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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Nissan Juke - 2014 Nissan Juke
By Erica Mcfadgon - December 12 - 4:05 pmThis car was really amazing, it was nice and spacious. I got my Nissan Juke in 2017 from Orlando Nissan and it was a really great fit for us.
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If I had known... - 2016 Nissan Juke
By Susan Thompson - May 9 - 9:42 pmIf I had known that I would be this much in love with the Juke I would have bought it sooner. I love driving it. I find excuses to take a drive. The speed and the handling are over the top. Itseems a beautiful car and love all the extras. The 360 cameras are my favorite featurns. The hands free is great. Been wanting it for years. Best purchase by far.
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So far so flippin fabulous! - 2011 Nissan Juke
By JENN213 - October 7 - 2:00 amI just traded in my 06 VW Jetta for my Juke and I could not be happier about my decision. This car is sporty, comfortable, is fun to drive and is also a great family car. It handles awesome in compact snow and ice and it heats up quick! It is super whippy, smooth and pretty quick, need to stay focused while driving or I foresee many speeding tickets in the future!
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To Juke or not to Juke! - 2011 Nissan Juke
By osu_dtm - September 13 - 9:32 pmI will say the car is fun to drive... BUT... like many other reviews... the frog does not get the gas mileage it should and a 11 gal gas tank is pathetic. I can get 26 mpg on the highway with really babying the car - meaning no quick accelerations, not going over 65, and in ECO mode. Once you hit the gas and try to pass anyone you will get 23 mpg. This is with 91 octane. I also noticed the electronic gas mile estimate is not accurate. If you do the math mileage/# of gals you will get better numbers. For example, the car states 22.8 and I am getting 23.4. Also, the interior has too much plastic, the seats are pretty stiff, and there is no arm rest which is ridiculous.
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Yup- LA traffic and I bought a manual! - 2011 Nissan Juke
By reviewer09 - September 2 - 11:37 pmI spent months researching cars- some of the reviews on the Juke were plain scary- poor gas mileage, hate the interior, not comfortable, etc. Ive had 2 Pathfinders (with all the bells and whistles) and cant do the gas anymore. Have only the Juke for 2 weeks, but have put 1K miles already- too fun! Love the 6 speed, love the handling, love this car!! For all of the complainers, did you not see the styling? The (sparkly!) plastic on the inside (easier to clean- I have a boy!!)? Oh, and I also average 29.7 mpg. My "complaint"- wish the gas tank was a bit bigger! I put a 3 for reliability because, well, I havent had it for 5+ years, so I dont know but I hope its like my Pathfinders. Love it
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"The Juke" -- Freakin Awesome! - 2011 Nissan Juke
By The Mexican Chick - August 26 - 2:00 amI absolutely love my Juke!I got it the month they came out and boy was it hard to get one because they were going fast!Got a red SL and its worth every penny!Love the look, so different from everything else.The ride is so smooth and the 3 drive modes are so awesome.I love everything about this car except its a bit smaller than what Id like but you get over it immediately. I was NEVER a fan of cars.I always thought of a vehicle as something that gets you to and from but this is my pride and joy and everyone whos checked mine out is AMAZED.You have to see one in person to understand.
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Nissan Juke Gas mileage - 2012 Nissan Juke
By tsdissel - August 22 - 6:13 amIm not sure why all the fluctuation of gas mileage,but my 2011 nissan juke sv is getting 29 mpg on the highway. I do run on cruise control to get the best gas. In the city i hot rod and yes only get 23 mpg. I mostly run in normal,but i am very pleased with the performance. Overall I love this car, it does what i want it to and then some. I bought this car to drive and it has exceeded my expectations.
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Sport Cross delivers Fun and Excitement in a unique package - 2011 Nissan Juke
By timbrewolf - July 28 - 6:48 pmI love Dan Neils review in the WSJ of the Nissan Juke that it "looks like a Murano in larval stage", but owning one it feels like a combination of some of the best Nissan features from the lineup. The turbo direct injection works well with the CVT transmission to deliver impressive pull across the power range, while the unique styling will definitely turn some heads. The look can be polarizing, but it grows on most, and definitely separates the Juke from a sea of look-alike sedans and economy hatchbacks. Add on the top-notch build quality (especially in the SL additions), and technology in the engine and interior, and its the most fun Ive ever had in a car!
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6 Speed is The Way to Go - 2013 Nissan Juke
By chalper - June 9 - 4:08 pmA manual Juke is a blast to drive. The clutch, shift linkage and synchos are top notch, and give a sport car feel to the vehicle.It handles well ( moderate lean on aggressive cornering) for a CUV, and the steering is quite quick and precise.Brakes have a good feel as well.There is little cargo area, with the seat up, but when I need to haul something, the seat quickly folds and it is adeqaute for normal Home Depot and Costco runs. If you want to tote a 4X8 sheet of plywood or an XMAS tree, get a truck.I wanted a sporty driving vehicle, with a little cargo capability (our BMW Convertible is no help there), so the little Juke is perfect. No CVT for me, it would spoil the Jukes character.
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Fun ride - 2012 Nissan Juke
By blt6 - June 5 - 8:16 pmNo real surprises with my juke. The mileage is around 27 overall with 50% city driving. Peppy, agile and easy to maneuver parking lots. Seat is very comfortable snd supportive. Managed to fit an office chair in the hatch, but is tight back there.
