallons 3. Although you dont have to run 93 octane your really should to get the best mpgs
-
Amazing for the price! - 2016 Nissan Juke
By Jeremy C - June 18 - 12:56 pmI LOVE MY JUKE!!! I realize this car wont be for everyone so lets get the obvious negatives out of the way first; Cargo space is limited (but there is a split folding for extra room). The back seat is not for adults especially on longer journeys (headroom as well as leg room will be tight). There is a blind spot that requires more attention when you are changing lanes. The ride is a little stiff and road noise can be annoying at times. Now lets get to the good stuff! This car is sporty, really sporty. The 4 cylinder turbo charged engine will do 0-60 in 7 secs, this would rival some 2 door coupes. The CVT is responsive and I have no trouble accelerating when I want to, and there is an option to shift up or down via the center gear lever (if you want/need to have that control). The steering is right on point and super responsive, and you can "feel the road" in the steering wheel. I live in Colorado and the Juke is a blast in the snow! It has 7 inches of clearance so you wont have to worry about "plowing" through deep snow with your front end and the AWD works like a champ. The AWD does everything I could ask it to and you can switch it to FWD only if you want to save on gas mileage. Speaking of gas mileage, I average 34 MPG in this thing, and I live in the city. The bluetooth as well as the voice command system work well and calls through the speaker system come in clear. Bottomline: I have two young kids and came from a coupe. Having 4 doors as great and they will not outgrow the back seats for at least 6 or 7 years from now. I dont need a lot of cargo space (we have my wifes vehicle for that). For me this car is a perfect combination of what I want. It is fun, great on gas, amazing in the snow, and reliable (10yr/100,000 mile bumper to bumper and lifetime powertrain warranties). If you are looking for a vehicle to commute in that looks fantastic, you will not find ANYTHING else that is this good for the price you pay!
-
Nonexistent Honeymoon - 2011 Nissan Juke
By jasfan - June 1 - 3:34 pmThis vehicle has worn me out in less than 3 months. The gas mileage is awful. The ride is so rough, as a high-mileage driver it is beating my body up. Cant even comprehend this, yet it is happening. The rough ride makes it virtually impossible to listen to a CD, as every bump causes the CD to skip. The driver seat is extremely uncomfortable, and on a bad angle. This is a cool looking vehicle, that is loaded with problems, discomforts, and simply unfriendly applications. I have never disliked a vehicle, and I have owned many. Until now. I really hate driving this car. It has to go.
-
Excellent value for your buck - 2013 Nissan Juke
By distinct - May 17 - 11:47 amThe design got my attention right at the first time. specs are impressive real value for a sporty yet powerful small suv/crossover. i liked it in all ways. great new look, great horsepower, great gas mileage and low price what else can i bargain. Power always matters in a city environment when you are trying to merge into the road after getting out of a supermarket/mall , while hesitating at a color changing signal light :). Not every one like its looks but i feel being unique is always something which matters.
-
Love the 2013 Nissan Juke! - 2013 Nissan Juke
By ldkoebe - May 6 - 11:22 amWe have only owned the vehicle for a month, but so far I like it better than the brand new Ford we purchased. Nissan definitely knows how to build a solid vehicle. Other than rear wheel well road noise, it is hands down a much better vehicle than the Escape. I purchased the Juke for my daughters first car. If it works as well as it has been even with high miles on it, I will be getting rid of the Ford and purchasing another Juke.
-
Great Little Car! - 2013 Nissan Juke
By nismo_gtr - April 29 - 11:10 amI recently got my 2013 Nissan Juke and I enjoy driving it. My odometer reading is about 700 miles but Im getting good mileage out of this little car. My average combined consumption is 32.8 mpg and the highest that I got was 34.3 mpg, which I think is good for a turbocharged vehicle. I like the style inside and out. Great little car!
