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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An Honest review - 2011 Nissan Juke
By instinctive - June 21 - 9:18 amI heard reviews for the Juke for 2 weeks before i made a purchase, I just bought one today and im so happy i did. So here is what happened, I traded in a 1999 Honda Civic to get this puppy, Its just as good on gas as a older civic but it has was more powerful and spacious as well. I dont drive like a maniac but Ive pushed the pedal hard and i get 27.6mpg combine so its good, and on regular gas by the way. Im also not nearly a hardcore car reviewer Im just a normal 9-5 guy. See below
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Fun with Compromises - 2013 Nissan Juke
By phranc68 - May 18 - 7:07 pmI love my Juke. I was looking for a unique, sporty, AWD for my new car and found all that and more in my new Juke. We already have a minivan, so the small spaces of the Juke are not an issue. Fun, responsive, eye catching. Most of the controls are intuitive and the "manual" CVT option actually works pretty well, giving the driver real control over the power.
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LOVE IT - 2011 Nissan Juke
By jbui - May 12 - 2:00 amWhat a fun car to drive! I love the attention it gets on the streets and how people turn their heads in parking lots just to give it a 2nd look. The handling and cornering is excellent for an SUV, in fact it feels like it has so much control when you make quick turns. Acceleration in the sport and normal mode is as advertised, turbo lag is very minimal. Only bad thing about the Juke is getting to your destination because you always feel like you want to go further. I would like to see an armrest and maybe some interior lights in the back. Great value for a car that does so much! I do recommend it to everyone who dont want to spend too much on an AWD vehicle.
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just got it! - 2012 Nissan Juke
By casidyjulian - May 3 - 12:26 amIve had my juke 3 weeks now. I love it. Its fun to drive, and the AWD does work great on the snow. The only trouble Im having is Im only getting about 23 mpg, not 30. Which is the main reason I choose the car over others in its price range. Nissan cant be beat for reliability though. I recently sold my 10 year old Pathfinder and upon the inspection (the buyers wanted) it only needed a new air filter. I got 7 year bumper to bumper warranty, so if anything goes wrong Im covered.
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Fun to drive with high quailty - 2011 Nissan Juke
By Steve - March 30 - 2:00 amI have driven it for 1 week, very happy to drive it. High quality can be found interior. Eco mode is a little weak but good EPA, I most drove by Normal mode, enough power for driving, Sport just for fun on the country back-way. some people often ask me about the car when I pump it or park.
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High Quality, Fun to drive - 2011 Nissan Juke
By Steven - March 30 - 2:00 amI had drove it for 1 week, very happy to drive it. High quality can be found interior. Eco mode is a little weak but good EPA, I most drove by Normal mode, enough power for driving, Sport just for fun on the country back-way. some people often ask me about the car when I pump it or park.
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Just Not That Impressed! - 2016 Nissan Juke
By Karin Shuli - March 28 - 1:39 amI test drove Several Hatchbacks. The Juke was quirkey in looks and I liked that. But upon driving it, the handling was sloppy and the headroom was terrible for my boyfriend as a passenger and anyone sitting in the back seat. Also, the Cargo area was not sufficient. I train dogs and not having enough head room for even 2 dogs was a problem. Trying to squeeze in a weeks worth of groceries would not have happened either. For the money, I chose a Jeep Renegade. Im very happy.
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Juke makes you wanna puke - 2011 Nissan Juke
By wessica007 - March 2 - 11:49 pmThe juke is sadly not an economical car. Advertising at 27-32 mpg, I am mortified to get a 19-23mpg average. Buy a truck people! The sound system is horrid, no armrest, a flashlight would be better than the interior lighting. No trunk space. Nissan also does not back up their product. They falsly advertise, then say its your problem. I used to have an infinity fx35 with bose and leather and gave it up for this economical car.....NOT>>>>buyer beware!
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Just Purchased - 2011 Nissan Juke
By Bobby - February 15 - 2:00 amGreat little car with lots of potential. If Nissan would consider a few more inches of ground clearance and a roof rack for surf boards this ride would be unstoppable! Love it! Fun to drive, and am pleased with all the "standard" features such as bluetooth, iPod, Cruise, sunroof etc. For the price, cant be beat. Mpg below expectations. Avg 22-27 mpg.
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Cute and fun - 2011 Nissan Juke
By digo - February 15 - 2:00 amtraded an is 300 try to save gas, 27 city and 38 highway is misleading, drove for 3 days in ecco mode, 28.5 mpg max highway, in sport mode 19-21,
