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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  I love my Juke - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Casey - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this car from the day that I saw it on the Nissan website. The interior of the car is unlike any I have ever seen before. I LOVE being able to switch from climate mode to drive mode with the touch of a button. The car has very little blind spots. I love the look of a two door car when really it has 4 doors. This car is so different that I actually had a cop on a motorcycle pull up beside me just to ask me how I was enjoying the car. I have had this car for just over a month now and I have no complaints. It has a good speaker system as well if you like jam sessions. So far this car is great, not looking forward to future recalls though... Hope this review helps!

• 

  2011 Juke - First Impressions - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By uwe2 - December 12 - 7:15 am

  I got my Juke last weekend - its my 3rd car, and supposed to be my "practical" vehicle - able to transport more than a briefcase, be pretty good at the gas mileage department, has a relatively cheap price, and handle reasonably well in bad weather, especially snow (the 2 other cars are a 2005 Porsche 911 Turbo S, and a 2009 Mustang Bullit - you can probably see my point). I picked the Juke as it offers a lot of bang for the buck (mine was listed for $24,100). It is naturally lacking some refinements e.g. interior material (lots of plastic), engine power. However, given what I was shooting for, this car definitely meets all requirements. Very unique class of car.

• 

  Awesome car - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Lena - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Just got Juke today, trade my Murano 2009,really love this car, didnt want to get out. I know this is only first day, after month drive will write review again

• 

  RIPPED OFF BY NISSAN - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By PHIL MCRACKIN - November 8 - 10:30 pm

  Dont buy it has the same problem Toyota had with the

  accelorator getting stuck so if you want to die buy

• 

  Zippy Jiffy Jukie - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By bee Weekes - September 9 - 11:19 pm

  My Juke is just fabulous! I quite like the interior lighting on the floor, the lighted Juke logo on the threshold by the doors. Its a fast zippy car, very economical to run, but is a bit small for a family car. Its a one person car

• 

  Great Build, Great Fun! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By T - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned quite a few cars in my years. The Juke is near the top in build quality. It is built economically but extremely well. Nissan, in my opinion, has surpassed Toyota and Honda in quality and design especially. I got my son a 2010 Rogue and was pleasantly surprised at its quality and value. The Juke is such a fun car to drive daily. It is fast, smooth and thrilling. I have had 31 mpg on the highway (going 55-60). I highly recommend this vehicle. You wont be disappointed.

• 

  Yes it really does get bad mileage - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By bert_home - September 1 - 4:04 am

  From reading the forums and having personal experience, some Jukes get really bad mileage. Im looking at about 18mpg around town in FWD mode. It does really well on the freeway (27+). Its NOT the driving habits, tires, AC or any of the other usual suspects that cause poor mileage. The Nissan dealers dont know how to address the problem. The recent fuel leak fix does NOT fix the problem and may have made it worse or my car. The car is a blast to drive though but 18 mpg is very hard to live with.

• 

  My Juke - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By lpw333 - August 31 - 7:01 pm

  I love this car so much! I dont have anything negative to say about my Juke. It is fun to drive, looks amazing, and catches everyones eye. Ive had several people stop me in parking lots and ask to look at my car. The Juke is definitely a hit with me!

• 

  Know what you are buying. - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By tomcat20 - August 7 - 1:41 pm

  I bought this car for my wife. She hates car buying and leaves that decision to me. Now, that doesnt get me off the hook; if I bought her a lemon, Id surely pay. After reading all the various comments regarding space, lighting, arm rest and storage I wonder if those people actual sat or drove the car before buying it. Fuel economy is good...yes good but only if you drive in 2wd on ECO mode. But with just under 180hp, youre likely to want to go fast. Remember fast = more gas. I wasnt impressed with the interior and the dash is rather basic. The ride is tight and the CVT struggles. But thats it. The car is a joy to drive. Once you get use to the CVT, it can be a lot of fun.

• 

  Updated review from a couple years ago - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By Roger D. Luchs - August 4 - 2:32 am

  I live in suburb of Wash, D.C. Work in downtown D.C., shop in suburban shopping centers. Due to size of car, maneuverability, visibility, I regularly can fit into parking spaces other cars cant(on D.C. streets) and can get in and out of spaces and lanes in suburban lots while others with larger vehicles are backing up and moving forward, over & over, to get out of space, blocking entire lane entire time. Have likely saved hundreds of dollars in parking lot fees in downtown DC. because find parking at the curb for far less(or nothing at all). I now have 37K on odometer. Thus far - have never had to take car in for other than routine maintenance, tires, replace brakes, etc. & a couple recalls. Obviously lucky, but have never owned car that went more than a year without requiring service because something went wrong. Must note quality of basic components is very good(e.g. AC system is excellent). Stock radio was 2d rate, so replaced that. Also, dome light only in front of car- none in middle or back of ceiling so added one myself(battery powered, motion detector). Otherwise, back seat, in charcoal, too dark to reflect light when putting things in, getting them out. Nissan should add some color to interior, via subtle striping, decals, whatever. The black plastic & charcoal seating present little variety and gets boring quick. The only major criticism is dash light - it is a push button with something like 8 settings. 1st is bright, too bright at night., 2d setting dims a lot & 3-8 dim even more.. But turn on headlights in grayish weather, daylight, and 2d setting on too dim to illuminate dash(speedometer, tach, etc). Its nuts, because so easy to install better adjustments. Should have a dial. One is stuck with having to switch to 1st setting in gray weather, by pushing button 8 times or so to cycle thru settings, and then at night pushing that to dimmer setting, because dash too bright.